Caribbean airports investing for growth and sustainability

A total of US$2bn is being pledged in planned airport investment in the Caribbean, funded through Public Private Partnerships, Charles Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation shared in his upbeat talk at CARIBAVIA.

Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation spoke passionately about how the Caribbean, a nation of scattered Islands, is dependent on aviation for trade, tourism, and regional integration.

The sector has faced many challenges, he said, owing to geographic fragmentation, economic volatility and reliance on foreign airlines. Yet over the years the Caribbean has benefitted from airport and infrastructure expansion. Now is the time for airports to start supporting our ‘own’ airlines (versus the forever awarding to marketing funds to established (international) carriers who will bolster frequencies to the Caribbean, in line with demand, anyway, whether they are incentivised or not.

Airlines have, pleasingly, he noted, introduced waived change fees and travel credits post pandemic.

Charles Fernandez, Antigua and Barbuda's Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation (centre) with Nevis Officials, Alexis Jeffers and Mark Grantley.

New low-cost carriers Arajet, Dominican Republic and Fly Allways, Suriname have brought competition and lower fares. Established carriers, including British Airways, American, Jet Blue and Delta dominate international routes to the US and Europe. Caribbean airlines - InterCaribbean and Air Jamaica have also added more intra-regional connections.

Charles talked through some new developments, upcoming and pledged, starting with activity in his own region. Antigua and Barbuda’s V.C. Bird International Airport’s US$50m investment focuses on its runway, taxi and apron areas. The Island’s FBO Partner meanwhile, Signature Flight Support, which handled over 1,500 business jets in 2024, is planning new 11,000sq ft private terminal – estimated cost around US$6.5m.

Neighbouring Barbuda opened Barbuda International Airport in October 2024, in place of the former Codrington Airport. It has committed to a new terminal and a further runway extension of 2,000ft to be added to its 6,100ft (estimated cost US$100m) – a big upgrade from the previous 1,600ft runway restricted to turboprop aircraft. It also features a 600ft parking apron capable of hosting multiple private jets and an FBO developed by PLH (Peace, Love and Happiness).

• Hard on the heels of the recent (and long awaited) US$100m upgrade at St Maarten Princess Juliana International Airport comprising new passenger terminal, jet bridges and modern lounges, Charles shared other key developments:

• A US$30m reconstruction, upgrade and runway expansion at Nevis Vance W. Amory Airport, including a new private jet facility, project work updates highlighted at CARIBAVIA.

• Lynden Pindling International International Airport, Bahamas – expanded terminals and runway enhancements – estimated investment of US$200m.

• Hewanorra International Airport, Saint Lucia - extensive enhanced facilities to handle larger aircraft - work planned for completion in 2028 - US$270m.

• Sangster International (Montego Bay Jamaica) airport upgrade to accommodate growing passenger traffic – US$200m.

• Grantly Adams International Airport, Barbados renovation and expansion - estimated cost US$300m.

• ANR Robinson International (Tobago) - new terminal, jet bridges, modern lounge - a US$180m spend.

• Maurice Bishop International Airport (Grenada) - two years in to its 30 year masterplan - covering runway resurfacing, solar powered lighting, passenger boarding bridges - US$200m.

• Owen Roberts International Airport, Cayman Islands with its US$76m five year renovation and upgrade programme.

• Douglas Charles Airport, Domenica – USS175m investment

Expansion is ongoing with a nod to introducing sustainability and environmental initiatives from sustainable aviation fuel, solar power (as trialled by Argyle International Airport, St Vincent. Antigua’s V.C Bird International is also incorporating renewable energy solutions.

Then there’s the introduction of advanced navigation systems. Antigua is in the final throes of commissioning a new radar system, advised Charles Fernandez. The airport is recruiting for air traffic controllers, some already in various stages of training.

Of note, Antigua will host the 13th ICAO and SAM Aviation Security Meeting later this year, welcoming 200 delegates from 30 countries, he said.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 7th August 2025 | Issue #807