Trinidad and Tobago is looking to expand air connectivity as part of efforts to strengthen its position as a regional gateway and increase the economic contribution of tourism.
The latest addition to the country’s aviation network is Contour Airlines, which has begun twice-weekly service between Trinidad and Dominica.
The airline’s inaugural flight from Dominica was welcomed at Piarco International Airport on Monday night with a traditional water salute.
Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour highlighted that more agreements are expected as Government seeks to further open the country’s aviation market.
“Since taking office last year, this Government has approved seven Air Service Agreements and, within the last 12 months, signed five, three within three days between September 21st and September 23rd of this year. What we have done is unprecedented and has never been done before. And just to give you an example, between 1964 and April of 2025, only 20 Air Service Agreements were signed in over 60 years. We did five in the last 12 months, and we’ll be signing more.”
Minister Zakour said the addition of another carrier is also an indication of growing interest in Trinidad and Tobago as an aviation destination.
“The arrival of another airline reflects growing confidence in Trinidad and Tobago as an aviation destination and reinforces our position as an important gateway within the Caribbean. For a region such as ours, aviation is not a luxury. It is essential.”
For the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, the increased connectivity is being viewed through the lens of economic growth.
Line Minister Satyakama Maharaj said the Government is targeting a greater contribution from tourism, with a focus on high-value segments.
“We’re going to achieve it. And to achieve 12% of GDP by 2030. Sleepless nights, with a projected value of 1.7 billion US dollars. To achieve this, we have defined six prioritised high-value tourism segments: business tourism, eco, entertainment and culture, sports, tertiary healthcare, and tertiary education, and yachting.”
Minister Maharaj said the impact of increased connectivity should be measured not only by the number of visitors arriving but also by the economic value they bring.
“Every seat filled represents potential economic impact for our country, for both of our countries. Connectivity drives value, and value drives growth. Our tourism focus goes beyond merely visitor arrivals; it’s on value per visitor.”
Contour Airlines will operate twice-weekly non-stop service between Douglas-Charles Airport in Dominica and Piarco International Airport, with one-stop, same-plane connections to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.