Tourism and Aviation Minister Charles “Max” Fernandez says the redevelopment of VC Bird International Airport is progressing on multiple fronts, with the runway rehabilitation now 20 percent complete and major digital upgrades underway to modernize airport operations.
Speaking during the 2026 Budget Debate, Fernandez said the US $50 million runway rehabilitation project, described as the most significant investment at the airport since the opening of the new terminal, is already well advanced.
“The commencement of the runway rehabilitation project… we have started. It’s about 20% complete, and the cost is US $50 million,” he told MPs.
Fernandez also relayed concerns raised by construction professionals about the past state of the runway surface, noting, “When they moved some of the area on top of the runway, it was his opinion that work that was done before was not 100% up to what it should have been”.
He said the government expects the rehabilitation to be completed by the end of 2026, marking a crucial upgrade as air traffic continues to climb.
“This is… the most significant investment that the airport has made since the opening of the new airport terminal… and we hope to have the completion by the end of 2026,” he said.
Fernandez also confirmed that the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has signed an agreement with CETA, a multinational aviation technology provider, to modernize passenger-processing and operational systems.
“ABBA has also signed an agreement for CETA… to upgrade all flight display screens, airline kiosks, and check-in counter computers, etc., improving both aesthetics and services being offered,” he said.
These upgrades form part of a wider digital transformation effort that includes technology improvements for passenger flow, airport efficiency, and security.
Earlier in his presentation, Fernandez highlighted additional infrastructure improvements, including the procurement of new water-cooled chillers to improve passenger comfort, which are expected to be operational in early 2026.
