The House of Representatives has ratified new Air Services Agreements with France and Brazil, a move expected to expand Antigua and Barbuda’s international air connectivity and bolster the nation’s tourism sector.
Minister of Civil Aviation, Hon Charles Fernande, presented the resolutions during Wednesday’s parliamentary session, highlighting the importance of these agreements for the country’s economic development.
The agreement with France, according to the Minister, was significant as Antigua and Barbuda already enjoys air service connections with St Barts, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.
Fernandez said that the country was also receiving significant technical assistance from the French as the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority seeks to regain its US FAA Category 1 status.
The agreement adopts a liberalized approach to civil aviation, ensuring the highest international standards of aviation safety and security while providing commercial freedom for airlines to operate in a business-friendly atmosphere.
Fernandez revealed that while Antigua and Barbuda currently has air services agreements with several countries including Colombia, Cuba, France, Germany, the Netherlands Antilles, Nigeria, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, the government is looking to sign new agreements with Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands.
He also said the government will be looking to establish air services agreements with Italy, China, Japan and India.
The Minister highlighted the growth in visitor arrivals, with over 330,000 visitors to Antigua and Barbuda in 2024, setting a new record. January 2025 alone saw just over 35,000 passenger arrivals.
Recent developments to boost tourism infrastructure included a new car rental area in the old terminal housing 15 locally owned rental agencies with over 600 rental vehicles.
A radar upgrade costing over 3.5 million euros has also been completed, with 35 Antiguan and Barbudan air traffic controllers scheduled to undergo training in Spain.
Fernandez also mentioned plans to resurface the runway at VC Bird International Airport at a cost of approximately US$40 million, emphasizing that safety remains the top priority.
