Liat Air Expands Caribbean Network with New Jet Routes in 2026
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Liat Air announces a major network expansion, resuming Antigua-Guadeloupe service in May and transitioning to a jet fleet to reconnect the Caribbean.
Key Takeaways
- •Resumes Antigua-Guadeloupe service on May 1, 2026, operating twice weekly on ATR 42 aircraft.
- •Launches Montego Bay flights in July 2026, restoring a key route with Embraer ERJ 145 jets.
- •Transitions jet fleet from an Air Peace ACMI lease to the Antiguan registry under its own AOC.
- •Operates as a joint venture with Air Peace (70%) and the Government of Antigua (30%) to restore regional connectivity.
Caribbean carrier Liat Air has announced a significant network expansion and fleet transition initiative, aiming to restore critical intra-regional connectivity. CEO Hafsah Abdulsalam confirmed that service between Antigua and Guadeloupe will resume on May 1, 2026, marking a key step in the airline's growth strategy following the collapse of its predecessor.
The expansion is designed to re-establish Antigua's V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) as a central hub for Caribbean travel. The strategy connects a network stretching from Guyana to Montego Bay, Jamaica, directly addressing the air travel void left after the original Leeward Islands Air Transport (LIAT) (1974) Ltd ceased all operations on January 24, 2024. The restoration of these routes is a direct response to the need for renewed air links vital for regional tourism, business, and family travel.
New Routes and Restored Services
Central to the airline's plan is the resumption of flights between Antigua and Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe (PTP). According to Liat Air press announcements, this route will initially operate twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays, utilizing the airline's ATR 42 turboprop aircraft. This service is strategically positioned to capture international traffic, particularly for European passengers transiting from France through the French Antilles.
“This expansion is designed to drive reciprocal traffic between Antigua and the French Antilles, strengthening the airline’s presence in the French territories,” CEO Hafsah Abdulsalam stated. “Reconnecting Antigua with Guadeloupe restores a vital link between our islands, one that strengthens family ties, fuels economic activity, and enriches the cultural fabric of the Caribbean.”
Further network growth includes the restoration of service to Montego Bay's Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Jamaica. These flights are scheduled to begin in the first week of July 2026 and will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This route, which was previously suspended following the impact of Hurricane Melissa in late 2025, will be serviced by the airline's new jet fleet. Liat Air also confirmed plans for at least two additional new routes to be rolled out later in the year.
Fleet Transition and Operational Upgrades
A critical component of the expansion is the integration of jet aircraft into Liat Air's operations. The airline's jet fleet, which includes Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft, has been operating under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) agreement with Nigerian carrier Air Peace. An ACMI, or wet-lease, arrangement allows an airline to quickly scale its fleet without the immediate capital expenditure of purchasing aircraft.
Liat Air is now in the final phase of moving these Embraer jets from the ACMI lease onto the Antiguan aircraft registry. This move is a required regulatory step overseen by the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), enabling Liat Air to operate the aircraft under its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Abdulsalam praised the airline's Caribbean-based crew, who have completed their training and are prepared to operate the new jet fleet with the same standards established on the ATR aircraft.
A New Structure for a Legacy Carrier
The new Liat Air, formerly known as LIAT 2020, operates under a new ownership structure. It is a joint venture in which Nigerian carrier Air Peace holds a 70% stake, with the remaining 30% held by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. This partnership model was developed to revive the carrier after its predecessor faced insurmountable financial challenges, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The airline's strategy reflects broader industry trends in regional aviation. The use of an ACMI lease is a common tactic for startups and restructured airlines to manage costs and operational risk during initial growth phases. Furthermore, by building a hub-and-spoke model around Antigua, Liat Air aims to create efficient connections across the Eastern Caribbean and beyond, facilitating smoother travel for both regional and international passengers.
Why This Matters
Liat Air's network expansion and fleet modernization represent a crucial development for Caribbean aviation. The move directly addresses the significant disruption in regional travel caused by the shutdown of the former LIAT, rebuilding essential economic and social links between the islands. For the industry, the airline's public-private partnership with Air Peace and its mixed-fleet strategy provide a new model for sustainable regional air service in a market characterized by high operational costs and logistical challenges. The successful execution of this plan could stabilize and enhance air connectivity across the Eastern Caribbean for years to come.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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