British Airways Adds 3,000 Seats to Antigua as Daily Flights Extended Through April 2027

More than 3,000 additional airline seats are being opened up between the United Kingdom and Antigua next spring, as British Airways extends its daily London Gatwick service to the island through the end of April 2027.

The move gives Antigua and Barbuda a significant boost heading into the spring tourism season and comes as the destination records double-digit growth in arrivals from one of its most important visitor markets.

British Airways had been operating its daily schedule primarily for the winter season, but the airline will now maintain daily flights between London Gatwick and V.C. Bird International Airport throughout April.

The expanded schedule is expected to provide travellers with greater flexibility while giving the local tourism industry additional capacity beyond the traditional peak winter months.

Figures released by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority show that 53,439 stay-over visitors arrived from the United Kingdom between January and August 2026, an 11.2 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.

Tourism Authority Chief Executive Officer Colin C. James described the additional capacity as an important development for the country and a sign of continued confidence in the destination.

“This extension of British Airways capacity is a significant development for Antigua and Barbuda and reflects the strength of the UK market,” James said.

He added that the additional seats would help reinforce Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a Caribbean gateway and regional connectivity hub while creating further opportunities throughout the tourism sector.

The Tourism Authority has been working to strengthen demand from the UK throughout the year, with particular emphasis on promoting experiences beyond Antigua and Barbuda’s beaches.

Director of Tourism for the UK and Europe, Cherrie Osborne, said extending daily flights into April creates another opportunity to convert growing interest in the destination into actual bookings.

“Our focus in the UK has been on building sustained demand for Antigua and Barbuda and giving travellers compelling reasons to visit throughout the year,” Osborne said.

She described the extension as a “hugely positive step” and said the Tourism Authority intends to work alongside British Airways and travel industry partners to maximise the additional capacity.

The timing will also provide increased airlift around Antigua Sailing Week, one of the country’s major international events, which is scheduled for April 21 to 25, 2027.

Outside of its daily winter and newly extended April schedule, British Airways is expected to continue operating five flights per week between London Gatwick and Antigua from May through the end of October.

The additional April capacity strengthens a long-standing air link with the UK at a time when Antigua and Barbuda is seeking to attract more visitors outside of the traditional winter high season.