BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Regional carrier, Sunrise Airways has officially launched a new direct service between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados, with tourism and aviation officials describing the route as a major step towards improving regional connectivity and strengthening economic ties across the Caribbean.
The inaugural flight arrived at Grantley Adams International Airport shortly after noon on Wednesday, marking the start of the airline’s twice-weekly service between the two destinations.
Sunrise Airways Chief Executive Officer Gary Stone said the new route reflects the airline’s “One Caribbean” vision of creating stronger links between islands while expanding opportunities for tourism, trade, business and family travel.
“We are strengthening commercial, tourism and cultural ties while promoting economic growth and deeper integration as a Caribbean community,” Stone said.
Founded in 2010 by Haitian former pilot Philippe Bayard, Sunrise Airways began operations in 2012 and has expanded its regional network, offering scheduled passenger and charter services across the Caribbean, North America and Central America.
Stone said the airline now serves 20 destinations and has transported millions of passengers, highlighting its continued commitment to regional aviation.
Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill welcomed the new service, saying it would provide a boost to intra-regional tourism.
“The Caribbean remains Barbados’ third largest source market,” he said, noting that the island welcomed more than 102,000 Caribbean visitors last year.
Gooding-Edghill said the new route represents more than an additional flight, describing it as “a vital step forward in deepening the bonds of our Caribbean family and strengthening intra-regional travel connectivity.”
He said improved air links are critical to supporting tourism businesses, encouraging investment and keeping Caribbean families connected.
The minister also highlighted the wider benefits of Sunrise Airways’ expanding network, noting that passengers from Barbados will gain easier access to destinations including Haiti, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Martin, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
He added that the airline’s connections to US cities, including Boston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Newark, could create additional opportunities to strengthen Barbados’ international connectivity.
Sunrise Airways operates a fleet that includes turboprop aircraft, regional jets and Airbus A320 aircraft, allowing the airline to serve both short regional routes and longer international connections.
