International Airport Charge Increased to US$50 After Senate Approval

International travellers flying to and from Antigua and Barbuda will soon pay a higher Airport Administration Charge after the Senate approved legislation increasing the fee from US$40 to US$50.

The Airport Administration Charge (Amendment) Bill 2026, which completed all stages in the Upper House on Thursday, also raises the charge for transit passengers from US$20 to US$30.

During debate, senators clarified that the increased charge will apply based on a passenger’s destination rather than nationality. That means Antiguan and Barbudan citizens travelling on qualifying international routes will also be required to pay the new US$50 fee. Travel between Antigua and Barbuda remains subject to a separate category under the legislation.

Government senators defended the increase, arguing that airport charges are a standard component of international travel and that the additional revenue will help support aviation infrastructure, climate resilience initiatives and other statutory obligations.

The legislation also changes how revenue from the airport administration charge is distributed, with a portion continuing to fund the Climate Resilience and Development Fund while supporting regional aviation commitments.

Opposition senators questioned both the need for the increase and the accountability surrounding the Climate Resilience and Development Fund before the bill was ultimately passed without amendment.