LIAT Air Launches Santo Domingo Service, Eyes Belize, Panama, and Colombia Expansion.
Key Points
- 1LIAT Air launched its second Dominican Republic route, the Antigua to Santo Domingo (SDQ) flight, in December 2025.
- 2The airline confirmed aggressive expansion plans to add new routes to Belize, Panama, and Colombia.
- 3Fleet growth, including the addition of an Embraer E195-E2, is crucial but faces delays due to a global engine shortage.
- 4The expansion aims to strengthen regional air connectivity, linking the Eastern Caribbean with Central and South America.
The LIAT Air route expansion strategy is moving forward with a key launch. The airline successfully completed its inaugural flight to Santo Domingo (SDQ) on a Friday in December 2025. This new service connects Antigua and Barbuda with the capital of the Dominican Republic. This launch follows closely on the debut of service to Punta Cana (PUJ) in the same country. The Dominican Republic is a strategically important market for the carrier. It acts as a major gateway for tourism and commerce.
LIAT Air is the rebranded entity of LIAT 2020, which began operations in August 2024. The airline is a joint venture, 70% owned by Nigerian airline Air Peace. The remaining 30% is held by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. The carrier aims to regain its former stature as the number one regional air carrier. The Caribbean airline network is a key focus for this growth.
Dominican Republic Gateway
The Antigua Santo Domingo flight is a significant milestone for the carrier. The new route expands LIAT Air's network to 17 destinations across 14 countries. The airline is focused on linking Caribbean people and economies more efficiently. The Antigua-Santo Domingo route is operated using an ATR 42-600 turboprop aircraft.
This new service enhances travel options for business and leisure passengers. Santo Domingo is a major economic hub for the region. Punta Cana is globally known for its luxury resorts and beaches. The addition of these routes supports tourism and community connections.
Central and South American Ambitions
LIAT Air has confirmed an aggressive international expansion strategy. The airline is now setting its sights on Central and South America. The carrier has confirmed plans for flights to Belize Panama and Colombia. These LIAT Air new destinations are part of a deliberate push to boost regional air connectivity.
Chief Executive Officer Hafsah Abdulsalam confirmed the plans for Panama, Belize, and Colombia. Chief Financial Officer Kunle Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of this growth phase. The planned addition of these routes reflects confidence in demand. It also shows a broader vision for the airline's future. The airline is also looking at new airports within the Dominican Republic. This further deepens its presence in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. For more commercial aviation news on regional carriers, visit flying.flights.
Fleet and Operational Challenges
The success of the Central America route plans depends on fleet expansion. LIAT Air currently operates a mix of ATR 42-600 and Embraer ERJ-145 jets. The airline aims to stabilize its fleet at around seven aircraft by next year.
- Fleet Delay: The delivery of a new narrow-body aircraft is facing hurdles. This new jet is an Embraer E195-E2. The Embraer E195-E2 delay is due to a global shortage of engines.
- Regulatory Hurdle: Direct flights to the United States remain on hold. This is pending the Eastern Caribbean regaining its Category 1 aviation status. This regulatory status is governed by the FAA.
Despite these challenges, the airline's expansion demonstrates renewed confidence. The carrier is positioning itself as a key bridge linking the Caribbean with Latin America and beyond. Strong regional air transport is essential for growing tourism arrivals. The LIAT Air fleet growth is critical to maintaining inter-island air service.
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