JOHN’S, ANTIGUA — The twin-island destination of Antigua and Barbuda has ushered in a new era of air travel with the opening of the Barbuda International Airport (BIA) on Oct. 3. With the US$14 million airport, Barbuda now offers direct connections to global destinations, signalling a new chapter for the island’s connectivity, tourism and economic growth.
It boasts a 6,100 runway, significantly longer 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. Plus, with a full LED runway lighting system, the airport now allows for regular night landings. A 600-foot parking apron can also host multiple private jets, while a modern Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal will also cater to high-end travellers.
“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, 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.” The opening of the new airport was commemorated with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Fernandez, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, and other government minist.
