Antigua and Barbuda has achieved a pivotal milestone in its national infrastructure development with the successful completion of the initial phase of the VC Bird International Airport’s Airfield Rehabilitation Project. This $50 million endeavor stands as one of the most significant and transformative infrastructural initiatives in the nation’s recent history.
The conclusion of Phase 1 has restored the full operational length of the main runway, enabling the resumption of all international flight operations. The comprehensive upgrades have substantially elevated the airport’s safety performance metrics, ensuring full compliance with stringent international civil aviation regulations.
During an official site inspection this week, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Hon. H. Charles Fernandez, expressed profound satisfaction with the project’s execution quality. He emphasized that this achievement solidifies Antigua and Barbuda’s position as an aviation industry leader within the Caribbean region.
Minister Fernandez highlighted the project’s strategic importance, stating: ‘The timely and budget-conscious completion of this first phase demonstrates exceptional collaboration between our designers, contractors, operational teams, and all key stakeholders. Crucially, this critical infrastructure enhancement proceeded without disrupting airport operations, even during our peak travel season.’
Key technical accomplishments of Phase 1 include:
– Construction of an expanded Runway 25 turnpad (7,250 m²) designed to accommodate Airbus A350-1000 aircraft
– Installation of advanced runway end lights, edge lighting, and turnpad illumination systems
– Establishment of a dedicated aircraft blast pad
– Development of a perimeter service road along the aerodrome boundary
– Implementation of ICAO-recommended surface markings including blast pad chevrons and transverse striping
Project officials noted that the most significant enhancement involves the reconfiguration of Runway 25 to accommodate larger widebody aircraft. While aircraft like the Boeing 777-200 previously operated safely, the redesigned infrastructure now meets both current compliance standards and future operational requirements for next-generation aircraft.
The airport’s coastal location presented unique engineering challenges, with limited space for expansion. To create a proper Runway End Safety Area (RESA), approximately 130 meters of runway pavement was removed and operational distances were carefully recalibrated. This modification slightly reduces overall runway length while dramatically improving safety margins at the runway threshold.
Construction continues according to schedule, with Phase 2 anticipated to conclude by Saturday night. Phase 3 will commence Monday night, involving construction of an alternate turnpad and temporary closure of the Runway 07 threshold. Concurrently, Phase 5 will progress alongside Phases 3 and 6, focusing on paving the Runway 07-25 overlay to enhance overall performance. The project remains on track for substantial completion by July 6, 2026, with full operational readiness scheduled for September 6, 2026.