On October 3, 2024, Barbuda International Airport was officially inaugurated, marking a historic moment for the twin island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda. This event signifies the beginning of a new chapter for Barbuda’s connectivity, tourism, and economic growth.

The new Barbuda airport now enables direct connections to global destinations, offering an enhanced travel experience for both visitors and residents of the island.

Barbuda International Airport, valued at $14 million, features a 1,100-meter runway, significantly longer (than Codrington airport’s 1,640-meter) and double the width of the old Codrington airport, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft, including private jets and planes like the Embraer E-170. Equipped with a full LED runway lighting system, the airport now allows regular nighttime landings. A 600-foot parking apron can accommodate multiple private jets, boosting 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 brilliant testament to the visionary leadership of our government,” stated Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Transportation, Charles Fernandez. “We have taken bold steps to modernize this island, ensuring that its air connections are the best in the region, allowing Barbuda to benefit from the remarkable growth in tourism we’ve experienced this year.”

Reportedly, tourist air arrivals to Antigua and Barbuda grew at a rate of +17% in the first 8 months of 2024, with 229,225 visitors. This represents a +13% growth compared to arrivals during the same period in 2019, which was the best year for tourist arrivals.

The opening of Barbuda International Airport is a major milestone in the government’s vision to position Barbuda as a premier luxury destination. It reflects the commitment of Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, the Honorable Gaston Browne, to transform Barbuda into one of the most prosperous and flourishing sustainable island communities in the Caribbean and beyond.

“An international airport will be a game changer for Barbuda, as we aim to attract luxury travelers and private jet owners from around the world to showcase the island’s beauty, its pink sand beaches, eco-experiences, wellness attributes, and culture to all our visitors,” said Colin C. James, CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority.

Additionally, Minister Fernandez announced that “for the first time, Barbuda will welcome 23 luxury cruise ship calls, bringing 5,039 cruise passengers to this beautiful island in the upcoming winter cruise season.”

At the inauguration ceremony, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez, and other ministers, dignitaries, and sector representatives celebrated the official opening of the airport. Currently, Liat 20, BMN Air (SVG), Calvin Air, and private jets via the PLH FBO are ready to operate from the new airport.

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has also announced new expansion plans for Barbuda International Airport (BIA), located just 10 minutes by car from the village of Codrington.