The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has launched a national push to establish direct air connectivity with the United Arab Emirates, with plans for non-stop flights between the two regions by 2027. Officials say the initiative could transform tourism, investment, and business flows between the Gulf and the Eastern Caribbean.
A dedicated Working Committee has been formed to drive the project forward, chaired by Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment Charles "Max" Fernandez. Ambassador Theon Ali has been appointed deputy chairman, tasked with coordinating stakeholders, aligning aviation logistics, and advancing the broader investment agenda tied to the route.
Ali described the proposed connection as a game-changer for both regions. "This direct corridor connects the UAE and the Gulf to the Eastern Caribbean, not through London or New York, but through shared ambition. We are cutting flight hours in half and removing the final barrier to investment, tourism, and synergy," he said.
Currently, travel between the UAE and Antigua requires multiple connections through major hubs such as London, Paris, New York, or Toronto — adding between four and twelve hours to already lengthy journeys. Direct flights would reduce total travel time to approximately 13 to 14 hours, dramatically improving accessibility for Gulf-based travellers and investors.
Industry analysts have long identified the absence of direct connectivity as a key reason why fewer than 30,000 visitors from the Gulf travel to the Caribbean annually. Officials believe the new route could unlock a high-value tourism market, particularly among affluent travellers seeking premium long-haul destinations.
Beyond tourism, the initiative is being positioned as a strategic economic bridge. Antigua and Barbuda's Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme already attracts interest from high-net-worth individuals in the UAE, drawn by visa-free access to more than 140 countries and a favourable tax regime. Investment migration experts have noted, however, that the absence of direct flights often discourages potential applicants — many of whom prefer to visit the destination before committing. A non-stop route, officials say, would allow investors to conduct site visits, inspect real estate options, and engage directly with local partners.
The government is also targeting deeper collaboration in emerging sectors such as blockchain, fintech, and digital services — areas where the UAE has established global leadership. Improved air access is expected to facilitate business delegations, regulatory cooperation, and knowledge exchange, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a more accessible hub for innovation-driven investment in the Caribbean.
Discussions are expected to include potential partnerships with major UAE carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai. Wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A380, are being considered for the long-haul route. Officials are also exploring codeshare agreements with regional airlines to provide onward connections to destinations including Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The 2027 target allows time to finalise key elements, including bilateral air services agreements, airport readiness, and commercial negotiations with airline partners. Minister Fernandez and Ambassador Ali are expected to engage UAE counterparts in the coming months as groundwork intensifies.
If realised, the route would mark a historic first — creating a direct aviation bridge between the Gulf and the Eastern Caribbean, and placing Antigua and Barbuda at the centre of a new transcontinental travel and investment corridor.
