VCBIA’s Terminal B Set to Support Homeporting Initiative

The VC Bird International Airport’s Old Terminal Building, now known as Terminal B, is poised to play a significant role in Antigua and Barbuda’s growing homeporting venture.

As the government gears up for the 2025-26 cruise season, extensive renovations are underway to transform this facility into a hub for passengers arriving on charter flights.

Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez announced that repair and upgrade work is currently in progress. The work aims to repurpose Terminal B, which has remained largely unused for passenger movements since the opening of the new Terminal A nearly a decade ago.

Minister Fernandez emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “They are working feverishly on the Old Terminal because this is where we will be moving passengers who arrive here aboard charters to begin their cruises as part of homeporting.”

The minister also provided updates on the renovations, noting that the roof work is expected to be completed by the end of this week.

Renovation of the terminal’s interior will begin immediately afterward to ensure readiness for the upcoming cruise season, which kicks off in October.
Last season, over 20,000 passengers began their cruises from Antigua and Barbuda after arriving via air charters as part of the homeporting initiative for the 2024-25 season.

According to projections from the Antigua Cruise Port, this number is expected to rise further, reflecting the destination’s increasing popularity among cruise travelers.

With these developments, Antigua and Barbuda is positioning themselves to enhance their appeal in the cruise market, paving the way for a booming tourism sector in the coming years.