The government has approved a monthly subsidy of EC$50,000 to reduce the cost of air travel between Antigua and Barbuda, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant announced following the latest Cabinet meeting.

Merchant said the measure comes in response to growing concerns over the high cost of travel between the sister islands, which officials acknowledged affects access to essential services and economic activity.

He said Cabinet agreed that affordable and reliable transportation is critical for Barbudans, particularly for healthcare, business and daily movement, and that the subsidy is intended to provide immediate relief while improving accessibility.

Merchant noted that the decision followed a proposal presented to Cabinet outlining the challenges residents face due to expensive airfare. He said the government has directed that the structure and implementation of the subsidy be developed in consultation with relevant agencies.

“The government remains committed to ensuring equitable access to transportation and addressing the concerns of all citizens, particularly those in Barbuda,” Merchant said.

No timeline was given for when the subsidy will take effect, but officials indicated that work is now underway to determine how the reduction in airfare will be applied.