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
I really think those taxi drivers have too much power
Safety is important, but blanket restrictions without clear communication just create frustration. A review seems necessary
Locals picking up family, friends, or colleagues should not be lumped in with commercial transport providers. The rule needs clearer distinctions.
If I call a private driver or family friend, why should airport officials have the power to turn them away? That is an overreach and undermines basic personal choice.
The policy appears designed to benefit a selected group of operators rather than address any real transportation issue at the airport.
ABBA and those who run it are bunch of ć*nts
Passengers must always have the freedom to choose who picks them up. The ABAA shouldn’t be dictating transportation choices for people spending their own money.
Visitors often choose Airbnb because services like airport pickup are included. Restricting that option will frustrate tourists, not help them.
Even tbe airport is turning into a jail