Sunrise Airways launches nonstop flights between Antigua and Barbados

Sunrise Airways has launched a new nonstop route between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados, adding twice-weekly service aimed at improving regional travel and strengthening economic and tourism ties between the two Caribbean nations.

The inaugural flight departed V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua on Wednesday morning and landed at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados about one hour and 20 minutes later.

The new service will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, giving travelers a direct option between the two islands.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Grantley Adams International Airport marked the launch, with tourism officials, government representatives, aviation stakeholders and business leaders from both countries in attendance.

Among those present were Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill; Antigua and Barbuda Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and the Economy Michael Freeland; Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Collin James; Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. CEO Andrea Franklin; and Sunrise Airways Chairman Philippe Bayard.

Sunrise Airways CEO Gary Stone said the new route reflects the airline's goal of improving regional connectivity.

"The arrival of Sunrise Airways to Barbados will strengthen commercial, tourism and cultural ties while promoting economic growth and deeper integration across our Caribbean community as 'One Caribbean,'" Stone said. "This inaugural flight represents our commitment to offering efficient, reliable and affordable travel options to Barbadian and Antiguan travelers."

Gooding-Edghill said the new service comes as travel within the Caribbean continues to grow.

"The Caribbean remains Barbados' third-largest source market," he said. "Last year, we welcomed more than 102,000 visitors from across the region, a 7.8% year-over-year increase and a testament to the growing strength of intra-Caribbean travel."

He said the new route would help expand opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange while improving connectivity across the region.

Sunrise Airways said the Antigua-Barbados service is part of a broader expansion of its intra-Caribbean network. By the end of 2026, the airline expects to serve 23 destinations across 15 countries.