Anguilla promotes air connectivity through strategic partnerships

THE VALLEY, ANGUILLA – The Government of Anguilla showcased the island at Routes Americas 2025, held from February 10 – 12 in Nassau, The Bahamas. This prestigious conference provided an essential platform for Anguilla’s tourism and aviation leaders to engage in strategic discussions with airline executives, explore new route possibilities, and strengthen partnerships to enhance the island’s air connectivity.

The Anguilla delegation included Kendell Richardson, Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Housing and Tourism (MICUHT); Jabari Harrigan, Executive Airport Manager at the Anguilla Air and Seaport Authority (AASPA); Stacey Liburd, Director of Tourism, and Chantelle Richardson, Deputy Director of Tourism, both from the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB). Avery Thomas, Accountable Manager of Anguilla Air Services (AAS), joined them. Together, they played a key role in advocating for improved air access to Anguilla.

Anguilla’s participation in Routes Americas 2025 was driven by a strategic vision to enhance connectivity with key source markets, expand direct and one-stop flight options, and position the island as a premier destination with seamless access. The delegation held productive discussions with several leading airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Tradewind Aviation, BermudAir, Porter Airlines, Cape Air, InterCaribbean Airways, Caribbean Airlines, and St. Barth Executive. These meetings explored opportunities for seasonal services from major U.S. hubs, new direct routes targeting the growing demand from the U.S. Northeast, and non-stop connections to support Canada as an emerging market.

American Airlines expressed satisfaction with its current operations in Anguilla. They reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing existing services, including potential frequency increases from Miami, FL, while exploring expanded connectivity from other key markets. Regional carriers such as Tradewind Aviation, InterCaribbean Airways, and Caribbean Airlines showed interest in expanding services between San Juan, St. Thomas, and other intra-Caribbean routes to boost regional tourism. Additionally, the St. Barth Executive strongly expressed interest in establishing seamless connections between St. Barths and Anguilla, catering to the luxury travel segment. These discussions highlighted airlines’ robust interest in expanding their networks to Anguilla, which is contingent on market demand and infrastructure enhancements. A significant focus of the talks was on the ongoing development at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, including the construction of a new terminal and runway expansion. The delegation emphasized that these upgrades would support increased air traffic, improve the passenger experience, and enable new routes and enhanced connectivity.

The team also provided a detailed update to Dona Regis-Prosper, CEO and Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). Furthermore, the Director and Deputy Director of the Anguilla Tourist Board met with representatives from the Tourist Boards of St. Barths, St. Kitts & Nevis, Jamaica, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, collaborating on opportunities to promote regional tourism.

“The Government of Anguilla remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that air connectivity continues to be a top priority as we advance the development of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport,” stated Honorable Minister Haydn Hughes, Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Housing and Tourism (MICUHT). “The Government of Anguilla’s significant investment in the redevelopment of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, including the new terminal and runway expansion, reflects our unwavering commitment to strengthening air connectivity. With strong interest from airlines, the Government of Anguilla, MICUH&T, AASPA, and ATB remain dedicated to creating the conditions necessary for long-term economic prosperity through aviation development.”

Minister Hughes stated, “With a dedicated approach to enhancing airlift and expanding air connectivity, Anguilla is well-positioned to attract new flights, increase visitor arrivals, and further establish itself as an accessible, world-class destination, driving economic development, and ensuring that Anguilla remains a premier destination in the Caribbean.” Minister Hughes further stated that, “we are confident that the relationships forged and discussions held at this forum will play a crucial role in shaping the future of air service to Anguilla.”

“The discussions at Routes Americas 2025 were extremely encouraging,” stated Kendell Richardson, Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager from the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Housing and Tourism (MICUHT). “Our participation in Routes Americas 2025 underscores our proactive approach to engaging with airline partners, strengthening existing routes, and creating new opportunities to enhance accessibility to our island. As we work toward expanding and modernizing our airport infrastructure, we are focused on the sustainability of the new Clayton J Lloyd International Airport. Richardson also stated that “the transformative project will enhance the island’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft and increased airline service,” he said.