OLD TERMINAL could be fully operational by next January

By Aabigayle McIntosh

An airline out of the Middle East is looking to partner with the government of Antigua and Barbuda to retrofit the old V. C Bird International Airport Terminal Building. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez made the disclosure in a state media interview. The hope is for the structure to be fully operational by January 2025

“They are looking to perhaps partnering with us to take that over because they want to bring their own carrier in. That’s something we’re in early discussions with and that’s something we’d like to happen as early as next year, ”he said.

He also spoke about another development as it relates to the civil aviation front as he welcomes the return of weekly flights by German carrier Condor. “That’s very important. It’s an additional opening for us in terms of Europe. We’re hoping that that will allow for us to add other gateways through Germany coming to Antigua.”

Fernandez also highlighted developments within the tourism sector which has recorded several success this past year including record arrivals in both air and seas. “Cruise lines are going to pass 800, just under 900,000. The air arrivals should be between 325, 350, around a thousand.

“The big boat show first week of December is totally sold out. We have yachts, mega yachts want to come and they can’t…there’s no berth in space for them”, he said.