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New international airport for Antigua and Barbuda

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In a historic occasion for the twin-islands of Antigua and Barbuda,  Barbuda International Airport has officially opened, signalling the start of a new chapter for Barbuda’s connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.

Barbuda’s new airport now allows for direct connections to global destinations and offers an enhanced travel experience for visitors and residents into the island.

The $14 million Barbuda International Airport boasts a 6,100-foot runway enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft, including private jets and planes such as the Embraer E-170.

Equipped with a full LED runway lighting system, the airport now allows for regular night landings. A 600-foot parking apron can host multiple private jets, a fact its developers believe will enhance Barbuda’s appeal as a luxury destination.

Additionally, a modern Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal developed by PLH (Peace, Love and Happiness) will cater to high-end travellers seeking Barbuda’s beaches, serenity, nature and exclusive experiences.

“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.

“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.”

Stay-over tourism air arrivals in Antigua and Barbuda are reported to have grown at a rate of +17% in the first eight months of 2024 where the destination welcomed 229,225 visitors.

This is a +13% growth on arrivals at the same time in 2019, the best year for tourism arrivals.

The opening of the Barbuda International Airport is a major milestone in the government’s vision to position Barbuda as a premier luxury destination.

It reflects Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, The Honourable 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 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”, enthused Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s CEO, Colin James.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced further expansion plans for the Barbuda International Airport, which is located a 10-minute drive from Codrington village, which used to be home to the island’s old airport that was only capable of accommodating small turboprops due to its 500 metres long runway.

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