In a historic occasion for the twin-island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda, the Barbuda International Airport was officially opened on October 3, 2024, signaling the start of a new chapter for Barbuda’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 $US14M Barbuda International Airport boasts a 6,100-foot runway, significantly longer (than the1,640 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 travelers seeking Barbuda’s beaches, serenity, nature and exclusive experiences.
“This new Barbuda International Airport is a shining testament to the visionary leadership of our government”, said Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation, The Honorable Charles Fernandez. “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.”
Stay-over tourism air arrivals in Antigua and Barbuda are reported to have grown at a rate of +17% in the first 8 months of 2024 where the destination welcomed 229,225 visitors. This is a +13% growth on arrivals at the same time in 2019, the best year for tourism arrivals.
The opening of the Barbuda International Airport is a major milestone in the government’s vision to position Barbuda as a premier luxury destination. It reflects Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, The Hon. Gaston Browne’s commitment to transforming Barbuda into one of the most prosperous and flourishing sustainable island communities in the Caribbean and beyond.
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO, Colin C. James, stated:
“An international airport is a game changer for Barbuda, as we look to attracting the luxury traveler 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.”
In additional exciting 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.”
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister, The Hon. Gaston Browne, Tourism Minister, Charles Fernandez, and other government ministers, dignitaries and industry stakeholders celebrated the official opening of the airport. Currently, Liat 20, BMN Air (SVG), Calvin Air, and private jets via the PLH FBO are listed for travel into the new airport.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced further expansion plans for the Barbuda International Airport (BIA), which is located a 10-minute drive from Codrington village.
About Barbuda
Barbuda (Bar-byew’da), located 27 miles northeast of its sister island Antigua, is a pristine 62-square-mile coral island known for its untouched pink coral and white sand beaches. With a highest point of just 125 feet above sea level, Barbuda offers a serene, low-lying landscape perfect for relaxation and exploration. The island’s capital is Codrington, home to most of Barbuda’s 1,500+ residents.
Barbuda enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, with soothing trade winds and average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s in winter to the mid-80s in summer. Barbuda is a tranquil paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Travel to Barbuda is convenient, with flights from Antigua into the new Barbuda International Airport taking approximately 15 minutes. Visitors can also opt for a scenic 90-minute ferry ride. Once on the island, guests can enjoy a range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, bird watching at the Frigate Bird Sanctuary, exploring historical sites like Martello Tower, or simply unwinding on the famous pink sand beaches.
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For accommodation, Barbuda presently offers an exclusive boutique hotel, beach cottages, guesthouses, and B&Bs, with dining options ranging from local favorites like Uncle Roddy’s, and Wa’omoni to the internationally renowned Nobu.
SEEN IN MAIN IMAGE: The new Barbuda International Airport in Barbuda was officially opened by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda on October 3, 2024 – photos courtesy of Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
Media Contacts:
Maria Blackman
Marketing Communications Manager
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
T: 1 (268) 562 7600/464-7601
Anreka Geness
Barbuda Tourism Officer
T: 1 268 562 7600
Facebook:www.facebook.com/VisitBarbuda
