LETTER: ABAA Must Revisit Its New Transportation Restrictions at V.C. Bird International Airport

Dear Editor,

I felt compelled to write today after reading your recent article published under the headline,“ABAA Enforces New Ground Transportation Rules at V.C. Bird International Airport.” What left me most baffled was the statement that, “The restriction applies to taxis, limousines, shuttles, rental cars, and any other vehicles engaged in paid transportation services.”

Under no circumstances should the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority be dictating who passengers choose to pick them up. Passengers spend their own money and therefore have full freedom to select the taxi driver, private operator, or airport pickup arrangement of their choice.

Your article also noted that “Only transportation providers formally authorized by the ABAA are allowed to operate on airport grounds.” But what happens if I, as a passenger, call my own private driver, someone I trust, who is not on ABAA’s approved list? Will that person be turned away? Is the ABAA insisting that visitors and locals must use only their authorized taxis? The logic behind this is unclear and deeply concerning.

Furthermore, the story stated that “Airbnb hosts and similar private accommodation operators are not permitted to collect guests unless they have an approved transportation permit.” Many of us book Airbnb accommodations precisely because they offer bundled services, airport pickup, local transport, and rentals at more affordable rates. Are you telling me that if my Airbnb host does not have an ABAA-issued permit, they cannot meet me at the arrivals hall? That is unreasonable and, frankly, impractical.

I am pleading with the ABAA to revisit and revise this decision. Airport pickups should remain at the discretion of the passenger. We have the right to choose who collects us, whether a family friend, a private driver, or an Airbnb host. Based on what was published, this policy makes no sense to me, though I acknowledge this is my personal opinion.

Yours Respectfully,
The Traveller