Burton-Nibbs International Airport to Focus on Daytime Operations for the Time Being

By Aabigayle McIntosh

The Barbuda International Airport, to be renamed Burton-Nibbs International, will be able to accommodate aircraft like those operated by LIAt 2020, ATRs, and ERJ 175, which can carry 76 passengers.

Those aircraft fly into the Commonwealth of Dominica or Jamaica’s Ian Flemming International in Ocho Rios.

Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Rolston “Polly” Potter shared those intimate details on Thursday during the official opening of the facility, which was preceded by a lavish ceremony attended by several dignitaries and other officials.

“We are able now here to accommodate along with those mentioned aircraft, a host of private and corporate jet traffic. Barbuda can now compete with other international destination inn commercial, private and commercial air traffic. This is a milestone achievement,” he said.

For now, the international airport will operate primarily during the day; however, lighting systems are in place to accommodate a nighttime operation if necessary.

“This airport can support night emergencies effectively providing relief and joy before daylight if and when it is needed. Significantly our local Barbudan staff have been trained and upgraded to international standards and they now command equal pay with what is equivalent to the staff at the VC Bird International Airport,” Potter said.

He also explained that Barbuda’s own Judith Harris will be promoted to management at the completion of her current training.

Potter said while the road was long and hard, it was yet rewarding as Barbuda now has its own gateway to the rest of the world.