Lower taxes could make island‑hopping affordable again – experts

If Barbados and its Caribbean neighbours follow the advice of two aviation experts on improving regional air connectivity, the cost of intra-regional travel could nose-dive and encourage more people to fly.

The experts’ plan, which will be sent to regional governments to support economic growth and better air connections, includes lowering airport fees and passenger taxes as key recommendations.

Aviation consultant and France’s Honorary Consul to Barbados Captain Don Chee-A-Tow, along with Paul Gravel, managing director of SVG Air, Grenadine Airways, and OECS Aircraft Maintenance, said in their joint report that lowering taxes, security fees and airport charges on genuine intra-regional flights would stimulate passenger demand and improve airline competitiveness.