“A game changer”: Barbuda modernizes with opening of int'l airport

Travellers have a new way to get to the latter half of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda – Barbuda International Airport officially opened on Oct. 3, 2024, signalling the start of a new chapter for the region’s connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.

Barbuda’s new airport now allows for direct connections to global destinations and offers an enhanced travel experience for visitors and residents into the island.

The US$14M Barbuda International Airport boasts a 6,100-foot runway, significantly longer (than the 1,640 feet runway at Codrington Airport) and twice as wide as the old Codrington Airport, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft, including private jets and planes such as the Embraer E-170.

Equipped with a full LED runway lighting system, the airport now allows for regular night landings.

A 600-foot parking apron can host multiple private jets, enhancing Barbuda's appeal as a luxury destination. Additionally, a modern Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal developed by PLH (Peace, Love and Happiness) will cater to high-end travellers seeking Barbuda’s beaches, serenity, nature and exclusive experiences.

“We have taken bold steps to modernize this island, ensuring that its air links are second to none in this region so that Barbuda can also take advantage of the remarkable growth in our country’s tourism that we have seen this year,” said Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation, the Hon. Charles Fernandez.

Stay-over tourism air arrivals in Antigua and Barbuda are reported to have grown at a rate of +17 per cent in the first 8 months of 2024 where the destination welcomed 229,225 visitors.

This is a +13 per cent growth on arrivals at the same time in 2019, the best year for tourism arrivals.

“An international airport is a game changer for Barbuda, as we look to attracting the luxury traveller and private jet owners from around the world to Barbuda and showcasing the island’s beauty, pink sand beaches, eco-experiences, wellness attributes and culture to all our visitors”, said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO, Colin C. James.

In additional news, Minister Fernandez announced that, “for the first time ever, Barbuda will see 23 luxury cruise ship calls bringing 5,039 cruise passengers to this beautiful island for the upcoming winter cruise season.”

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has committed to further expansion plans for the Barbuda International Airport (BIA), which is located a 10-minute drive from Codrington village.

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