Airfares Surge Nearly 16% in Antigua and Barbuda During August

Travelers flying to and from Antigua and Barbuda faced noticeably higher costs in August, as airfares recorded one of the sharpest monthly increases reflected in the country's latest inflation figures. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show that the cost of passenger air transportation climbed 15.8% between July and August, placing air travel among the most significant price increases recorded during the month. The jump in airfare also had a major impact on the wider transportation category. Transport services increased by 13.2% in August, with higher passenger air travel costs accounting for much of that movement. The increase came against the backdrop of a broader rise in the cost of living. Overall consumer prices moved 0.8% higher during August. Food prices showed a much smaller increase, rising 0.3% for the month after falling 0.8% in July. However, several food categories experienced considerably steeper price movements. Consumers paid 12.1% more for fish and seafood, while fruit prices increased by 4.5%. The cost of milk, cheese and eggs also rose, recording a 3.2% increase. Looking beyond the monthly changes, consumer prices in Antigua and Barbuda were 5.5% higher in August 2026 compared with August 2025. Non-food expenses accounted for much of the upward pressure recorded over the 12-month period. The latest figures were published in the August Consumer Price Index report by the National Bureau of Statistics under the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance.