(L-R) V.C Bird International Airport and Burton-Nibbs International Airport
Long-term plans are being set in motion to shape the future of air travel into and out of Antigua and Barbuda, with approval granted for the development of new Airport Master Plans for the country’s two main airports.
The approval was granted by the Cabinet on Wednesday.
According to Maurice Merchant, the Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has now been cleared to move forward with a selective tendering process to engage experienced consultants to design comprehensive Master Plans for V. C. Bird International Airport and the Barbuda International Airport.
Press Secretary Maurice Merchant (Photo by state media)
The move comes amid sustained growth in passenger numbers, air cargo activity, and expanded infrastructure, including the construction of a new terminal at V. C. Bird International Airport and the commissioning of the Barbuda International Airport.
The last Master Plan for V. C. Bird International Airport was completed in 2005 and has not been revisited since, despite these significant changes.
The new Master Planning exercise is expected to provide a clear roadmap for orderly expansion, modernisation, and sustainable development. It will include stakeholder consultations, assessments of existing facilities and infrastructure, aviation demand forecasting, environmental considerations, evaluation of development options, preparation of airport layout plans, and the creation of phased implementation strategies.
As part of the process, the ABAA will seek approval from the Procurement Board before issuing Requests for Proposals locally and internationally. Outreach will also be conducted through the Airports Council International (ACI) network to attract reputable and qualified aviation planning firms.
The initiative reflects a broader focus on strengthening national aviation infrastructure as a foundation for economic growth, tourism expansion, and improved international connectivity, positioning Antigua and Barbuda to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving global aviation landscape.
This is like chuck and cheese. Fix it please> If we want Barbuda to be on par with Antigua then they need the same level of development