A NEW international airport has opened on a lesser-visited Caribbean island famous for its pink sand beaches. Barbuda, one of the two major islands that form Antigua and Barbuda , has opened a brand-new $14million (£10.8million) international airport.
The new airport opened earlier this month in a bid to improve the island's "connectivity, tourism and economic growth". Barbuda International Airport (airport code BBQ) has a 6,100-foot runway, up from 1,640-foot at the island's previous airport, which can accommodate larger aircraft like private jets . Its new runway has an LED lighting system, allowing for regular night landings, as well as ample space for multiple private jets.
The new airport welcomed its first international flight, which landed on the runway yesterday (October 27). Read More on Airports According to WIC news , private aircraft originated from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey. For the foreseeable future , Barbuda International Airport will only accommodate private flights.
While no commercial routes are currently in operation, given the island's push for tourism airline routes could become part of its offering. Considering the private jet flight from New Jersey , commercial flights to and from the US are likely to be first, with UK holidaymakers having to wait longer for a service. Most read in News Travel The news comes after Antigua and Barbuda reported a 17 per cent uptick in tourist numbers in the first eight months of 2024, welcoming 229,225 visitors.
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