SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 (LONDON, ENGLAND) – British Airways is set to increase services between London Gatwick and Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport, by extending its daily winter schedule throughout April, adding over 3,000 seats as UK visitor numbers to Antigua and Barbuda continue to rise.
The extension of daily flights opens up a valuable opportunity to drive UK visitation during the spring season, giving travellers greater flexibility to experience the destination.
Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, said, “This extension of British Airways capacity is a significant development for Antigua and Barbuda and reflects the strength of the UK market. The additional seats will reinforce our position as an important Caribbean gateway and regional connectivity hub. It is testament to the work of our team and a strong vote of confidence in Antigua and Barbuda. Crucially, it will deliver benefits across our tourism economy and create further opportunities for the wider sector.”
The increased connectivity comes during a strong period for one of Antigua and Barbuda’s key source markets. Between January and August 2026, the destination welcomed 53,439 stay-over visitors from the UK, up 11.2% on the same period in 2025.
The announcement follows sustained work in the UK, led by Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK and Europe for the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, to drive visitation across the year and showcase the destination’s appeal beyond its world-famous beaches.
Osborne, the UK and Europe Director of Tourism, commented, “Our focus in the UK has been on building sustained demand for Antigua and Barbuda and giving travellers compelling reasons to visit throughout the year.
“Extending daily British Airways services into April 2027 is a hugely positive step and gives us a valuable additional window in which to drive visitation. We look forward to working with British Airways and our travel trade partners to maximise the capacity, convert demand into bookings and showcase the diversity of experiences that make Antigua and Barbuda such a special destination”, she said.
The extended schedule will see British Airways operate daily between London Gatwick and Antigua through April 2027, giving travellers more choice when planning a spring escape to Antigua and Barbuda, including Antigua Sailing Week, taking place from 21–25 April 2027.
Antigua and Barbuda’s calendar spans sailing and sport, food, culture, heritage, arts and major international events.
In addition to the daily winter service, British Airways flies five times per week from May to the end of October.
###
ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only continuously working Georgian era dockyard in the world, and a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua Racing Cup, Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
Find information on Antigua and Barbuda at: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow us on
Twitter: http://twitter.com/antiguabarbuda
Facebook: www.facebook.com/antiguabarbuda
Instagram: www.instagram.com/AntiguaandBarbuda
