The Tobago House of Assembly’s Division of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries has engaged Caribbean Airlines in high-level talks aimed at improving airbridge reliability and strengthening regional connectivity.

The meeting, held on April 1 at the Division’s conference room in Sangster’s Hill, brought together senior officials from both sides as part of ongoing efforts to address longstanding challenges affecting the domestic airbridge.

Leading the discussions for the Division was Secretary of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries Zorisha Hackett, alongside Assistant Secretary Niketa Percy, Administrator Shelly Trim and Technical Advisor Korice Nancis. Also present were Chairman of the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) Abena Richards and Chief Executive Officer Sandra Orr-Toney.

The airline’s delegation was led by Acting Chief Executive Officer Nirmala Ramai and included Acting Chief Financial Officer Neera Ramai, Executive Manager for Airports and Ground Operations Brent Gaspard, Manager of Revenue Management Randall Henrique, and Sales Executive Janelle Gangoo.

Discussions focused on improving the reliability, responsiveness and long-term sustainability of the domestic airbridge, which remains critical to Tobago’s economy and daily life.

Both parties acknowledged ongoing challenges, including scheduling inconsistencies, capacity constraints and disruption management, and explored practical solutions to address these issues in the short to medium term.

Caribbean Airlines highlighted its capacity to respond to periods of high demand, particularly during Tobago’s festival calendar, with emphasis on the Tobago Carnival. Proposals included expanding vacation packages, introducing charter services and refining international schedules to better accommodate visitor traffic.

However, the airline stressed that any expansion must remain commercially viable.

Officials from the Division emphasised the need to balance operational realities with the needs of residents, many of whom depend on the airbridge for access to essential services.

The meeting also explored future opportunities, including a potential direct route between Tobago and Toronto under a proposed memorandum of understanding. The initiative is being considered as a way to tap into a high-value market while strengthening ties with the Caribbean diaspora.

Hackett underscored the importance of reliable air connectivity to Tobago’s development.

“Tobago’s development is inextricably linked to the strength and reliability of its airlift. As we explore new opportunities for expansion, we must be equally deliberate in addressing the longstanding issues affecting the domestic airbridge. Our priority is to ensure that Tobagonians are not disadvantaged, even as we work collaboratively with our partners to navigate the financial and operational realities of the industry,” she said.

Ramai said the airline remains committed to working with national stakeholders to improve connectivity while maintaining operational sustainability.

She added that Caribbean Airlines will continue to align capacity with demand while supporting Tobago’s growth.

Both sides described the discussions as productive and agreed to continue technical engagements, with a focus on data-driven collaboration aimed at delivering tangible improvements for residents and the wider economy.