Dialogue Ongoing on Airport Expansion
The BVI government is in active discussions with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office as officials review the outline business case to expand Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. Cabinet has endorsed a recommended 7,000-foot runway; interim improvements to parking and terminals are already being planned while queries from the UK are addressed.
The British Virgin Islands government says dialogue continues with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) as officials review the outline business case for expanding the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island. Works Minister Kye Rymer confirmed the outline business case is under review and that UK officials have asked for clarifications on aspects of the submission. "They had some questions pertaining to the contents of the documents, and we are working out those issues," Rymer said, adding that once those outstanding matters are settled the government will be able to provide a clearer timeline for the project.
Cabinet has already endorsed a recommended runway length of 7,000 feet, a measure intended to allow the territory to handle larger regional aircraft and improve direct air access. The airport extension is aimed at reducing reliance on connecting flights through neighbouring territories, a change officials say could strengthen tourism and economic activity in the BVI.
While the business case undergoes review in the UK, the government is pursuing interim improvements at the airport. Rymer said plans include additional parking and expansion works at both the arrival and departure terminals to improve passenger flow and capacity. He also noted recent changes to traffic flow at the airport entrance required by the Airports Authority’s ASCII mandate, which moved the drop-off area 90 feet away from the curbside.
To address passenger comfort, the government is awaiting equipment needed to install a canopy at the new drop-off point so commuters and travellers will be sheltered from the elements when being dropped off. Officials stress the expansion forms part of a broader infrastructure strategy intended to support the territory’s tourism sector and wider economy.
However, the timing and scope of the next phase remain dependent on the FCDO’s review and any conditions or adjustments that result from that process. Residents can expect further updates once the UK’s questions are resolved and the government and FCDO agree a revised business case.
In the meantime, interim works at the airport should begin to address immediate congestion and passenger comfort issues while planning for the longer-term runway and terminal upgrades continues.
Primary source: BVI News