Antigua and Barbuda in Talks with Emirates on Direct Air Link to the Caribbean

Antigua and Barbuda is moving to strengthen its role as a gateway to the Eastern Caribbean, holding high-level talks with Emirates on the possibility of direct flights from Dubai to the twin-island nation.

The meeting, which took place in Dubai, recently, brought together Antigua and Barbuda’s Deputy Head of Mission to the UAE, Ambassador Theon Ali, and senior Emirates executives led by Adnan Kazim, the airline’s Deputy President and Chief Operating Officer. Also present were Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior Vice President of International Affairs, and Thierry Aucoc, Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations in West Europe and the Americas.

Officials outlined Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as both a tourism destination and business hub, stressing its strategic location for travelers looking to access the wider Caribbean. A direct air bridge, they argued, would not only strengthen people-to-people links but also expand opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the Middle East and the region.

“Direct connectivity with the Gulf opens up tremendous opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda,” Ambassador Ali said, describing the talks as an important step toward deepening bilateral ties.

While Emirates has not announced a timeline for a decision, the airline confirmed it will study the viability of the route as part of its ongoing network strategy.

The discussions build on Antigua and Barbuda’s recent success in aviation diplomacy. Earlier this year, the government signed an air services agreement with Qatar, granting carriers from both nations unrestricted rights for passenger and cargo flights. Together, these moves signal Antigua and Barbuda’s determination to expand global connectivity and solidify its standing as a regional aviation hub.

With the nation preparing to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2026, officials say stronger international air links will be critical to supporting growth in tourism, trade, and investment.