AEROTIMES– Emirates has held talks with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to explore the option of adding the Eastern Caribbean nation to its global network.
On September 24, 2025, Antigua and Barbuda representatives confirmed discussions had taken place in Dubai with Adnan Kazim, the Deputy President and COO of Emirates.
According to the Deputy Head of Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the UAE, Theon Ali, and his team, talks “centered on the strategic value of Antigua and Barbuda as a gateway to the Eastern Caribbean”.
Ali and Kazim were joined by Majid Al Mualla, the Divisional Senior Vice President of International Affairs, and Thierry Aucoc, Senior Vice President Commercial Operations for West Europe and the Americas.
“The delegation outlined the country’s growing profile as a tourism and business hub, as well as its strong connectivity potential for travelers originating from the Gulf region and beyond,” said a spokesperson for the Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the UAE.
During the meeting, the potential partners spoke about strengthening ties between the Middle East and the Caribbean and how direct air links could facilitate investment flows.
“Both parties agreed to continue their discussions, with Emirates reaffirming its interest in assessing the viability of Antigua and Barbuda as a future route. Ambassador Theon Ali welcomed the dialogue as a step forward in deepening the bilateral relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the government’s commitment to broadening international connectivity for the nation,” added the spokesperson.
While no timeline has been announced, both parties confirmed that dialogue will continue, with Emirates conducting route viability assessments in line with its broader network strategy.
In January 2025, Antigua and Barbuda signed an air services agreement with Qatar, allowing for the designated airlines of the two countries to operate unlimited and unrestricted traffic rights for both passenger and cargo flights.
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How I wish this comes to fruition very soon. I need to take these luxury flights to travel to the Middle east or Asia. Had a terrible time flying from New York to Africa on a substandard airline. The flying time was 12 hours but it felt like a lifetime.