Throne Speech Highlights Expansion of Burton-Nibbs International Airport

The government used Tuesday’s Throne Speech to highlight the expansion of aviation infrastructure in Barbuda, including the opening of a new runway and terminal at Burton-Nibbs International Airport.

Governor-General Sir Rodney Williams said the airport project forms part of broader efforts to transform Barbuda through tourism, housing and infrastructure development.

“A new runway and air terminal have begun operation at the Burton-Nibbs International Airport in Barbuda,” Sir Rodney said during the ceremonial opening of Parliament.

The Throne Speech linked the airport expansion to billions of dollars in investment flowing into Barbuda and a wider push to modernize the island’s infrastructure.

“More than EC$3,000,000,000 in investment have been generated for Barbuda,” the Governor-General said.

According to the speech, the investments are supporting the construction of roads, desalination plants, housing developments, a new village at Louie Hill and a new school.

The government said the infrastructure projects are intended to support economic growth and long-term development on the sister island.

“No-one will be left behind in this new dispensation, my Government promises,” Sir Rodney said.

The Throne Speech also referenced ongoing work at V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua, where the runway is currently being repaired and strengthened.

Tourism officials expect the expanded aviation infrastructure to support continued growth in visitor arrivals. The government projected that more than one million cruise passengers and more than 500,000 stay-over visitors will arrive in Antigua and Barbuda during 2026.

The address additionally praised Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez and Minister of State Michael Freeland for their leadership within the tourism and aviation sectors.

Sir Rodney said Freeland had already begun demonstrating “leadership and burden-sharing” within the ministry following his election victory in St. George.