Operations Manager of the Airport Authority Rex Daly is sharing more details on the operation of the new Barbuda International Airport especially about the absence of a control tower.

He said, “We don’t have a control tower at this facility, but Antigua’s tower covers the airspace above 2,000 feet, which extends 10 nautical miles from the center of our runway. The area below that is considered uncontrolled, or Class G airspace”.

Pilots will use a universal communication system, called UNICOM, to self-announce their movements when approaching, landing, or taking off.

“Once in the airspace, pilots will communicate by stating their intentions, for example: ‘Bravo Killer 1-2-3, Barbuda traffic, this is Bravo Killer 1-2-3.’ They will continue these announcements until they land and exit the runway,” the manager explained.

Afterward, the operations office will notify the VC Bird control tower in Antigua of the aircraft’s status.

The development of the airport will take place in three phases, with the control tower and terminal planned for the next phase.

“We’re currently in phase one. The next phase will include the terminal and the tower. Finalizing our master plan is crucial to moving forward,” the manager added.

The newly inaugurated Barbuda International Airport marks a significant milestone in the Twin Island Nation’s aviation infrastructure, providing a new gateway for the sister island.

The first phase of the project, costing approximately 50 million EC dollars, offers a state-of-the-art facility equipped with modern technology. However, the airport currently operates without an air traffic control tower.

Officials have praised the smooth operations so far, crediting the hard work and meticulous planning that have gone into establishing the facility.

As development continues, the Barbuda International Airport is expected to enhance technological advancements and further open up opportunities for the island’s growth.