Consultants are in Barbuda to evaluate plans for expanding the island’s international airport, according to Cabinet spokesperson Maurice Merchant.
Speaking at Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Mr Merchant said the project includes extending the runway by 2,000 feet at a cost of $15m, bringing its total length to about 8,000 feet.
“The consultants are preparing for the tendering process. Very soon Barbuda will see American Airlines and other large aircraft landing there, bringing economic benefits,” he said.
Barbuda International Airport, a $14m facility replacing the old Codrington Airport, opened on 3 October 2024. It was named after Eric Burton and Arthur Nibbs, though Mr Burton’s family has since asked for his name to be removed.
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Good to see Barbuda finally getting some real investment. An 8,000-foot runway will definitely change the game for tourism.
American Airlines landing in Barbuda? That could really open up the island, but I hope the community actually benefits and not just developers.
A grand idea if there were the infrastructure and attractions to accommodate large numbers of overnight visitors. The PLH project is for members only and NOBU will be a combination. Lots of those guests will be arriving via private jet. Sure, there is the Barbuda Cottages and a few small guest houses and ‘hotels’ but not enough to warrant an AA flight.
The facts are: there are limited accommodations and attractions in Barbuda (there only so many times you can go to the beach, and see the caves and the bird sanctuary), so why the focus on brining in large jet aircraft? I understand the concept of being prepared but it seems like the cart before the horse. Where is the plan to ensure that the infrastructure and attractions in being developed in tandem so that the grandiose plan of landing big AA jets on a near $30 million airport is not another folly.
BTW, can someone explain the math? The new Barbuda International Airport cost $14m and boasts a 6000 ft runway, however, Mr Merchant said the new project includes extending the runway by 2,000 feet at a cost of $15m. I note the word “includes” so what else is in this project? Enquiring minds want to know.
@ I Onanu,
The Gaston Browne Government is accustomed to putting feel good announcements.
Sometime the die in the vine while other get completed with numerous deficiencies.
When the Pariah referred to Senior Counsel mentioned achievement; notice he did not mention Barbuda airport.
The airport has a Privy Council ruling in Barbudans favour. The damages are yet to be determined.
On a simple straight forward case recently concerning The Lagoon area; the local judge said she had to study it further.
That means either the fix is in; she I will make a ruling after conferring.
“The emperor is naked…….”
Aren’t these the same wonderful spin-offs we were told would materialize when the brand new international airport was opened in grand style? For weeks after, the news cycles were buzzing with sweet words of Barbuda opened up…. American Airlines soon to start flights…. Economic boom and Barbuda is the place to be…. The billboards promising brand new terminal and tower comming soon….
The reality after nearly a year: No American Airlines. No economic boom. No new terminal or tower. LIAT struggling with empty seats, barely able to operate 2 days a week. And now we are being told it is going to take an expansion of the runway on the same brand new INTERNATIONAL Airport to make it possible for all those promises that did not happen, to finally come through.
Someone is taking the general public for fools! The sheep in ‘Animal Farm’. THE EMPEROR DOES NOT HAVE ON ANY CLOTHES and he is going about in public in broad daylight!!!
This is nothing but a land grab. A scheme to attract buyers of properties in this fictional luxury real-estate market. Prospective buyers are not stupid and the scheme is fizzling out. This is just an attempt to keep the wheels spinning on this out of control wreck, on its way to a fantabulous crash.
The BROWN PAPERBAG Cult Leader is tired and weary and defeated. He is enjoying his nice house in Royal Gardens, Antigua. Meanwhile his cult babies have no LEGAL documents to show land ownership. Watta ting! Keep them under wraps Chevvah. Keep them in subjection then serve the koolaid Jonestown style.
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