British Airways adds spring flights to Antigua: daily Gatwick service now runs into April 2027

If you've been putting off a Caribbean spring break because the flight schedule shrinks after winter, this one's for you. British Airways has confirmed it will keep its daily London Gatwick to Antigua service running through April 2027, rather than tapering off as usual. That's more than 3,000 extra seats on the route, aimed squarely at the growing number of Brits heading to Antigua and Barbuda outside the traditional peak.

The numbers back the move up. Between January and August 2026, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 53,439 stay-over visitors from the UK — up 11.2% on the same stretch the year before. The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority says daily service through spring reinforces the island's role as a Caribbean gateway and spreads the tourism benefit across the wider economy.

For travellers, the practical upside is choice. A daily flight in April means you can plan a spring escape without awkward connections or tight date windows — useful for a short-haul-of-sorts getaway from Gatwick that lands you on a beach in under nine hours. It also lines up neatly with Antigua Sailing Week, which runs from 21–25 April 2027 and is one of the Caribbean's biggest regattas, drawing crews and spectators from around the world.

Beyond sailing, the destination has been working to sell itself as more than a beach stop — its events calendar spans food, culture, heritage and sport across the year. And if you're travelling outside the extended window, note that BA drops to five flights per week from May through the end of October, so shoulder-season trips are still very doable.

Who does this suit best? Couples and families wanting a guaranteed spring sun fix, sailing fans targeting Sailing Week, and anyone who prefers booking a direct flight over island-hopping connections. With the extra capacity, it's worth watching fares — more seats in spring often means better availability and occasional deals on a route that's traditionally priced for peak winter demand. Expect the April flights to appear in BA's booking system alongside the existing winter schedule.