The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority will prepare a five-year strategy aimed at expanding air services, improving airport operations and creating new commercial opportunities at the country’s two international airports.

Cabinet approved the development of the 2027–2032 plan for V.C. Bird International Airport and Barbuda International Airport following a proposal from Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Charles Fernandez.

The strategy will assess passenger travel, air cargo, technology, sustainability, commercial development, staff performance and regional aviation links.

V.C. Bird International Airport currently processes about one million passengers annually, while its terminal is capable of handling an estimated 1.5 million passengers per year. The Government believes the additional capacity can be used to attract more airlines, introduce new routes and improve regional and international connections.

The plan will also identify measures to improve the passenger experience and generate additional revenue from aviation and commercial activities.

At Barbuda International Airport, the strategy will focus on preparing for increased tourism, investment, passenger traffic and wider economic activity. The Government has already approved further development and expansion proposals for the airport.

Qualified consultants and firms will be invited to compete for the assignment. Applicants must have experience in areas including aviation strategy, airport planning, transportation, logistics and organisational reform.

The selected consultant will review the Airport Authority’s current operations, identify opportunities and challenges, consult key stakeholders and develop a practical framework for implementing the strategy.

Work will be completed under a fixed-price professional-services contract, with payments linked to approved deliverables. These will include an initial report, an assessment of the operating environment, a stakeholder consultation report, a draft strategy and the final plan.

Proposals must be submitted by 4 p.m. on November 20, 2026.

Cabinet said the initiative is intended to prepare both airports for future changes in tourism, technology, international aviation and regional transportation.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Five-Year Plan Approved to Expand Antigua and Barbuda’s International Airports.