The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has formally taken over Barbuda’s new international airport. The keys were recently delivered to Rex Daly, the Operations Manager of the Authority, by Justin Wilshaw, the Managing Director of developer Peace, Love and Happiness.
The handover of the airport has become a milestone achievement in the transformation of the island’s infrastructure. The new international airport has become the Government’s most important investment for economic growth in the tourism sector in recent years.
The official opening ceromany of the facility will take place the next morning on October 4th, 2024. This advancement will reflect a modern period of flight services between both the sister islands.
The Airport Authority and its team have been working on the ground all day to complete the tasks before the grand event and historic occasion.
The Government wants to provide two gateways to the people of the twin nations so that they can commute freely to different parts of the world.
Additionally, Justin Wilshaw also mentioned that PLH is committed to supporting local communities through training and education initiatives.
This will be the country’s second international airport, joining the VC Bird International Airport in St. John’s. The project has undergone many new changes, like the construction of a 7,100-foot runway.
The Government has invested over US$14 million in the development of the airport. The changes in the airport include ongoing training programs for fire service personnel, airport staff, and other key personnel.
The airport is named after the two of the most important political figures in the history of Antigua & Barbuda, Burton, and Nibbs.
The new international airport will also connect to wider Caribbean regions, supporting people who want to travel and connect with areas easily. It will provide access to medical services, education, and employment opportunities and bring mobility to the people of Barbuda.
The remoteness of the island has made it difficult to access during natural disasters or medical emergencies, and these developments will improve mobility.
Additionally, the Barbuda International Airport will now be able to attract investors and developers. The flights will give rise to new trade opportunities and enhance support for sectors such as fishing and agriculture by facilitating easy access to export routes. This will be a game changer for the trade sector in Barbuda.
