The new Barbuda International Airport was officially opened
on October 3, 2024 signaling the start of a new chapter for the country’s
connectivity, tourism
and economic growth, solidifying the twin-island paradise of Antigua and
Barbuda as a premier luxury destination.
The $US14M airport boasts a 6,100-foot runway, significantly
longer than the 1,640 feet runway at Codrington Airport and twice as wide as
the old Codrington Airport. This enables larger aircraft, including private
jets and planes such as the Embraer E-170 to land at the airfield.
Equipped with a full LED runway lighting system, the airport
now allows for regular night landings and a 600-foot parking apron can host
multiple private jets. Additionally, a modern Fixed Base Operator (FBO)
terminal developed by PLH (Peace, Love and Happiness) will cater to high-end
travelers seeking Barbuda’s beaches, serenity, nature and exclusive
experiences.
Currently, Liat 20, BMN Air (SVG), Calvin Air and private
jets via the PLH FBO are listed for travel into the new airport.
“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.
He added, “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 percent in the first eight months of
2024 where the destination welcomed almost 230,000 visitors. This represents a 13
percent growth on arrivals at the same time in 2019, the best year for tourism
arrivals.
The opening of the Barbuda International Airport 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 traveler 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.
Minister Fernandez also 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.”
The official opening of the airport was celebrated at the
ribbon-cutting ceremony that included the 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.
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