Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is expected to secure a direct Emirates flight from Dubai once the ultra-luxury One & Only resort at Half Moon Bay is completed, linking the development directly to expanded global airlift.

Speaking on Pointe FM over the weekend, Browne said the project will elevate the country’s position internationally and drive new connectivity.

“As soon as that hotel is built out, we’re told that we’ll have an Emirates flight from Dubai into Antigua,” Browne said, adding that “Antigua will become the Caribbean hub.”

He made the remarks while outlining a series of major tourism investments underway across Antigua and Barbuda, describing the current period as one of significant expansion in the luxury sector.

Browne pointed to the Nobu Hotel in Barbuda — backed by actor Robert De Niro — which he said “will be completed the first phase the end of this year” and “ready to receive occupants by first quarter of next year.”

He also highlighted progress on the PLH development in Barbuda, noting that investors “have invested about $1 billion U.S. dollars,” alongside infrastructure works now underway at Nikki Beach.

In Antigua, Browne said a high-end Marriott hotel at Yeptons “should be completed by the end of the year” and become operational early next year, further expanding the country’s room stock.

He disclosed that the former Rosewood property has secured a new luxury brand, with developers opting to move ahead rather than delay the project.

“They have actually negotiated with another luxury brand… and that project hopefully will start sometime this year,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister described the One & Only resort as the “marquee” project within the current pipeline, calling it an “ultra high-end luxury resort” that is expected to anchor Antigua and Barbuda’s push into the top tier of global tourism.

He added that discussions are ongoing to expand airlift beyond traditional markets, including cargo and additional passenger routes.

“We have other initiatives — airlift initiatives with other entities that we’re negotiating with,” Browne said.

Browne said the scale of investment reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s growing international appeal, noting that “Antigua… is a well-known destination now globally,” as the government continues to pursue high-end developments aimed at transforming the tourism sector.