The Antigua and Barbuda government has responded to JetBlue's decision to discontinue nonstop service between New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport and V.C. Bird International Airport, with the airline's reservation system showing no available nonstop flights beyond October 31, 2026, according to Antigua News Room.
Tourism Minister the Honourable Charles Fernandez acknowledged the development but urged perspective. "While this development is disappointing, it is important to recognize that it is not unique to Antigua and Barbuda," he said. "Airlines worldwide are continually reviewing their networks and optimizing aircraft deployment in response to changing market conditions."
Dean Fenton, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority's Director of Tourism for the USA, outlined the authority's response. "The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority will keep working with JetBlue to maximize connectivity through the airline's hub network and help ensure our destination stays easily accessible to travellers," Fenton said. "At the same time, we will keep collaborating with all of our airline partners to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's airlift and protect our competitive edge in the North American market."
The move is part of a broader pattern of network adjustments by JetBlue across the Caribbean. As reported by Antigua News Room, the airline has also reduced service on routes from JFK to Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos, Montego Bay in Jamaica, and both Puerto Plata and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, as the carrier works to optimize its network and aircraft utilization.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority stated it remains committed to maintaining strong air connectivity and will continue engaging proactively with airline partners to support the destination's growing tourism industry.
