International airport commissioned in Barbuda
Published:Wednesday | October 9, 2024 | 12:08 AM
Barbuda now has an international airport that tourism officials say signals the start of a new chapter for its tourism and economic growth.
The airport, which cost US$14 million to develop, was officially opened last Thursday.
“This new Barbuda International Airport is a shining testament to the visionary leadership of our government,” said Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation Minister for Antigua & Barbuda, Charles Fernandez. “We have taken bold steps to modernise 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,” he said.
The airport now allows for direct connection by international travellers to and from Barbuda.
Barbuda International Airport, BIA, has a 6,100-foot runway, four times the length of the 1,640-foot runway at the Barbuda Codrington Airport, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft, including private jets and planes such as the Embraer E-170.
It is equipped with a full LED runway lighting system allowing for regular night landings with a 600-foot parking apron that can host multiple private jets.
The airport also sports a fixed base operator terminal, which is a luxury facility that caters to high-end travellers.
“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 CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin James.
Stopover tourists to Antigua and Barbuda increased at a rate of 17 per cent in the first eight months of this year, with the country welcoming 229,225 visitors.
In addition, Fernandez said: “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.”
CMC