Antigua and Barbuda reached a historic milestone on December 21 as VC Bird International Airport managed 51 flights in a single day. The record-breaking day included 13 international flights, 35 regional flights, and three private charters, marking an unprecedented achievement for the Caribbean nation’s main airport.
In addition to this aviation success, the country also received multiple tourism awards, further enhancing its reputation as a premier travel destination. Tourism Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez celebrated the achievement, expressing optimism about the nation’s continued growth and success in the global tourism industry.
The surge in air traffic at VC Bird International Airport coincided with a significant recognition at the Caribbean Journal’s 2025 Travel Awards, where Antigua and Barbuda excelled in several categories. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) was honored as Caribbean Tourist Board of the Year, while the nation itself was named Caribbean Destination of the Year. The Journal praised the leadership of ABTA’s CEO, Colin James, highlighting the organization’s proactive, innovative, and creative approach to promoting Caribbean tourism. These accolades further solidify Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as a top travel destination in the region.
In addition to the recognition of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism authority, two local resorts also received notable honors at the Caribbean Journal’s 2025 Travel Awards. Galley Bay was named Caribbean All-Inclusive of the Year, while Keyonna Beach won Small All-Inclusive of the Year.
ABTA CEO Colin James attributed the recent surge in air arrivals to the government’s strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, targeted marketing campaigns, and strong partnerships with global airlines. He emphasized that the success of ABTA is a collective achievement, reflecting the dedication and teamwork of the entire organization.
