Antigua and Barbuda’s primary aviation gateway is undergoing its most substantial transformation since the inauguration of its new terminal, with significant progress reported on both physical and digital modernization fronts. During the recent 2026 Budget Debate, Tourism and Aviation Minister Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez provided a comprehensive update on the ambitious redevelopment program at VC Bird International Airport.
The centerpiece of this infrastructure overhaul is a landmark $50 million runway rehabilitation project, which officials confirm is now 20 percent complete. Minister Fernandez revealed that construction experts had identified deficiencies in previous runway work, noting that subsurface analysis showed prior construction ‘was not 100% up to what it should have been.’ The government anticipates full completion of this critical aviation infrastructure project by the conclusion of 2026, coinciding with steadily increasing air traffic volumes.
Concurrently, the airport authority has embarked on a comprehensive digital transformation initiative through a strategic partnership with CETA, an international aviation technology provider. This collaboration will see the complete modernization of passenger processing systems, including upgraded flight information displays, advanced airline kiosks, and state-of-the-art check-in counter computers. These technological enhancements aim to significantly improve both operational efficiency and passenger experience.
Additional infrastructure improvements are underway, including the installation of new water-cooled chilling systems to enhance terminal climate control. These systems are scheduled to become operational in early 2026, further elevating traveler comfort at the expanding aviation hub.