POINTE a PITRE:---:--- The Caribbean aviation landscape faces a critical turning point as Air Antilles, a key regional carrier, enters a decisive phase in its fight for survival. Following months of operational paralysis and mounting financial pressure, the airline's future now rests in the hands of the Commercial Court of Pointe-à-Pitre.
With operations grounded and 114 employees facing uncertainty, the stakes could not be higher.
A Timeline of Turbulence
The trouble began in earnest on December 8, 2025. Following an audit by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) that highlighted safety management dysfunctions, the airline’s Air Transport Certificate was suspended. This regulatory grounding halted all flights and imposed an immediate ban on ticket sales.
For an airline, being grounded is catastrophic. Without revenue flowing in, fixed costs quickly erode cash reserves. By late January 2026, the financial strain had become insurmountable.
The Decision to File for Insolvency
Faced with the inability to meet financial obligations, Louis Mussington, President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin and representative of the public shareholder, made the difficult decision to file for insolvency (cessation of payments).
In a solemn internal letter addressed to the staff, Mussington expressed "deep regret" over the move. He was careful to separate the company's financial failure from the efforts of its workforce.
"I fully measure the anxiety and questions that this announcement will arouse," Mussington wrote to the employees. "I want to assure you that this decision does not in any way call into question the value of your work, your involvement, or your attachment to Air Antilles. You have carried this company with seriousness and dignity to the end."
The Legal Process: Reorganization vs. Liquidation
On January 22, 2026, the airline's management and employee representatives appeared before the Commercial Court of Pointe-à-Pitre. The court has taken the matter under advisement and is scheduled to deliver its verdict on February 2, 2026.
The court essentially has two paths forward:
- Judicial Reorganization (Redressement Judiciaire): This is the preferred outcome for the shareholders. It would allow the company to restructure its debts and operations under court supervision, potentially saving jobs and preserving the airline.
- Liquidation: If the court deems the business unviable, it could order the liquidation of assets, effectively ending the airline's existence.
Adding pressure to this timeline is the expiration of the company's provisional operating license on January 31, 2026. Failure to renew this license would likely lead to a shutdown, regardless of the court's financial ruling.
The Human and Economic Toll
Beyond the legal proceedings, the human impact is significant. The 114 employees of Air Antilles have been living in limbo since the grounding in December. The psychological toll was acknowledged by union representatives, including Brieuc Hardy of the National Union of Airline Pilots, who attended the court hearing.
Public Investment at Risk
The crisis also poses a significant risk of public funds being lost. The Collectivity of Saint-Martin has invested heavily in the carrier since its previous takeover in late 2023.
- Total Investment: Approximately €19-€20 million in public money has been injected into the airline.
- Strategic Importance: Air Antilles is not just a business; it is a vital connectivity tool for the region, serving Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.
Despite the recent struggles, the airline demonstrated its market demand in 2025. Before the grounding, it transported over 121,000 passengers and generated roughly €18 million in revenue. These figures suggest that the business model has potential if the regulatory and management issues can be resolved.
A Glimmer of Hope?
While the situation is dire, there remains a path to survival. Reports indicate that a consortium of investors is finalizing a takeover offer. This proposal is expected to be presented to the Commercial Court as part of the argument for judicial reorganization rather than liquidation.
For the shareholders, particularly the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, reorganization is the only way to safeguard the millions already invested. Louis Mussington remains hopeful that the court will see the viability of a restructured airline.
Conclusion
The fate of Air Antilles will be decided on February 2. The decision will determine whether a vital regional link can be restored or if the Caribbean will lose a major player in its aviation network. For the employees, passengers, and public investors, the coming days will be filled with anxious anticipation.