The first phase of a major infrastructural upgrade of the runway at the VC Bird International Airport will begin next month, delivering significant improvements to the safety, reliability and longevity of the airport’s airfield systems.

Physical work on the project, which begins on Wednesday August 6, will address the aging infrastructure of the airfield to ensure continued operational excellence on the island’s lone international airport.

The scope of the full-scale upgrade will include the rehabilitation and replacement of the lighting for the airfield, construction of an alternate turn pad at Runway 07, and the expansion of the turn pad at Runway 25.

As part of the project, a Runway End Safety Area (RESA) will also be installed, and improvements will be made to the eastern end of Runway 07-25. Other crucial components are the repairs to the main apron and the replacement of some of the concrete panels.

The construction will be executed in eight phases, beginning with Phases 8A and 1 on August 6, 2025.

The public and all stakeholders are asked to take note that Phase 8A will introduce revised operating procedures for Apron I. To begin with, Runway 07-25 will be closed overnight from 8pm on August 6 until 8am the following morning of August 7.

In the meantime, as part of Phase 1, over 1000 feet of Threshold 25 will be displaced, also resulting in updated declared distances for Runway 07-25.

“The Airport Airfield Rehabilitation Project is being carried out by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda through its authorized agency, the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), and is expected to span a period of twelve (12) months.

According to Acting CEO Joseph Samuel, “we do anticipate some adjustments but do not expect the project will pose any major inconvenience to the travelling public or our stakeholders.”

He further stated that “At the end of the day, the airfield rehabilitation project represents a determined commitment and a crucial investment in maintaining world-class aviation excellence here at the VC Bird International Airport while adhering to the quality, safety and efficiency standards that our airline partners expect of us.”

The ABAA anticipates the continued cooperation of all stakeholders during the period of the project and will at all material times keep them fully informed on its progress, particularly at those times when operational changes may affect airline traffic or airline users.