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A major US\$50–60 million resurfacing project at V.C. Bird International Airport is set to commence in the coming weeks, with work scheduled exclusively at night to minimise disruption to airline operations.
The initiative, spanning an estimated two years, aims to restore the integrity and smoothness of the airport’s 11,000-foot runway, which serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s main aviation artery.
According to Chief of Staff Lionel Hurst, the decision to undertake the comprehensive overhaul follows mounting concerns about surface wear and minor structural degradation caused by years of high-volume air traffic, including large commercial aircraft.
“If you’ve taken off recently, especially on a wide-body aircraft, you might notice a rumbling that sounds as though the plane is hitting fissures. That’s not how it should be.
The runway ought to be as smooth as it was when it was first constructed,” Hurst stated at the post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
The planned resurfacing will involve the excavation and replacement of large sections of the asphalt surface.
New heavy-duty resurfacing equipment will be brought in for the task and housed in specially constructed on-site sheds, designed to meet high construction standards and protect machinery from environmental damage.
While Hurst acknowledged that the runway remains safe for use, he said the works are necessary to prevent further deterioration.
“Safety is always a factor, but the primary reason for the project is to ensure that the infrastructure continues to meet international standards and provides a first-class experience for both passengers and airlines.”
The work is scheduled to take place between late evening and early morning hours to avoid conflicts with the airport’s daily schedule, which sees steady inbound and outbound commercial flights and growing private jet activity.
The resurfacing project forms part of a broader investment strategy in Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation infrastructure as the country looks to expand its tourism footprint and enhance its role as a regional transport hub.
The government has not indicated whether external financing or public-private partnerships will be involved in funding the resurfacing.
The announcement comes as Antigua and Barbuda continues to position itself for a busy summer travel season, with cruise arrivals also expected to surpass one million for the first time in a calendar year.
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I think doing it at night will minimize the disruption to travelers. Hopefully, it doesn’t cause too much noise.
I wonder how long the resurfacing will take.
Will the airport be completely shut down at night?
As long as it doesn’t impact my flight times.