Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport is undergoing a transformative $55-million airfield rehabilitation, with construction teams implementing night operations to maintain project timelines. Airport authorities confirm the strategic nighttime work has become essential for phase four progression, particularly in milling and paving the runway’s foundational core.
Operations Manager Rex Daly emphasized the critical nature of these extended hours, stating, ‘Our crews maintain continuous nocturnal operations to ensure compliance with our completion schedule.’ While the landing segment will be fully operational for the peak Christmas travel season, the take-off section requires additional development time.
Significant progress is evident with approximately 9,000 tonnes of asphalt already deployed, enabling smooth aircraft landings during holiday operations. The displaced threshold for Runway 07, crucial for take-off operations, is scheduled for post-holiday commencement in early 2026.
Joseph Samuel, Director of Operations at the Airports Authority, detailed the current focus on subsurface preparation: ‘Present activities establish the foundational integrity, with accelerated surface course work planned for early 2026.’ The authority maintains confidence in their contractual partnership with ACON and Avia NG to deliver the project according to established timelines.
The comprehensive rehabilitation targets September 2025 for airfield completion, with full runway expansion finalized by November 2026. This infrastructure enhancement ensures compliance with international aviation safety protocols and operational standards, positioning V.C. Bird International Airport as a modernized Caribbean aviation hub.