Air Transport

The Ministry of Tourism and International Transport bears responsibility for the economic/commercial regulation of air transport, which includes the implementation of policy initiatives that are designed to maintain Barbados' position as a premier aviation centre in the region and the major hub for the eastern Caribbean and South America. The initiatives recognize the interdependent relationship between air transport and the economy and responds to the air access requirements. The main functions are:

• The effective regulation of non-scheduled (charter) services;
• The negotiation of air services agreements and preparation of advice on the economic aspects of international air agreements, conventions and other related air transport matters;
• The research and provision of advice on all matters relating to the economic regulation of air transport;
• Monitoring the performance of airlines in which the Government of Barbados has a financial interest;
• The preparation of advice with respect to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on all matters relating to air transport including air fares, rates, capacity provisions and other regulatory developments;
• The implementation of the provision of international laws on the economic/contractual governance of air transport;
• The evaluation of traffic growth and opportunities in traditional and non-traditional routes into Barbados in the context of the further development of air services by prospective carriers and those currently operating;
• The maintaining of close working relationships with local and external tourism and related agencies/enterprises in the provision of data, research assistance, or in other ways to assist in the development of tourism in Barbados; and
• Liaising with the CARICOM Secretariat and other regional Governments and agencies on air transport matters.