Premier: Airport expansion project to begin before my term ends

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has confirmed that the BVI’s long-discussed airport runway expansion project will commence before his administration’s term ends.

This ambitious project aims to enhance the territory’s connectivity and economic prospects. During a recent press briefing, Dr Wheatley highlighted the significance of expanding the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, which has been a topic of discussion within the community for decades. “I think we’re past the stage where we’re trying to decide whether we’re extending the runway or not. We are extending the runway. That’s just something that we’ve campaigned on, and that’s something that we are going to make a reality,” the Premier told reporters.

“That project will begin before this administration comes to an end in 2027. That’s something you can be sure about.” Following a competitive tender process involving eight companies, KPMG (BVI) Ltd was awarded the contract to develop a business case for the airport’s expansion.

The business case, expected to be completed within three months from February 2024, was set to be the first study to provide a detailed review of the expansion’s feasibility across various dimensions. Earlier this month, officials from the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) described the expansion, noting that it involves extending the Beef Island airport runway by at least 2,400 feet to accommodate larger aircraft and improve international accessibility.