By Eddelia Bontiff

Regional carrier LIAT has officially launched its first-ever nonstop service between Guadeloupe and Montego Bay, Jamaica, marking another milestone in its efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and expand travel opportunities across the Caribbean.

The inaugural flight touched down at Sangster International Airport on Tuesday morning, where passengers and crew were greeted with a vibrant Caribbean welcome featuring live drumming and a ceremonial reception celebrating the historic occasion.

Speaking during the ceremony, MBJ Airports Limited Chief Executive Officer Shane Munroe described the new service as a significant achievement for Caribbean aviation. He said the direct connection between Montego Bay and Guadeloupe will provide travellers with a faster and more convenient option while strengthening ties between Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean.

Munroe noted that the route supports the airport’s broader vision of enhancing regional connectivity, encouraging tourism, expanding business opportunities and fostering greater cultural exchange throughout the Caribbean. He also reaffirmed the airport’s commitment to supporting the service over the long term.

LIAT 20 Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Abdulsalam said the addition of the Montego Bay service reflects the airline’s ongoing commitment to improving air travel throughout the region.

She explained that the new route eliminates lengthy layovers, reduces travel time and brings Caribbean people closer together while reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s role as an important aviation hub within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

The launch forms part of LIAT’s continuing network expansion strategy as the airline responds to growing demand for regional travel and works to improve inter-island connectivity.

Director of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda, Charmaine Spencer, welcomed the new service, describing it as a major boost not only for Antigua and Guadeloupe but for the wider Caribbean tourism industry.

She said stronger regional air links will make Caribbean destinations more resilient by reducing dependence on traditional long-haul markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom, particularly during periods of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

Spencer added that improved connectivity will encourage multi-destination travel and create greater opportunities for visitors to experience several Caribbean islands during a single trip.

Tourism stakeholders from both destinations also welcomed the new route, expressing confidence that direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica will stimulate visitor arrivals, strengthen business relationships and promote richer cultural exchanges across the region.

The historic inaugural ceremony concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts between LIAT representatives and tourism officials, symbolising a new chapter in regional aviation cooperation and Caribbean integration.