Air Antilles announced on 9 December that the Direction de la Sécurité de l'Aviation Civile (DSAC) had informed it of its decision to temporarily suspend its Certificat de Transport Aérien (CTA). The measure took effect at midnight. The company asserts that the safety of its operations has never been compromised and promises a rapid return to flight operations.
This administrative measure nevertheless follows an audit conducted from 2 to 4 December 2025. The inspectors noted shortcomings in certain documentary and organisational aspects, without identifying any immediate risks to aviation safety.
The airline serves the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, its main base. The Air Antilles fleet comprises 4 propeller aircraft, including 2 ATR 72s with a capacity of 72 passengers; 1 ATR 42 with a capacity of 48 passengers; 1 De Havilland Canada DHC 6 Twin Otter with a capacity of 19 passengers.
Throughout the suspension, Air Antilles says it has put in place the necessary regulatory measures to assist passengers affected. The company reaffirms that its safety standards remain intact and that its teams are mobilised to guarantee a "rapid and sustainable" resumption of operations.
A company supported by the Collectivité de Saint-Martin
Air Antilles points out that, several weeks ago, it embarked on an in-depth restructuring designed to strengthen its governance, compliance and operational efficiency. According to management, this project was already underway before the audit and is designed to respond "in a structured and determined manner" to the expectations of the DSAC. The company says it wants to build a more reactive, solid and performance-oriented management to serve the territories of the French West Indies.
As a majority shareholder, the Collectivité de Saint-Martin nevertheless confirms its continued support for the company's recovery plan. The suspension of the CTA does not call into question the investments made, nor the reconstruction strategy, considered essential to ensure territorial continuity in the region. Speaking to Guadeloupe La Première, Louis Mussington, President of the territorial collectivity of Saint-Martin, said: " I have been told that a corrective action plan has been put in place, and this action plan has been sent to the DGAC in Paris for verification and to ensure that everything is now being done in accordance with the regulations in force." .
Air Antilles is therefore committed to rapidly implementing the corrective measures requested.
