International Airports
| Airport Name | City/Island | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| V. C. Bird International Airport | St. John’s, Antigua | ANU | TAPA |
Domestic Airports
| Airport Name | City/Island | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codrington Airport | Codrington, Barbuda | BBQ | TAPH |
Antigua and Barbuda Airports: Gateway to Caribbean Paradise
Antigua and Barbuda, a beautiful Caribbean nation, boasts three airports that connect these islands to the world. The country’s main gateway is V.C. Bird International Airport, located about 8 kilometres northeast of St. John’s, the capital city. This modern facility handles most international flights and serves as the primary entry point for visitors.
The two smaller airports cater to domestic and regional travel needs. Codrington Airport on Barbuda Island facilitates inter-island flights, while Coco Point Lodge Airstrip serves private and charter flights to the southern part of Antigua. These airports play a crucial role in supporting tourism and local transportation.
Antigua and Barbuda’s airports have a rich history. V.C. Bird International Airport, for instance, was renamed in 1985 to honour the country’s first prime minister. It continues to evolve, with recent upgrades enhancing its capacity to welcome travellers from around the globe.
Major Airports in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda has two main airports serving the islands. These airports handle international and domestic flights, connecting the country to destinations around the world.
V.C. Bird International Airport
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) is the primary airport in Antigua and Barbuda. It’s located on the island of Antigua, about 8 km northeast of the capital city, St. John’s.
The airport is named after Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the first Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda. ANU serves as the main gateway for visitors to the country.
Key features of V.C. Bird International Airport:
- IATA Code: ANU
- ICAO Code: TAPA
- Runway length: 2,745 meters (9,003 feet)
- The modern terminal building opened in 2015
Several major airlines operate scheduled flights to and from ANU, including:
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Air Canada
- Virgin Atlantic
The airport offers direct flights to destinations in North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Barbuda Codrington Airport
Barbuda Codrington Airport is the main airport serving the island of Barbuda. It’s a smaller facility compared to V.C. Bird International Airport.
Key details about Barbuda Codrington Airport:
- IATA Code: BBQ
- ICAO Code: TAPH
- Runway length: 1,097 meters (3,599 feet)
The airport primarily handles domestic flights between Antigua and Barbuda. It also serves small regional aircraft and private planes.
Scheduled flights to Barbuda are operated by local carriers like SVG Air and ABM Air. These flights connect Barbuda to Antigua and other nearby islands.
Other Airfields and Airstrips
Antigua and Barbuda has a few smaller airfields and airstrips. These mainly serve private aircraft, charter flights, and some specialized operations.
One notable airstrip is the Coco Point Lodge Airstrip on Barbuda. This private airstrip serves the exclusive Coco Point Lodge resort.
Other small airfields in Antigua and Barbuda include:
- Runway 10/28 at Jolly Harbour
- A grass airstrip near Nonsuch Bay
These smaller airfields play a role in supporting tourism and providing access to remote areas of the islands.
Airport Facilities and Services
V.C. Bird International Airport offers modern amenities and plays a key role in Antigua and Barbuda’s aviation history. The airport supports a range of airline operations and provides essential services for travellers.
Passenger Amenities
V.C. Bird International Airport boasts a variety of amenities for passengers. The terminal features banks, dining options, and duty-free shops. Travelers can find ATMs and currency exchange services.
Food choices include cafes and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Duty-free stores offer souvenirs, local products, and luxury goods.
The airport provides free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal. Comfortable seating areas and charging stations are available for passengers to relax or work before their flights.
Historical and Strategic Importance
The airport has a rich history dating back to 1942. It began as Coolidge Airfield, a U.S. Air Force base during World War II. Later, it became Coolidge Air Force Base and Antigua Air Station.
In 1985, the airport was renamed after Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, Antigua and Barbuda’s first prime minister. This change marked its transition to a civilian airport.
The facility plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. It serves as the main gateway for tourists and supports the vital tourism industry.
Airline Operations
V.C. Bird International Airport handles both scheduled and charter flights. It serves as a hub for LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport), a major Caribbean airline.
Several international carriers operate regular flights to and from the airport. These include American Airlines, British Airways, and Air Canada.
The airport can accommodate various aircraft types, from small regional planes to large long-haul jets. Its modern facilities allow for efficient handling of passengers and cargo.
Ground operations include refueling, maintenance, and catering services for airlines. The airport also provides air traffic control and meteorological services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antigua and Barbuda has one main international airport. This airport serves as the primary gateway for visitors and offers various services to travelers.
How many international airports are located in Antigua and Barbuda?
Antigua and Barbuda has one international airport. It is the main entry point for most visitors to the country.
What is the name of the main airport serving Antigua?
The main airport serving Antigua is V.C. Bird International Airport. It is named after the country’s first Prime Minister, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird Sr.
Can you list the airports that are in Antigua and Barbuda?
V.C. Bird International Airport is the primary airport in Antigua and Barbuda. There is also a smaller airport in Barbuda, but it mainly handles domestic flights.
What is the airport code for the primary airport in Antigua and Barbuda?
The airport code for V.C. Bird International Airport is ANU. This code is used for flight bookings and luggage tags.
Where can I find a map of all the airports in Antigua and Barbuda?
Maps of Antigua and Barbuda’s airports can be found on aviation websites and official tourism pages. These maps show the location of V.C. Bird International Airport and other smaller airfields.
What services are offered by the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority?
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority offers a range of services. These include passenger assistance, flight information, and airport facilities management.
