Regional carrier LIAT has officially launched its first-ever nonstop service between Guadeloupe and Montego Bay, Jamaica, marking a significant milestone in Caribbean aviation. According to Antigua.news, the inaugural flight touched down at Sangster International Airport on Tuesday morning, where passengers and crew were welcomed with live drumming and a ceremonial reception.
MBJ Airports Limited Chief Executive Officer Shane Munroe called the new service a major achievement for Caribbean aviation. He said the direct link between Montego Bay and Guadeloupe will offer travellers a faster and more convenient option while deepening ties between Jamaica and the Eastern Caribbean.
Munroe added that the route supports the airport's broader vision of enhancing regional connectivity, boosting tourism, expanding business opportunities and fostering cultural exchange across the Caribbean. He reaffirmed the airport's commitment to supporting the service over the long term.
LIAT 2020 Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Abdulsalam said the Montego Bay service reflects the airline's ongoing commitment to improving air travel throughout the region. She explained that the new route eliminates lengthy layovers, reduces travel time and brings Caribbean people closer together, while reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda's role as a key aviation hub within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
Director of Tourism for Antigua and Barbuda Charmaine Spencer welcomed the new service, describing it as a major boost not only for Antigua and Guadeloupe but for the wider Caribbean tourism industry. She said stronger regional air links will make Caribbean destinations more resilient by reducing dependence on traditional long-haul markets such as the United States and the United Kingdom, particularly during periods of global economic and geopolitical uncertainty.
Spencer added that improved connectivity will encourage multi-destination travel and create greater opportunities for visitors to experience several Caribbean islands within a single trip.
Tourism stakeholders from both destinations also expressed confidence that direct flights between Guadeloupe and Jamaica will stimulate visitor arrivals, strengthen business relationships and promote cultural exchange across the region.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with the exchange of commemorative gifts between LIAT representatives and tourism officials, symbolising a new chapter in regional aviation cooperation and Caribbean integration.
