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 ministers, dignitaries and industry stakeholders. Currently, Liat 20, BMN Air (SVG), Calvin Air and private jets via the PLH FBO are listed for travel into the new airport.
“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 Colin C. James, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO.
Stayover tourism arrivals in Antigua and Barbuda are reported to have grown at a rate of +17% in the first eight months of 2024, during which the destination welcomed 229,225 visitors. This marks a +13% growth on arrivals over the same period in 2019, the best year for tourism arrivals.
The government of Antigua and Barbuda has further expansion plans for the Barbuda International Airport, which is located 10 minutes from Codrington village.
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 Charles Fernandez; H.E. Lady Sandra Williams and Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda Rodney Williams; Minister for Housing, Lands, and Urban Renewal Maria Browne; Prime Minister Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs Chet Greene; and Former Barbudan MP Arthur Nibbs.
