ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA (March 4, 2026) – Antigua and Barbuda Tourism and Aviation Officials are celebrating the launch of Sunrise Airways’ new non-stop service connecting Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) with Antigua (ANU), further strengthening intra-Caribbean air connectivity.
A welcome ceremony was held on March 3, at the V.C. Bird International Airport to mark the inaugural arrival, with remarks delivered by Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez, Eastern Caribbean Representative for Sunrise Airways Colin Piper, and Acting CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Philmore Andrew.
Minister Fernandez welcomed the expanded connectivity, noting that this new nonstop service between Santo Domingo and Antigua represents a meaningful advancement in strengthening regional connectivity and integration. He highlighted the US$50 million infrastructural upgrades at the V.C. Bird International Airport, demonstrating the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to increased airlift and tourism growth.
“We recognise the strategic importance of Antigua and Barbuda as a hub in the Caribbean, and so we are especially delighted that Sunrise Airways has added another route to Antigua. Our central location within the region makes Antigua and Barbuda an ideal gateway for travel, business and tourism across the Caribbean. We now also have an international airport in Barbuda, allowing arriving passengers the opportunity to easily experience Barbuda as well.”
In thanking Sunrise Airways for their confidence in bringing the service to Antigua, the tourism minister added, “It is important to note that we have approximately 14,000 residents originating from the Dominican Republic, and this service will be very meaningful to the Dominican diaspora living in Antigua and Barbuda.”
Sunrise Airways Eastern Caribbean Representative Colin Piper, remarked on the importance of the expansion as part of the airline’s growing Santo Domingo hub and its broader commitment to bringing the Caribbean closer together
Piper in his address said, “For Sunrise Airways, Antigua and Barbuda is not simply another destination. It is a strategic pillar within our Eastern Caribbean network. Since expanding into the Eastern Caribbean in May 2024, we have been deliberate in building a route structure that strengthens regional connectivity in practical and sustainable ways. Antigua’s geographic position, strong aviation infrastructure, and globally recognized tourism product make it a natural partner in this vision.”
“This new service enhances the evolution of our Santo Domingo hub, creating more seamless links between Antigua and the Dominican Republic, while laying the groundwork for expanded connections into gateways across the Americas. Improved airlift does more than move passengers, it stimulates commerce, facilitates business travel, supports tourism growth, and strengthens regional supply chains”, noted Piper.
Sunrise Airways officials who journeyed to Antigua on the inaugural flight as part of the celebrations included, Marketing and Communications Manager Rafael Rincon Montisano, Marie-Alice Carre Bautista – Sales Manager and Carol De La Cruz Fernandez – Sales & Customer Service Manager
Also extending congratulations to Sunrise Airways on the launch of their new route on behalf of the Board, Executive Management and staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority was Acting CEO of the Airport Authority Philmore Andrew. “The decision for Sunrise to invest in this route demonstrates confidence in our country and the continued growth of V.C. Bird International as a regional hub. We value the partnership and look forward to the benefits that will arise from this increased connectivity”, said Andrew.
The new service reflects ongoing efforts to improve regional airlift and strengthen collaboration among Caribbean destinations.
The twice-weekly service will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Tuesday flights depart Santo Domingo at 1:00 p.m., arriving in Antigua at 2:35 p.m., with the return service departing Antigua at 3:20 p.m. Saturday flights depart Santo Domingo at 9:00 a.m., arriving at 10:35 a.m., with the return service leaving Antigua at 11:20 a.m.
The new route is operated using Embraer ERJ140 regional jet aircraft, offering one class of service with seating for up to 30 passengers.
As part of the launch celebrations, Sunrise Airways has introduced a special promotional fare of US$199 one-way between Santo Domingo and Antigua and Barbuda. Consumers can conveniently book their flights through the Sunrise Airways newly launched mobile app, directly on the website www.sunriseairways.net, or through trusted travel agents across the region
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For Antigua and Barbuda media enquiries, please contact:
Maria Blackman
Marketing Communications Manager
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
E: maria.blackman@visitaandb.com
Kayla Christian
Marketing Communications Officer
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T:1(268) 562 7600 / 464-7665
E: kayla.christian@visitaandb.com
