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 Mr. Kendell Richardson, Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Housing and Tourism (MICUHT); Mr. Jabari Harrigan, Executive Manager for Airports for the Anguilla Air and Port Authority (AASPA); Ms. Stacey Liburd, Director of Tourism, and Ms. Chantelle Richardson, Deputy Director of Tourism, both from the Anguilla Tourism Board (ATB). Mr. Avery Thomas, Manager Responsible for 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 to 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 service from major U.S. hubs, new direct routes targeting growing demand in the U.S. Northeast, and nonstop connections to support Canada as an emerging market.
American Airlines expressed satisfaction with its current operations in Anguilla. It reaffirmed its commitment to improving existing services, including potential frequency increases from Miami, Florida, while exploring the possibility of expanding connectivity from other key markets. Regional airlines 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. In addition, the St. Barth Executive expressed strong interest in establishing seamless connections between St. Barths and Anguilla, catering to the luxury travel segment. These discussions highlighted the airlines’ strong interest in expanding their networks to Anguilla, which is contingent on market demand and infrastructure improvements. A major focus of the discussions was the ongoing development at Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, including the construction of a new terminal and runway expansion. The delegation emphasized that these improvements would support increased air traffic, improve the passenger experience and enable new routes and better connectivity.
The team also provided a detailed update to Ms. Dona Regis-Prosper, Executive Director and Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). In addition, the Director and Deputy Director of the Anguilla Tourism Board met with representatives from the Tourism Boards of St. Barthelemy, St. Kitts and Nevis, Jamaica and the United States Virgin Islands, to collaborate on regional tourism promotion opportunities.
“The Government of Anguilla remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that air connectivity remains a top priority as we move forward with the development of Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport,” said the Honourable Minister Haydn Hughes of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Housing and Tourism (MICUHT). “The Government of Anguilla’s significant investment in the redevelopment of Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport, including the new terminal and runway extension, 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 for long-term economic prosperity through aviation development.”
Minister Hughes said, “With a dedicated focus on improving air transport 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 Anguilla remains a premier destination in the Caribbean.” Minister Hughes further stated, “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,” said Kendell Richardson, Quality Assurance and Compliance Manager for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Housing and Tourism (MICUHT). “Our participation at Routes Americas 2025 underscores our proactive approach to engaging with airline partners, strengthening existing routes and creating new opportunities to improve accessibility to our island. As we work to expand and modernize 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 ability to accommodate larger aircraft and increased airline service,” he said.
Source: Visit Anguilla.