Antigua and Barbuda ended 2025 with a sharp increase in international air traffic, as more than a dozen overseas flights arrived at V.C. Bird International Airport on Saturday, December 27.

Tourism officials said the heavy rotation of flights reflected strong demand during the peak holiday and winter season, alongside steady regional and private jet activity.

The arrivals included services operated by Virgin Atlantic , United Airlines , JetBlue , American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , British Airways , Norse Atlantic , Air Canada and Sunwing.

Tourism Minister Charles Max Fernandez said the increased airlift underscored airline confidence in the destination.

“These flights reinforce confidence in our tourism product and Antigua and Barbuda’s standing as a leading winter sun destination,” Fernandez said, noting strong demand from leisure travellers, returning diaspora families and cruise home-porting operations.

Stay-over arrival figures through November show steady growth for 2025, with December expected to strengthen the overall performance.

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James attributed the results to expanded air capacity and coordinated marketing.

“Increases in air capacity during high-demand periods this year, supported by targeted marketing and ideal weather conditions, have resulted in sustained performance for 2025,” James said.

Tourism officials said they remain optimistic heading into 2026, with continued efforts focused on expanding airlift, strengthening marketing reach and enhancing the visitor experience.