In a historic occasion for the twin-island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda, the Barbuda International Airport was officially opened on October 3, 2024, signalling the start of a new chapter for Barbuda’s connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.
Barbuda’s new airport now allows for direct connections to global destinations and offers an enhanced travel experience for visitors and residents into the island.
The $US14M Barbuda International Airport boasts a 6,100-foot runway, significantly longer (than the1,640 feet runway at Codrington Airport) and twice as wide as the old Codrington Airport, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft, including private jets and planes such as the Embraer E-170. Equipped with a full LED runway lighting system, the airport now allows for regular night landings. A 600-foot parking apron can host multiple private jets, enhancing Barbuda’s appeal as a luxury destination. Additionally, a modern Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal developed by PLH (Peace, Love and Happiness) will cater to high-end travellers seeking Barbuda’s beaches, serenity, nature and exclusive experiences.
“This new Barbuda International Airport is a shining testament to the visionary leadership of our government”, said Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation, The Honourable Charles Fernandez. “We have taken bold steps to modernize this island, ensuring that its air links are second to none in this region so that Barbuda can also take advantage of the remarkable growth in our country’s tourism that we have seen this year.”
Stay-over tourism air arrivals in Antigua and Barbuda are reported to have grown at a rate of +17% in the first 8 months of 2024 where the destination welcomed 229,225 visitors. This is a +13% growth on arrivals at the same time in 2019, the best year for tourism arrivals.
The opening of the Barbuda International Airport is a major milestone in the government’s vision to position Barbuda as a premier luxury destination. It reflects Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, The Hon. Gaston Browne’s commitment to transforming Barbuda into one of the most prosperous and flourishing sustainable island communities in the Caribbean and beyond.
“An international airport is a game changer for Barbuda, as we look to attracting the luxury traveller and private jet owners from around the world to Barbuda and showcasing the island’s beauty, pink sand beaches, eco-experiences, wellness attributes and culture to all our visitors”, said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO, Colin C. James.
In additional exciting news, Minister Fernandez announced that, “for the first time ever, Barbuda will see 23 luxury cruise ship calls bringing 5,039 cruise passengers to this beautiful island for the upcoming winter cruise season.”
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister, The Hon. Gaston Browne, Tourism Minister, Charles Fernandez, and other government ministers, dignitaries and industry stakeholders celebrated the official opening of the airport. Currently, Liat 20, BMN Air (SVG), Calvin Air, and private jets via the PLH FBO are listed for travel into the new airport.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced further expansion plans for the Barbuda International Airport, which is located a 10-minute drive from Codrington village.
Photo Caption: Pictured during the ribbon-cutting for the BIA are: Chairman of the Board for the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Rolston Potter, Project President PLH Justin Wilshaw, Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority CEO Wendy Francette-Williams, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment The Hon. Charles Fernandez, H.E. Lady Sandra Williams and Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda H.E. Sir Rodney Williams, Minister for Housing, Lands, and Urban Renewal The Hon. Maria Browne, Prime Minister Antigua and Barbuda The Hon. Gaston Browne, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs The Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, and Former Barbudan MP Arthur Nibbs, whose contributions to the development of Barbuda will be recognised in the naming of the new Barbuda International Airport.
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Hats off to all the stake holders, especially the PM Gaston Browne. One feature of the ceremony was the presence of the Hon Ascot Michael, he demonstrate a true patriot and put aside the petty politics displayed by some members on the other side. Wonder if they will boycott the next general election. Food for thought.