The planned expansion of the Barbuda International Airport runway is expected to start shortly with mobilization efforts already taking place.
The announcement was made by the Director General of Communications, Maurice Merchant, during Thursday’s post Cabinet press briefing when he revealed that $15 million has been approved to undertake the expansion.
The government had earlier stated that it intended to expand the runway by a further 2-thousand feet to allow it to accommodate the 737 Boeing jets, which are one of the most popular aircraft in use by commercial airlines.
According to Merchant the consultants are currently on island conducting their research as well as to assist with preparing the tender documents for the selection of a contractor to carry out the work.
He outlined that the expansion will bring the runway’s length to approximately 8,000 feet but it will also include the expansion of the parking apron, install the appropriate lighting system as well as including the construction of an FBO facility.
The new Barbuda International Airport was formally opened last October.
