Welcomes New – By Kisean Joseph
Welcomes New Air Link
Antigua and Barbuda has a new direct air connection to the Dominican Republic following the arrival of the inaugural Sunrise Airways flight from Santo Domingo at V.C. Bird International Airport on Tuesday, 3rd March — a development officials say will serve the island’s estimated 14,000 Dominican Republic nationals while strengthening broader regional connectivity.
The arrival was marked with a water cannon salute on the tarmac and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a reception in the airport’s VIP Lounge attended by government officials, airport and tourism authority representatives, and the Sunrise Airways leadership team.
The new service operates twice weekly — every Tuesday and Saturday — and is being positioned by both the airline and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as a foundation for deeper economic, cultural, and diaspora ties between the two countries.
Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation, and Investment, the Honourable Charles Fernandez, said the route arrives at a significant moment given the size of the Dominican Republic community already residing in Antigua and Barbuda.
“The last figure I had, we have about 14,000 residents originating from the DR,” Minister Fernandez said. “So, this service is going to be very, very important to our folks in Antigua.”
He expressed confidence that the twice-weekly schedule is only the beginning, saying he expects frequency to grow as demand builds — potentially reaching four or five flights per week. He also pointed to Barbuda’s recently opened international airport as a natural future extension of the route on the return leg to Santo Domingo.
Minister Fernandez noted that the government has invested approximately US $50 million in runway upgrades and interior improvements at V.C. Bird International Airport, underscoring Antigua’s ambition to serve as a regional aviation hub.
Eastern Caribbean Representative for Sunrise Airways, Colin Piper, described Antigua and Barbuda as “a strategic pillar within the airline’s regional network” rather than simply another destination.
“Since expanding into the Eastern Caribbean in May 2024, we have been deliberate in building a route structure that strengthens regional connectivity in practical and sustainable ways,” Piper said. “Improved airlift does more than move passengers — it stimulates commerce, facilitates business travel, supports tourism growth, and strengthens regional supply chains.”
He said the route also serves a deeply human purpose — fostering diaspora engagement, cultural exchange, and multi-destination tourism between the two countries.
The service is operated using Sunrise Airways’ Embraer ERJ-140 aircraft, configured with thirty all-leather seats.
Acting CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, Philmore Andrew, welcomed the development, saying the new route reflects growing international confidence in V.C. Bird International Airport.
“The decision for Sunrise to invest in this route demonstrates confidence in our islands and in the continued growth of V.C. Bird International Airport as a regional hub,” Andrew said.
Key Destinations and Routes: Antigua (ANU): Connects to Barbados, Dominica, British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, St. Kitts, and Santo Domingo. Dominican Republic: Flights to/from Santo Domingo (SDQ). Haiti: Flights to/from Port-au-Prince (PAP) and Cap-Haïtien (CAP). South Florida: Nonstop service to Miami (MIA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL). Caribbean Islands: Service to St. Maarten (SXM), Dominica (DOM), and others.
