New Barbuda International Airport is Now Open
by Briana Bonfiglio
Tourism and local officials at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Barbuda International Airport. Photo: Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority
The new Barbuda International Airport, a big step-up from the island’s Codrington Airport, just opened on Oct. 3.
With significantly longer and wider runways and other enhancements, the $14 million (USD)-airport accommodates more and larger aircraft, including commercial planes and private jets, as the country aims to boost luxury tourism.
“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,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO Colin C. James.
Barbuda International Airport has a 6,100-foot runway, while Codrington Airport’s was only 1,640 feet. The new airport also features a full LED runway lighting system, now allowing for regular nighttime arrivals.
So far, Liat 20, BMN Air (SVG), Calvin Air, and private jets via the PLH FBO are all scheduled to fly out of Barbuda International. American Airlines has plans to add flights there, as well, only made possible with the new upgrades.
“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 Charles Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation.
The tourism agency reports that stay-over visitors to Antigua and Barbuda rose 13% in the first eight months of 2024, compared to the same time period in 2019, which was the region’s record year.
