St. Kitts and Nevis Ready to Lead with MRG to Launch Africa-Caribbean Air Link

Abuja, Nigeria, March 28, 2026 (PMO) – St. Kitts and Nevis is prepared to take the lead in establishing direct air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean, utilizing innovative financing mechanisms such as Minimum Revenue Guarantees (MRGs).

During his closing remarks at the Afri-Caribbean Investment Summit in Abuja, Nigeria,  Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew highlighted the urgent need to correct longstanding barriers to movement, trade, and collaboration between both regions.

Challenging the current travel realities, the Prime Minister questioned why direct routes have not yet been established. “why is it we have to go north to come south?” he asked, noting the inefficiencies and indignities faced by travelers. And further emphasized the feasibility of direct air travel, stating, “Do you know that this length of flight from Saint Kitts and Nevis to England is the same as from Saint Kitts and Nevis to here?”

Drawing on St. Kitts and Nevis’ successful track record in aviation development, Prime Minister Drew explained how the country has historically used MRG arrangements to attract major international airlines, and went on to declare the Federation’s readiness to move first in bridging the aviation gap.

“when we are starting flights, we have something called an MRG… an MRG is set up so that the airline is guaranteed that it would not lose money. If it requires an MRG, I am putting a stake in the ground that Saint Kitts and Nevis would move first to have it done,” Dr. Drew announced. 

He added that improved connectivity would unlock significant economic opportunities across tourism, trade, culture, and investment, while also strengthening people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister concluded by calling for collective action from governments, investors, and private sector partners to make direct Africa-Caribbean air travel a reality in the near future.

The post St. Kitts and Nevis Ready to Lead with MRG to Launch Africa-Caribbean Air Link appeared first on SKNIS.