Consultants are on island at this time, assessing the expansion of the airport on Barbuda.
Cabinet Spokesperson Maurice Merchant shared the news during the Post- Cabinet Press briefing on Thursday morning.
“As you know, it’s part of the overall plan there to expand the runway, the parking area and so forth and so some consultants are currently on island to look at the expansion of the Barbuda airport and also to prepare for the tendering process to facilitate this expansion of the Barbuda airport.”
“The runway will be looked at. Fifteen $15 million was approved by the government this year for the extension of the runway by approximately 2,000 feet and so, the consultants are looking, and this will bring the length of the runway to about 8,000 feet. Very soon Barbuda will see American Airlines and other large-bodied aircraft landing there, bringing untold economic benefits to Barbuda,” Merchant stated.
Barbuda International Airport (BIA) officially opened on Oct. 3, 2024, marking a significant milestone for the island’s transportation infrastructure and tourism potential.
The new $14 million facility replaces the old Codrington Airport and offers enhanced capabilities for international travel.
On 12 September 2024, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda announced that the airport would be named after Eric Burton and Arthur Nibbs.
The name was chosen due to Burton and Nibbs’ stance in favor of a unitary Antigua and Barbuda, and due to Nibbs’ stance against the Barbuda Land Acts.
Burton’s family has requested his name be removed from the facility.
Good to see Barbuda finally getting some real investment. An 8,000-foot runway will definitely change the game for tourism.
American Airlines landing in Barbuda? That could really open up the island, but I hope the community actually benefits and not just developers.
Im happy to see that the government hasn’t forgotten the Burton Nibbs international airport.
Exciting times! A bigger airport could boost tourism and create jobs for Barbuda.