The V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a significant advancement in its infrastructure modernization with the successful completion of the initial phase of a comprehensive $55 million airfield rehabilitation project. This development, finalized on February 13, 2026, represents a critical step in transforming the nation’s primary aviation gateway.
Initiated in late August 2025, the ambitious eight-phase program is being executed through a collaborative partnership between Akon Company Limited and Kelly Construction. The project’s primary objective is to align the airport’s facilities with stringent International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards while enhancing operational capabilities for modern aircraft.
The completed first phase has delivered substantial infrastructure improvements including the construction of a 7,420-square-meter turning bay, installation of a new blast pad, creation of a runway end safety area, and development of a service road at the runway’s terminus. These enhancements have significantly upgraded the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger, faster aircraft with improved safety protocols.
Notably, the upgraded facilities now enable the airport to handle long-range aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900, which possesses a remarkable range capability of nearly 16,000 kilometers. This expansion in operational capacity positions Antigua and Barbuda as a more competitive destination in the Caribbean aviation market.
Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandez recently conducted an inspection tour of the upgraded facilities. Airport authorities have expressed strong confidence that subsequent phases will be completed ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for November 1-4, 2026, in Antigua.
The comprehensive rehabilitation initiative is projected to substantially boost operational efficiency, strengthen confidence among international aviation partners, and ensure continuous compliance with global aviation standards, ultimately reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s position in the international travel industry.