IATA Raises Alarm Over Proposed US$10 Passenger Charge Increase in Antigua and Barbuda

A proposed increase in passenger charges in Antigua and Barbuda is drawing concern from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which warns that the additional cost could affect air connectivity and the country’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

Under the proposal, the passenger charge would increase by US10,meaninginternationalpassengers, includingresidents, wouldpayUS50 on both arrival and departure.

That would add US$20 to the cost of a round-trip journey.

IATA said airlines support sustainable funding for aviation oversight and airport infrastructure, including planned investments at V.C. Bird International Airport and Barbuda International Airport.

However, the organisation said stakeholders have not received enough information to determine how the proposed increase was calculated, how much additional revenue it is expected to generate, or how the money would be divided among airport development, operations and aviation oversight.

The proposed increase also comes as member states of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) continue discussions on a harmonised regional funding framework for the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA).

According to IATA, the Government has indicated that part of the increased charge would go toward ECCAA funding. However, the organisation said there is still insufficient clarity on how the overall increase was determined and how the revenue would be distributed among the various stated objectives.

IATA is also cautioning against moving ahead with a national measure before the regional funding framework has been fully presented and discussed.

The organisation said doing so could undermine efforts to establish a coordinated approach to aviation funding across the Eastern Caribbean.

The concern comes against the backdrop of a 2.6 per cent decline in passenger traffic in Antigua and Barbuda during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year.

IATA said any increase in travel costs should be assessed carefully, particularly given the region’s competition for visitors, investment and air service.

Peter Cerda, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas, called for greater transparency surrounding the proposal.

“It is essential that the government clearly explains the rationale for the proposed increase and how the additional revenues will be used,” Cerda said.

He said any contribution toward ECCAA funding should be pursued through the agreed regional framework, with transparent governance and funding mechanisms to ensure money collected for aviation safety oversight is dedicated to that purpose and transferred accordingly.

Cerda also said separating the regional ECCAA initiative from national proposals for passenger charge increases would allow both measures to be considered independently and assessed on their own merits.

IATA said greater clarity would also allow for more informed consultation with stakeholders and help maintain confidence in efforts to strengthen aviation development and oversight across the region.