VC Bird International Airport to undergo resurfacing of runway before 2024

Antigua and Barbuda: The resurfacing of the runway at VC Bird International Airport which was delayed due to COVID-19 and many other reasons is expecting to be commence before the end of 2024. This upgrade at the airport would ensure the overall airport safety and contributes to the efficient movement of aircraft.

The runway was last resurfaced in 2008 but according to the international standards, it requires updates every 10 years. The Covid-19 pandemic created huge delays to the resurfacing of the runway which further worsened the conditions.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne shared that they have taken a loan of $100 million from a consortium of banks, led by CIBC Caribbean. He asserted that some part of funds will be utilized for the expansion of the Barbuda runway.

According to the sources, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority is currently preparing the tender documents with a vision to open the project soon for tendering. The contractor of the work is expected to be finalized by September, with work beginning in November.

Notably, few months back, due to asphalt erosion from a 777 aircraft landing, the airport was temporarily shut down. It resulted in the creation of several destructions, which led to the emergency repairs of the airport.

The 3038-meter runway resurfacing is expected to be done during nightly airport closures and will take about a year to complete the work.

This major resurfacing of the runway is one of the significant aspects of the tourism economy of Antigua and Barbuda. The resurfacing of the runway at VC Bird International Airport will enhance the overall efficiency of the airport. As, the airport is major accommodation for several airlines and aircraft which offers direct, non-stop and daily services to and from Antigua and Barbuda.

The airlines including Delta, Caribbean, American, JetBlue and many more on the list of the carriers that land at the airport to fulfil the needs and requirements of tourists from all over the world.