A senior Trinidad and Tobago government minister has dismissed reports suggesting that the state has approved TT$1,000 airfare on the domestic airbridge between Trinidad and Tobago, calling the claims “misleading, incorrect, and not reflective of any approved government policy.”
Energy and Energy Industries Minister Roodal Moonilal said Cabinet has not discussed or approved any such measure and insisted that no decision has been taken to introduce premium-priced flights on the inter-island route.
“I want to say categorically… this headline is misleading, it is incorrect, it is wrong,” Moonilal said, adding that the Cabinet has not considered the matter and that it is not government policy.
He said any suggestion that the government has approved TT$1,000 fares is inaccurate and does not reflect the position of Cabinet, which is chaired by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
Reports of possible premium flights
The clarification follows media reports suggesting that the government was exploring the introduction of additional unsubsidised flights on the domestic airbridge between Trinidad and Tobago.
According to those reports, Trade, Investment and Tourism Minister Satyakama Maharaj had indicated that while subsidised flights at TT$400 would remain in place, officials were considering adding two daily premium, last-minute flights priced at around TT$1,000.
Maharaj reportedly said the proposal was aimed at easing demand pressures and improving access during peak travel periods, noting that shortages of seats on the airbridge have long been a concern for residents and visitors.
He also stressed that the idea under discussion would not replace existing subsidised fares, but would operate as an additional option for travellers willing to pay higher prices.
The domestic airbridge has long been a sensitive issue in Trinidad and Tobago, with residents frequently raising concerns about availability, pricing, and reliability of service between the two islands.
The most recent official fare adjustment took effect on January 1, 2023, when ticket prices were increased by TT$50.
While discussions about expanding capacity continue, Moonilal emphasized that no formal policy change has been approved and urged the public to disregard claims that government has already sanctioned TT$1,000 fares.
