Antigua and Barbuda ended 2025 with a highly positive tourism performance, driven by a notable increase in international arrivals at VC Bird International Airport during the peak year-end holiday travel period. Results recorded in December confirmed strong demand for the destination and the growing operational capacity of its main air gateway.

On December 27, 2025 alone, the airport handled more than a dozen long-haul international flights from key North American and European markets, in addition to regular regional services and significant private aviation traffic. Airlines operating that day included Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Norse Atlantic, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Air Canada, and Sunwing, reflecting broad market confidence in the Caribbean destination across multiple source regions.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Honorable Charles “Max” Fernandez, emphasized that the surge reinforces the country’s position as one of the Caribbean’s leading winter sun destinations. “Having this strong level of airlift into VC Bird International Airport reinforces confidence in our tourism product among our partners and highlights Antigua and Barbuda’s appeal as a premier winter getaway destination,” the minister said.

Fernandez explained that the additional flights were driven mainly by holiday leisure travel, diaspora visits, and cruise homeport operations. He also noted that ongoing strategic investments are being made at the airport to enhance the passenger experience and meet the growing demand for air connectivity.

Official tourism performance data through November 2025 already showed steady year-over-year growth in overnight visitor arrivals, while December projections pointed to another strong year-end finish. In line with this outlook, Colin C. James, Chief Executive Officer of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, attributed the momentum to expanded airlift, targeted destination marketing, and favorable winter weather conditions.

“Increased airlift capacity during peak demand periods, combined with a strong marketing strategy and ideal weather, has resulted in sustained arrivals throughout 2025,” James said. “December projections confirm that this will be another year of growth in arrivals through VC Bird International Airport.”

Buoyed by these results, tourism officials remain optimistic heading into 2026. Initiatives are already underway to further expand air connectivity, strengthen global marketing campaigns, and enhance visitor experiences across the twin-island nation, consolidating Antigua and Barbuda’s position as one of the Caribbean’s leading tourism hubs.