Major milestone reached in US$50 million upgrade at the VC Bird International

The first phase of the Airfield Rehabilitation

Project at the VC Bird International Airport has now been completed.

It represents a significant milestone in the US$50 million upgrade, one of Antigua and

Barbuda

’

s largest and most transformative infrastructural projects in recent history.

With work on the first phase completed, the full operational length of the runway is

now once again being utilised to take international flights. The various upgrades also

ensure an increased level of safety performance and compliance with international civil

aviation regulations.

Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the Hon. H.

Charles Fernandez, who was taken on tour of the project this week, expressed his full

satisfaction with the level and quality of work. He noted that it clearly signals that

Antigua and Barbuda is on the right track as a leader in the aviation industry in the

Caribbean.

Fernandez stated,

“The successful completion of the first phase of the Runway

Rehabilitation Project on time and within budget is a testament to the strategic

collaboration between our designers, contractors, operational teams, and all key

stakeholders.

”

“Importantly, this critical infrastructure upgrade has progressed without disrupting

airport operations, even during one of our busiest airlift seasons. This project

strengthens safety, enhances resilience, and ensures that V.C. Bird International Airport

continues to operate as one of the most dynamic and forward-moving aviation gateways

in the region,

” the Minister added.

Construction of a new, expanded Runway 25 turnpad (approximately 7,250 m

²),

designed using the Airbus A350-1000 as the reference aircraft

Installation of new runway end lights, runway edge lighting, and turnpad edge

lighting

Establishment of a dedicated blast pad

www.vcbia.comImplementation of a compliant Runway End Safety Area (RESA)

Construction of a perimeter service road along the aerodrome boundary

Addition of ICA O-recommended surface markings, including blast pad chevrons and transverse

striping on turnpad shoulders, enhancing conspicuity and improving pilot situational awareness

According to Joseph, one of the most pivotal improvements that the first phase achieved was the

repurposing of Runway 25 to accommodate larger aircraft.

“While aircraft such as the Boeing 777-200 were able to operate safely , the redesigned infrastructure now

aligns with both current compliance expectations and future widebody operational requirements,

” Daly

further explained.

The Runway End Safety Area (RESA) is another significant development. Not unlike man y airports in

the Caribbean, the V C Bird International sits close to the coastline so space for expansion has always been

limited. T o create a proper Runway End Safety Area (RESA), about 130 metres of runway pavement was

removed during the project and operational distances adjusted.

“While this slightly shortens the runway , it greatly improves safety by providing more protection at the

’

runway

s end and brings the airport fully in line with international aviation safety standards,

” Daly added.

W ork on the next phases of the airfield upgrade continues on schedule. Phase 2 is expected to conclude by

Saturday night, paving the way for Phase 3 to begin on Monday night. This next stage will involve

construction of the alternate turnpad and the temporary closure of the existing Runway 07 threshold to

facilitate reconstruction works.

At the same time, Phase 5 will proceed alongside Phases 3 and 6, focusing on paving the Runway 07-25

overlay to enhance overall runway performance and safety .

The project remains on track, with substantial completion targeted for 6 July 2026 and full completion

scheduled for 6 September 2026.

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