Former Bviaa Boss Clarifies Departure
Kurt Menal says he resigned as Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority, giving three months' notice with the Board opting to pay in lieu. In a LinkedIn statement, Menal reflected on four years in the role, highlighted substantial passenger growth and thanked staff and the government while noting ongoing airport development work.
Kurt Menal, who served as Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) for four years, has publicly clarified the circumstances of his recent departure from the statutory body. In a statement posted to LinkedIn, Menal said he resigned and provided three months' notice, and that the BVIAA Board exercised its option to pay him in lieu of that notice.
Menal used the statement to reflect on his tenure and highlight what he described as major achievements, particularly in improving air connectivity and supporting long-term growth for the territory. He credited sustained efforts to engage airlines and develop air services for a sharp rise in passenger traffic, reporting that numbers grew from 176,000 in 2022 to 317,676 in 2025 — an increase he described as roughly 80 per cent.
For residents who depend on reliable air links for travel, tourism and commerce, Menal framed that growth as a sign of renewed confidence in the destination and the result of collaboration among aviation and tourism stakeholders. He also praised BVIAA staff for their dedication and professionalism, saying he had the pleasure of working alongside ‘‘an exceptional team’’ that contributed to the organisation’s achievements.
The BVIAA has been a central player in government plans to expand the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, a long-running project that has attracted public attention and ongoing negotiations involving the Virgin Islands government and the United Kingdom. Menal’s statement thanked the government for the opportunity to serve and expressed confidence in the territory’s future aviation development.
Menal did not elaborate on his next professional steps in the LinkedIn post. His clarification follows media reports about his departure and comes at a moment when airport improvement and air connectivity remain priorities for the local economy, especially as tourism rebounds. As the BVIAA transitions leadership, residents and stakeholders will be watching how the authority maintains momentum on route development, passenger services and the wider airport expansion programme.
Menal said the British Virgin Islands ‘‘will always hold a special place’’ in his heart and that he looks forward to seeing the territory ‘‘continue to soar to even greater heights.’'
Primary source: BVI News