By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

Antigua and Barbuda is celebrating the start of peak season with a new American Airlines flight from Miami.

The airline launched a second daily round-trip flight from Miami to the V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, effectively doubling the capacity from the key gateway.

“We are very excited to be doubling our capacity from Miami to our award-winning V.C. Bird International Airport, just in time for our peak season,” said Minister of Tourism and Investment, Charles Fernandez.

The increased capacity reflects the almost double-digit growth in visitor numbers for Antigua and Barbuda, and is timed to meet the demands of passengers looking to get away for the winter.

“Antigua and Barbuda has shown remarkable year-over-year growth in visitors, and the new flight will help us to continue this forward momentum by providing critical access to the destination,” Fernandez said. “The new flight not only allows Antigua and Barbuda to benefit from more convenient non-stop flight options for the Southeast region, but this new conveniently timed schedule will provide complimentary connections to our key regions including the West Coast, Midwest, Texas and East Coast as well as flights from the international market.”  

Operated by a Boeing 737-MAX8, the new flights carry a capacity of 172.

“This welcomed increased capacity is a result of our continued discussions with airline partners on airlift to meet the demands of our visitors,” said CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James. “It represents the strength of our relationship with American Airlines and the confidence they have in our destination.”

— CJ