Parliament on Monday ratified two bilateral Air Services Agreements (ASAs) between Antigua and Barbuda and the governments of the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of Qatar. The resolutions, moved by Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Investment Charles Fernandez, are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a regional aviation hub.
Addressing the Lower House, Minister Fernandez described the agreement with Germany, signed in St John’s on 6 December 2022, as a strategic move to solidify legal frameworks for international flight operations. He pointed specifically to Condor, the German airline that regularly services Antigua.
“This ASA will provide enhanced legal framework for the operations, including the possibility for fifth freedom traffic,” Fernandez explained, referring to the aviation right that allows an airline to carry passengers between two foreign countries as part of services connecting to its own country.
In a broader defence of the country’s open skies policy, Fernandez added: “This idea that we’re allowing all kinds of unsavoury characters in is just not right. I know of no case… where any of our African brothers who came in here perpetrated any crime.”
The agreement with Qatar was signed on 14 January 2025 in Doha and similarly aims to strengthen ties between the two nations and boost Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation sector. Fernandez said Qatar continues to be a reliable partner, particularly in providing technical assistance, training, and capacity building.
“Qatar remains a strong partner… The ASA provides the basis for continued support in training and capacity building,” he said.
Fernandez also emphasized the importance of expanding Antigua and Barbuda’s reach as an air traffic hub in the region.
“Where we are positioned—as the Prime Minister has alluded to—we are actually closer to Africa than most of the other islands down south, even though they are competing very heavily for the very thing we are doing.”
He credited LIAT 2020, the island’s homegrown airline, with playing a pivotal role in supporting Antigua’s hub ambitions and ensuring regional connectivity.
Both resolutions were passed without objection following brief debate.