BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Sunrise Airways launched new nonstop service Wednesday between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados. This expansion increases air access between the two Caribbean destinations and underscores the airline’s push to strengthen regional connectivity.
The inaugural flight departed V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua at 10:45 a.m. It arrived at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados about one hour and 20 minutes later.
The new route will operate twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Sundays. This will give travelers more direct access between the islands while supporting tourism, business travel and cultural exchange.
Ribbon-cutting Ceremony
Sunrise Airways marked the launch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Grantley Adams International Airport, where government officials, tourism leaders, aviation stakeholders, airport authorities, industry representatives and members of the media gathered to welcome the new service.
Attendees included Ian Gooding-Edghill, Barbados’ minister of tourism and international transport; Michael Freeland, minister of state in Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and the Economy; Collin James, chief executive officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Charmaine Spencer, chief marketing officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority; Shermain Jeremy, director of tourism for the Caribbean and Latin America for Antigua and Barbuda; Ambassador Brian Challenger of Antigua and Barbuda; Peter Harris, chairman of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.; Andrea Franklin, chief executive officer of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.; Anderson King, director of marketing for Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.; Graham Clarke, director of the Caribbean for Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.; and Philippe Bayard, chairman of Sunrise Airways.
The turnout reflected broad support for the route and its potential to deepen tourism and economic ties between Antigua and Barbuda and Barbados.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sunrise Airways CEO Gary Stone said the airline’s expansion into Barbados reflects its commitment to regional integration.
“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, delivered with great Caribbean service onboard.”
Barbados Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill also welcomed the service. He called it a meaningful step for intra-Caribbean travel.
“The Caribbean remains Barbados’ third-largest source market,” Gooding-Edghill 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. That’s why this launch is more than just the arrival of a new flight; it is a vital step forward in deepening the bonds that hold our Caribbean family together.”
“Every new route expands opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange and personal connection,” Gooding-Edghill said. “Strong and reliable airlift is the foundation of a successful tourism industry, fueling visitor arrivals, supporting business, enabling investment and keeping families and friends connected across our islands.”
Sunrise Airways said it plans to continue expanding its intra-Caribbean network in the coming months. By the end of 2026, the carrier expects to serve 23 destinations across 15 countries.
