Sunrise Airways officially launched its new Antigua to Barbados route this morning, with the inaugural flight carrying officials and media from Antigua to Barbados for a ceremony marking the occasion.
The airline will operate the route twice weekly, adding another regional connection to its growing Caribbean network.

CEO of Sunrise Airways Gary Stone said the airline has been building its presence in Antigua and Barbuda over the past year and is now using data analytics to identify underserved routes for both passengers and cargo.

“Sunrise is committed to the Antigua and Barbuda market. We’ve been here for over a year. Now is the time that we’re using a lot of data analytics to discover new routes or routes that are being underserved, not only for the passengers, for cargo as well,” Stone said.

He added that the airline is bringing additional aircraft to serve the market, including a cargo aircraft, and hinted that more announcements are on the way.

“We’re launching, and hopefully in the next few months, you’ll see more from us,” he said.
Stone described Antigua as a natural hub for the airline, noting that Sunrise carries out aircraft maintenance checks locally and sometimes brings in planes from Haiti for servicing.

CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Colin James called the new route extremely significant, particularly with Antigua’s Carnival season underway and regional travel picking up.

“One of the mandates of the tourism authority is to ensure that we have adequate arrival numbers into the destination. We live on an island. So we know people will travel. And so every time we have an opportunity to increase arrivals, whether it be internationally or regionally, it’s something that we jump at the chance to do,” James said.

He said the timing lines up well with Antigua’s national festival and the Authority’s promotional push across the region.

“It supports the marketing effort that we have done in recent months in Barbados, in the entire region, to boost Antigua’s regional travel, but most importantly, our national festival, which is going on right now,” James said.

Director of Caribbean and Latin America for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Shermaine Jeremy, said the new route reflects the region’s push toward greater resilience through improved airlift.
“There’s so much activity happening, and it’s really testimony to the fact that we are really building resilience here within the region. And airline capacity, airlift, is crucial to our growth and development, not just for Antigua and Barbuda, but as a region,” Jeremy said.

She added that increasing airlift remains a top priority for the Tourism Authority moving forward.
Speaking at the launch ceremony in Barbados, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Michael Freeland, described the new route as a celebration of Caribbean unity and regional cooperation.

“This is more than the launch of a new air service — it is a celebration of Caribbean unity, regional cooperation, and the opportunities that arise when we make it easier for our people to connect,” Freeland said.
He extended congratulations to Sunrise Airways on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez, and stressed that reliable air access remains critical to unlocking the region’s economic potential.

“Without reliable and affordable air access, the Caribbean cannot fully unlock its economic potential. Every new route opens new doors for tourism, trade, investment, education, sporting events, and family connections,” Freeland said.

He also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados.

“The relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados has always been a special one. We share common histories, common values, and a common vision for regional progress,” Freeland said, closing his remarks by wishing the new route full flights and continued success.