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 V.C. Bird International Airport to mark the inaugural arrival of the flight. Remarks were delivered by Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, The Honourable Charles Fernandez; Sunrise Airways Eastern Caribbean Representative Colin Piper; and Acting CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Philmore Andrew.
Minister Fernandez welcomed the expanded connectivity, noting that the new non-stop service between Santo Domingo and Antigua represents an important step in strengthening regional integration and mobility. He also highlighted the government’s continued investment in aviation infrastructure, including US$50 million in upgrades at V.C. Bird International Airport, which underscore Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to expanding airlift and supporting tourism growth.
“We recognise the strategic importance of Antigua and Barbuda as a hub in the Caribbean, and we are especially delighted that Sunrise Airways has added another route to Antigua,” Fernandez said. “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.”
The minister also pointed to the strong Dominican presence in Antigua and Barbuda. “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,” he added, while thanking Sunrise Airways for its confidence in launching the new service.
Sunrise Airways Eastern Caribbean Representative Colin Piper emphasized the strategic role Antigua and Barbuda plays in the airline’s regional expansion and in the continued development of its Santo Domingo hub.
“For Sunrise Airways, Antigua and Barbuda is not simply another destination,” Piper said. “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.”
He added that the new route strengthens connections between the Dominican Republic and Antigua while supporting broader regional economic growth.
“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,” Piper noted. “Improved airlift does more than move passengers—it stimulates commerce, facilitates business travel, supports tourism growth, and strengthens regional supply chains.”
Sunrise Airways officials who traveled to Antigua on the inaugural flight included Marketing and Communications Manager Rafael Rincon Montisano, Sales Manager Marie-Alice Carre Bautista, and Sales and Customer Service Manager Carol De La Cruz Fernandez.
Acting CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Philmore Andrew also extended congratulations to Sunrise Airways on behalf of the Airport Authority’s board, executive management, and staff.
“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,” Andrew said. “We value the partnership and look forward to the benefits that will arise from this increased connectivity.”
The new service reflects ongoing regional efforts to enhance airlift and strengthen collaboration among Caribbean destinations.
Sunrise Airways will operate the route twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Tuesday flights depart Santo Domingo at 1:00 p.m. and arrive 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. and arrive in Antigua at 10:35 a.m., with the return flight leaving Antigua at 11:20 a.m.
The service is operated using Embraer ERJ140 regional jet aircraft configured with a single class cabin accommodating up to 30 passengers.
To celebrate the launch, Sunrise Airways has introduced a promotional fare of US$199 one-way between Santo Domingo and Antigua and Barbuda. Travelers can book flights through the airline’s newly launched mobile app, directly on the Sunrise Airways website, or through travel agents across the region.
