Government to Resurface V.C. Bird Airport Runway Amid Structural Concerns
The government has announced plans to resurface the runway at V.C. Bird International Airport following concerns about structural wear. Preliminary patchwork is set to begin soon, with a full resurfacing project expected to cost over $90 million.
Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst said during the post-cabinet media briefing that while temporary repairs will address immediate issues, the government is reviewing bids from construction firms for a long-term solution.
“The first step will be to fill the potholes and address uneven surfaces,” Hurst said.
“A complete resurfacing will require significant investment, and we must ensure that the selected contractor has the expertise to carry out the work effectively.”
Authorities are working to minimize disruptions to airport operations during the repairs.
Hurst confirmed that a full resurfacing project will only proceed once funding is secured, noting that resurfacing an active runway requires careful planning to avoid impacting flight schedules.
V.C. Bird International Airport serves as a critical hub for regional and international travel.
Officials have emphasized the importance of maintaining high safety standards, particularly as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to host major events, including the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup.
A timeline for the full resurfacing will be announced once a contractor is selected.
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Great to see investments in airport infrastructure, this will for sure boost tourism and safety.
Hopefully, the resurfacing is done with minimal disruption to flights and completed on schedule.
Airports are generally resurfaced at night, when the the airport closes. Flights may need to be rescheduled so works can be undertaken 9pm-6am or similar. Delays will come down to the local quarries being able to supply the correct mix, and correct bitumen deliveries, assuming the contractor has sufficient machines (with backups) and spares.
What ever happened to this being started before 2024 ended, as was publicized?
It is a about time…..landing at VC Bird is like driving on All Saints Road…..terrible!
Let me predict which company will “win” the bid. That will be C.O. Williams once again. That’s the same company that has been “winning” all the major bids for all the road work here. Not only our roads but now the tarmac will also now have potholes within months of being overhauled.
Instead of doing it right the 1st time, they do a half assed job “saving our tax dollars” then have to repair everything down the line again. In the long run, they make more money off our tax dollars. While those in charge of the bidding war are getting slipped encouragement monies under the table.
This is Antigua for you.
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