Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority Reports Swift Operational Recovery After Tropical Storm Jerry

Just hours after Tropical Storm Jerry lashed Antigua and Barbuda with torrential rain and strong winds early Friday morning, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) confirmed that both V. C. Bird International Airport (VCBIA) and Barbuda International Airport (BIA) have resumed normal operations.

The main airport in Antigua reopened at approximately 11:00 a.m., while flights at the Barbuda International Airport resumed around 12:00 p.m. following post-storm safety and infrastructure inspections.

According to the ABAA, despite the storm’s passage and the heavy rainfall it brought, both airports were able to recover operations in record time — a testament to the resilience of their modern infrastructure and dedicated staff.

Officials reported that the Barbuda International Airport experienced temporary roadway and runway flooding ranging between 6 to 12 inches at the storm’s peak. However, the water receded quickly, allowing for a speedy reopening.

The ABAA credited this swift recovery to improved drainage systems and the team’s rapid response, which ensured that safety assessments were conducted efficiently before service resumed.

At the V. C. Bird International Airport, operations resumed smoothly, with the airport’s modern terminal, taxiways, and runway infrastructure emerging completely unscathed from the storm.

However, the decommissioned 40-year-old terminal building, which is currently being repurposed for administrative offices, did suffer some minor water damage.

Investigations revealed that clogged drainage pipes — blocked by debris accumulated over four decades and compounded by dust from recent roof repairs — were unable to handle the intense downpour.

The ABAA stated that pressure-flushing of the old drains has already been completed, and additional preventative measures are being reviewed to ensure future resilience as renovation works continue on the old structure.

Minimal Flight Disruptions

Despite the adverse weather, flight disruptions at the V. C. Bird International Airport were minimal. Only one of three daily North American flights was cancelled, while most other cancellations involved domestic and regional connections, affected by the storm’s broader regional impact.

Passengers commended the airport staff for their professionalism and calm handling of delays. One traveller, Mr. Rendford Laville, who was awaiting a delayed flight to Tortola, praised the customer service he received:

“I was comforted and I recognized that even with a weather delay, the agents here in Antigua were doing all that they could. I appreciated that,” Laville said.

The ABAA has reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, operational excellence, and service continuity, even under challenging weather conditions.

“Our teams worked swiftly to restore operations, ensuring that both airports could safely welcome passengers again in the shortest possible time,” an ABAA spokesperson said.

As the hurricane season continues, the Authority emphasized that it remains vigilant and prepared for any future weather-related challenges ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda’s air gateways remain open, secure, and efficient for travellers and airlines alike.