St. John’s- To improve international connectivity and stimulate economic growth, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced an ambitious $15 million expansion project for Barbuda’s Burton–Nibbs International Airport, which is all set to commence this year.
The project will include runway expansion of the International Airport to 1000 feet and construction of a modern terminal which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for the travelers arriving and leaving Antigua and Barbuda.
Project details
Under this ambitious plan, which has been chalked out by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, the existing 6100-foot runway at the Burton–Nibbs International Airport will be expanded to 1000 feet. This will enable the International Airport to accommodate larger aircrafts that will aid in increasing the number of travellers arriving or leaving the twin island nation.
Besides, the latest state-of-the-art terminal will also be constructed, which will provide improved facilities to travelers and will enhance their experience. The government of Antigua and Barbuda is expecting a steep rise in the number of tourists arriving in the twin-island nation, for which it was crucial to have a new terminal constructed at the Burton–Nibbs International Airport.
Commencement and Completion
The project, which is expected to commence later this year, is likely to be completed in a span of 2 years. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has been working for a long time to position the island nation as one of the premium luxury destinations for tourists from across the globe.
The main idea behind this strategy is to promote the tourism sector of the twin islands, which can result in economic stabilization and growth of Antigua and Barbuda.
Digging into the past
Last year, the government constructed Burton–Nibbs International Airport,, which was a replacement for the Codrington Airport, which has been left inspirational after being badly damaged by a hurricane in 2017.
The airport was formally inaugurated on October 3, 2024, with various new facilities to enhance the travelers’ experience. This upgrade of the airport had been executed at a cost of $55 million, under which the 6100-foot runway had been constructed and equipped with LED lighting.
The Codrington Airport had suffered much damage due to Hurricane Irma which had struck the region in the year 2017.
Due to the widespread damage at the airport, it had been rendered inoperative. To overcome the challenges posed by the devastation caused at the Codrington Airport, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda decided to come up with the Burton–Nibbs International Airport.
Promoting tourism stimulates economic growth
The government of Antigua and Barbuda is hopeful that the new airport, which is now being further expanded, will provide a much-needed boost to the tourism sector of the nation. The government stated that the expanded runway at Burton–Nibbs International Airport will be able to accommodate larger aircraft, which will enable Antigua and Barbuda to receive direct flights from across the globe.
This will promote Antigua and Barbuda as a luxury destination for tourists. As the number of tourists increases, so will the economic growth of Antigua and Barbuda.
Besides, the government has also announced a $165 million renovation plan for V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua. This project is also expected to support the government’s efforts to create more economic opportunities for the local citizens and stabilize the local economy.
