Old Airport Terminal to open for Homeporting Season
Work is actively being carried out at the Old Terminal of VC Bird International Airport as it undergoes renovations to prepare for the anticipated surge of passengers this homeporting season.
According to Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez, the terminal is expected to be ready for operation later this year.
In a recent address to state media, Fernandez provided an update on the project’s progress.
“Everything is being put in place to ensure that everything is ready for the upcoming season. Currently, work is ongoing on the roof. Unfortunately, rain has caused some delays; however, the latest report indicates that the roof has been sealed, and workers are now applying the topcoat,” he stated.
Fernandez noted that while the exterior work on the roof is nearing completion, interior improvements cannot commence until the roof work is finalized.
“This should be completed by the end of this week, and then, of course, there’s work to be done on the interior, but you can’t do that until you complete the roof,” he explained.
The introduction of home porting allows travelers to both start and conclude their cruises in Antigua, a significant boon for the local economy.
This arrangement often encourages visitors to extend their stay, leading them to enjoy local accommodations, transportation, dining, and other services before or after their cruises.
Last season, Antigua and Barbuda welcomed 20,000 turnaround passengers, a remarkable increase from just 6,000 passengers three years ago, highlighting the growing appeal of the islands as a cruise hub. With the Old Terminal nearing completion, the region is poised to capitalize on this upward trend in tourism.
The best tourism minister this country has ever had but it’s time to retire.
Yes indeed, i honestly do believe so too. He had been doing a great job since given this post.
Antigua and barbuda boast of the best airport in the whole Caribbean. That’s a fact
It is indeed a beautiful airport, one that gives me a sense of pride each time I return.
However, one glaring problem is that after 3.30 pm, you cannot even buy water as l discovered just last week. On enquiring l was told that because of the cost of renting a booth , Big banana could not afford to stay open any later on the ground floor.
This is a tropical country and to think how far this airport has come, this excuse is unbelievable.
Okay, I will use the vending machine, no, not working. I queried this with the information desk, I was told in a very patronising voice, ‘ don’t worry mam, just check in and then you can go upstairs.
My desk wasn’t open as yet. I had gotten a ride from a kind person so had arrived very early.
I was hot, and very frustrated by the ‘ pat on the head’s reply. I then spoke to a very efficient young lady from the airport authority who listened to my tirade with empathy. She didn’t talk down to me, was extremely professional. I felt so much better afterwards I wanted to give her a hug.A real credit to the airport.
My question, when is the airport going to have refreshment facilities available for people using the lovely new airport that’s been lauded about???.
Fingers crossed that something will be available by my return later in the year.
At the old airport, there were a couple of small cafes outside.
I will bring water with me in future, however I still think we should have an airport facility as well.