This Small Caribbean Island’s New Airport Is Set To Skyrocket Tourism

Antigua and Barbuda has made a “decisive move” on the Caribbean tourism chessboard with the opening of the new Barbuda International Airport on Oct. 3. 

This strategic development, which includes a cutting-edge FBO—one of the few in the region—positions the twin-island nation as a new big player in attracting high-end travelers and private jet customers.

The top-of-the-line facility features a 6,100-foot LED-illuminated runway and modern amenities, enabling direct connections to multiple countries worldwide. Carriers such as Liat 20, BMN Air and Calvin Air are already set to establish these connections to Barbuda. 

Additionally, the $14 million airport is equipped to handle larger aircraft, and private jets will be served by a new Fixed Base Operator (FBO)—a facility that provides fueling, maintenance, hangar storage and passenger amenities such as private lounges.

An FBO typically offers a more exclusive level of service, catering to the comfort and specific needs of luxury travelers—an extremely attractive feature for international celebrities who frequently use private jets as their preferred mode of transportation. 

This is especially noteworthy given that 2024’s travel trends have revealed that wherever celebrities like Taylor Swift or famous athletes go, their fans follow.

“An international airport is a game changer for Barbuda, as we look to attract the luxury traveler and private jet owners from around the world to Barbuda and showcasing the island’s beauty, pink sand beaches, eco-experiences, wellness attributes and culture to all our visitors,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO, Colin C. James.

In addition, the full LED runway lighting system now allows Barbuda to receive regular night landings, further expanding the island’s capacity to attract new tourists.

“We have taken bold steps to modernize this island, ensuring that its air links are second to none in this region so that Barbuda can also take advantage of the remarkable growth in our country’s tourism that we have seen this year,” said the country’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation, the Hon. Charles Fernandez.

The opening of this new international transportation hub comes at a pivotal moment for tourism in Antigua and Barbuda. From January to August 2024, the destination hosted 229,225 overnight visitors—a 17 percent increase compared to the same period last year, and 13% more than in 2019, when the country experienced its best-ever year in tourism.

More good news. The government also announced that the country is set to receive a record number of cruise ships, further boosting its tourism figures.

“For the first time ever, Barbuda will see 23 luxury cruise ship calls bringing 5,039 cruise passengers to this beautiful island for the upcoming winter cruise season,” and also confirmed their plans to further expand the airport (BIA).

“This new Barbuda International Airport is a shining testament to the visionary leadership of our government,” concluded Fernandez.