Antigua and Barbuda is poised to secure a transformative Emirates flight connection from Dubai upon completion of the ultra-luxury One & Only resort at Half Moon Bay, according to Prime Minister Gaston Browne. The announcement, made during a recent Pointe FM appearance, positions this development as a cornerstone in the nation’s strategy to enhance global connectivity and establish itself as the Caribbean’s premier aviation hub.
Prime Minister Browne emphasized that the forthcoming air link is directly tied to the resort’s construction timeline, stating that the Emirates service would commence immediately following the hotel’s completion. This strategic connection is expected to dramatically elevate the twin-island nation’s international profile while driving unprecedented tourism growth.
Beyond the landmark One & Only project, Browne outlined an extensive portfolio of luxury developments currently transforming the nation’s tourism landscape. The Nobu Hotel in Barbuda, backed by Hollywood icon Robert De Niro, is progressing with its first phase scheduled for completion by year-end and operational readiness by first quarter 2025. Simultaneously, the PLH development in Barbuda has attracted approximately $1 billion USD in investment, complemented by ongoing infrastructure enhancements at Nikki Beach.
Additional high-end projects include a Marriott hotel at Yeptons anticipated to conclude construction by December with operations commencing early next year, significantly expanding the country’s luxury accommodation inventory. The former Rosewood property has also secured a new luxury brand partnership, with developers moving forward aggressively rather than delaying the project.
Browne identified the One & Only resort as the ‘marquee’ project within their development pipeline—an ultra-exclusive property expected to anchor Antigua and Barbuda’s ascent into the highest echelon of global tourism destinations. The government is concurrently negotiating additional airlift initiatives beyond traditional markets, including expanded cargo and passenger routes with multiple entities.
The substantial scale of these investments reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s growing international appeal, with Browne noting the nation has achieved global recognition as a premium destination. This strategic focus on high-end development represents a comprehensive transformation initiative for the country’s tourism sector.