Barbuda Officially Opens New International Airport

08.10.2024 - 18:49 / travelpulse.com / Noreen Kompanik

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