Dear Editor,
I felt compelled to write today after reading your recent article published under the headline, “ABAA Enforces New Ground Transportation Rules at V.C. Bird International Airport.” What left me most baffled was the statement that, “The restriction applies to taxis, limousines, shuttles, rental cars, and any other vehicles engaged in paid transportation services.”
Under no circumstances should the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority be dictating who passengers choose to pick them up. Passengers spend their own money and therefore have full freedom to select the taxi driver, private operator, or airport pickup arrangement of their choice.
Your article also noted that “Only transportation providers formally authorized by the ABAA are allowed to operate on airport grounds.” But what happens if I, as a passenger, call my own private driver, someone I trust, who is not on ABAA’s approved list? Will that person be turned away? Is the ABAA insisting that visitors and locals must use only their authorized taxis? The logic behind this is unclear and deeply concerning.
Furthermore, the story stated that “Airbnb hosts and similar private accommodation operators are not permitted to collect guests unless they have an approved transportation permit.” Many of us book Airbnb accommodations precisely because they offer bundled services, airport pickup, local transport, and rentals at more affordable rates. Are you telling me that if my Airbnb host does not have an ABAA-issued permit, they cannot meet me at the arrivals hall? That is unreasonable and, frankly, impractical.
I am pleading with the ABAA to revisit and revise this decision. Airport pickups should remain at the discretion of the passenger. We have the right to choose who collects us, whether a family friend, a private driver, or an Airbnb host. Based on what was published, this policy makes no sense to me, though I acknowledge this is my personal opinion.
Yours Respectfully,
The Traveller
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Simple ask ABAA for the official policy. Then book your Taxi and allow ABAA and the police to enforce the policy.
Take then before the court on a constitutional breech of FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT. Sue for $13.5 million.
ABBA is the Antigua Barbuda Airport AUTHORITY!!!!
Dear author of this letter,
You do know that “everything” within the V.C. Bird International Airport (ABAA) premises is under the authority and control of ABAA right? The organization has full legal right and justification to implement any regulations and restrictions the company dreams fit.
For example, if someone was to come to your “private taxi or escorts servises” and negotiate or pillage customers from your services, you would clearly be outraged. It is the same exact reasons and justification why ABAA is allowed to implement this restriction.
If you have such grievance with the establish restrictions, how you and any others who share the same or similar views – join ABAA legally or just tell your customers to get picked up out by the main road roundabout / ECAB.
Wickedness. Who come up with this?
Agreed. This decision makes no sense.