The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a national push to establish direct air connectivity with the United Arab Emirates, announcing plans for non-stop flights between the two regions by 2027—an initiative officials say could transform tourism, investment, and business flows between the Gulf and the Eastern Caribbean.

A dedicated Working Committee has been formed to drive the project forward, chaired by Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Charles “Max” Fernandez. Ambassador Theon Ali has been appointed deputy chairman, with responsibility for coordinating stakeholders, aligning aviation logistics, and advancing the broader investment agenda tied to the route.

Ali described the proposed connection as a game-changer for both regions.

“This direct corridor connects the UAE and the Gulf to the Eastern Caribbean, not through London or New York, but through shared ambition. We are cutting flight hours in half and removing the final barrier to investment, tourism, and synergy,” he said.

Cutting Travel Time, Opening Markets
Currently, travel between the UAE and Antigua requires multiple connections through major hubs such as London, Paris, New York, or Toronto—adding between four and twelve hours to already long journeys.

Under the proposed arrangement, direct flights would reduce total travel time to approximately 13 to 14 hours, dramatically improving accessibility for Gulf-based travellers and investors.

Industry analysts have long pointed to the lack of direct connectivity as a key reason why fewer than 30,000 visitors from the Gulf travel to the Caribbean annually. Officials believe the new route could unlock a high-value tourism market, particularly among affluent travellers seeking premium, long-haul destinations.

Boost for Investment and CBI Programme
Beyond tourism, the initiative is being positioned as a strategic economic bridge.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme already attracts interest from high-net-worth individuals in the UAE, drawn by visa-free access to more than 140 countries and a favourable tax regime.

However, investment migration experts have noted that the absence of direct flights often discourages potential applicants, many of whom prefer to visit the destination before committing.

Officials say a non-stop route would remove that barrier, allowing investors to conduct site visits, inspect real estate options, and engage directly with local partners.

Strengthening Business and Innovation Links
The government is also targeting deeper collaboration in emerging sectors such as blockchain, fintech, and digital services—areas where the UAE has established global leadership.

Improved air access is expected to facilitate business delegations, regulatory cooperation, and knowledge exchange, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a more accessible hub for innovation-driven investment in the Caribbean.

Airline Partnerships Under Consideration
Discussions are expected to include potential partnerships with major UAE carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai. Wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380, are being considered for the long-haul route.

Officials are also exploring codeshare agreements with regional airlines to provide onward connections to destinations such as Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.

A Strategic Timeline to 2027
The 2027 target allows time for key elements to be finalised, including bilateral air services agreements, airport readiness, and commercial negotiations with airline partners.

Minister Fernandez and Ambassador Ali are expected to engage UAE counterparts in the coming months as groundwork intensifies.

If realised, the route would mark a historic first—creating a direct aviation bridge between the Gulf and the Eastern Caribbean, and positioning Antigua and Barbuda at the centre of a new transcontinental travel and investment corridor.

Story credit Khaleej Times