Barbuda International Airport To Commence Operations in October
- The new international airport in Barbuda is set to open in less than a month. The government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that it has received the green light from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) to commence commercial flights.
- The Cabinet shared that the Chairman and new CEO of the Antigua Barbuda Airport Authority (ABBA), Wendy Francette-Williams, gave them the positive news on September 4, 2024. They were informed that the old airport in Barbuda will close at sunset on October 2, 2024, and the new airport will officially open at sunrise on October 3, 2024.
- The new airport has undergone significant upgrades, with the government investing over US$14Mn. Enhancements include the construction of a 7,100-foot runway and ongoing training for fire service personnel, airport staff, and other key personnel.
- Antigua and Barbuda is poised to emerge as a beacon for high-end tourism in the Caribbean, and the completion of the Barbuda Airport holds substantial opportunities for the island’s tourism industry.
- Overall, the economy is poised to be a leader in tourism in the region, and this by extension will encourage greater foreign direct investment, particularly through construction initiatives. Furthermore, tourism growth will feed directly into domestic economic growth through increased domestic demand driven by higher private consumption.
(Sources: Caribbean Loop News & NCBCM Research)