Jazmin Li
Yes, there is an airport on Antigua. In fact, there are two airports on the island: the V.C. Bird International Airport and the Codrington Airport. The V.C. Bird International Airport is an international airport located about 5 miles from the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, St. John's. The airport was originally a United States Army Air Forces base, named the Coolidge Airfield after a World War I pilot, Capt. Hamilton Coolidge. The airport was later renamed the Coolidge Air Force Base (Coolidge AFB) in 1948 and then gained independence from the United States in 1949. Finally, in 1985, the airport was renamed after Antigua and Barbuda's national hero and first prime minister, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird.
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What You'll Learn
V. C. Bird International Airport
Yes, there is an airport on Antigua. The V. C. Bird International Airport (IATA: ANU, ICAO: TAPA) is located on the island of Antigua, 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. The airport was originally operated by the United States Army Air Forces and was built as a base around 1941. It was named Coolidge Airfield after Capt. Hamilton Coolidge, a United States Army Air Service pilot killed in World War I.
In 1948, the airport was renamed Coolidge Air Force Base (Coolidge AFB) but closed in 1949 due to budgetary cutbacks. However, the United States retained the right of re-entry. Agreements were made with the United Kingdom and, later, the Antigua government to establish and maintain missile tracking facilities. The Antigua Air Station was established on a portion of the former Coolidge AFB.
In 1985, the airport was renamed V. C. Bird International Airport to honour Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the first prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda. The airport has been serving as a gateway to the Caribbean for over 40 years.
The new terminal, which became operational in 2015, covers 23,000 square meters (247,570 square feet). It features four jet bridges, modern security screening, up-to-date passenger processing and monitoring facilities, and a CCTV security system. The terminal also offers a range of amenities, including check-in counters, self-check-in kiosks, baggage carousels, a mini food court, VIP lounges, retail stores, and restaurants.
The airport is open 24 hours a day and is serviced by more than 17 airlines. It has a rich history, including notable incidents such as the emergency landing of a LIAT de Havilland Canada DHC-8-311 flight on May 10, 2004, due to a wheel falling off shortly after takeoff.
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Location and history
There is an international airport on Antigua, named the V. C. Bird International Airport (IATA: ANU, ICAO: TAPA). The airport is located 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. The airport was originally operated by the United States Army Air Forces and was built as a base for them around 1941. It was named the Coolidge Airfield after Capt. Hamilton Coolidge, a United States Army Air Service pilot who was killed in World War I. In 1948, the base was renamed the Coolidge Air Force Base (Coolidge AFB) but was closed in 1949 due to budgetary cutbacks.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) was established in November 2006 to manage the operations of two airports: the V C Bird International Airport and the Codrington Airport on Barbuda. The ABAA's board of directors and executive team focus on ensuring the company is managed at the highest strategic level, striving to become one of the world's most modern and welcoming airports.
In 1985, the airport was renamed after Antigua and Barbuda's national hero and first prime minister, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird. The new terminal became operational on 26 August 2015, and all flights now operate from this new facility. The terminal covers 23,000 square meters (247,570 square feet) and includes four jet bridges, modern security screening facilities, up-to-date passenger processing and monitoring facilities, and a CCTV security system.
The airport has a wide range of facilities, including bars, cafes, restaurants, special assistance services, accessible facilities, and a mural by Heather Doram, the designer of Antigua and Barbuda's national costume.
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Facilities and services
V. C. Bird International Airport (IATA: ANU, ICAO: TAPA) is an international airport located on the island of Antigua, about 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. The airport was originally operated by the United States Army Air Forces and was built as a US Army Air Forces base in 1941. It was renamed the Coolidge Air Force Base in 1948 and was closed in 1949 due to budgetary cutbacks. In 1985, the airport was renamed V. C. Bird International Airport after Antigua and Barbuda's first prime minister, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird.
The airport terminal covers 23,000 square meters (247,570 square feet) and includes four jet bridges, modern security screening facilities, up-to-date passenger processing and monitoring facilities, and a CCTV security system. The terminal also has several facilities and services to enhance the passenger experience, including:
- 46 check-in counters and 15 self-check-in kiosks
- 5 baggage carousels
- A mini food court
- Multiple VIP lounges
- Retail stores and restaurants
- A bank
- First-class lounges
- A newly constructed car park
- Taxi and rental car services
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Multiple currency exchange counters and ATMs
- A Lost and Found department to assist with misplaced items
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Accessibility
Antigua is served by the V. C. Bird International Airport, located 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. The airport is accessible by taxi and rental car, although there is no public bus service. The airport has a range of facilities, including a mini food court, multiple VIP lounges, a bank, retail stores, first-class lounges, and restaurants. The terminal covers 23,000 square meters (247,570 square feet) and includes four jet bridges, modern security screening facilities, and up-to-date passenger processing and monitoring facilities.
The airport was originally built as a United States Army Air Forces base around 1941 and was named Coolidge Airfield after Capt. Hamilton Coolidge, a United States Army Air Service pilot killed in World War I. It was later renamed Coolidge Air Force Base (Coolidge AFB) in 1948 but closed due to budgetary cutbacks in 1949. Agreements were made with the United Kingdom and later the Antigua government to establish and maintain missile tracking facilities, and the Antigua Air Station was established on a portion of the former Coolidge AFB.
In 1985, the airport was renamed V. C. Bird International Airport after Antigua and Barbuda's national hero and first prime minister, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird. The new terminal became operational on 26 August 2015, and all flights now operate from this facility. The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) is responsible for managing the airport and works to ensure it is modern and welcoming. They also manage the Codrington Airport on the sister isle of Barbuda.
The airport has a website with helpful information for travellers, including check-in details, airport facilities, and travel information. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their flight and check-in online to choose their seat and print their boarding card. The airport also has a special assistance team to help passengers with their journey and accessible facilities.
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Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority
Antigua is home to the V. C. Bird International Airport, located 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. The airport was originally operated by the United States Army Air Forces and was built as a base around 1941. It was renamed the Coolidge Air Force Base (Coolidge AFB) in 1948 and was turned over to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in 1949. Civilian use of the airport, then named the Coolidge Airport, began in 1952. The airport was renamed V.C. Bird International Airport in 1985 to honour Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the first prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority is responsible for overseeing the airport's operations and ensuring a secure and efficient environment for travellers and cargo. The authority is chaired by its Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Smith, who leads a transitional team that manages the shift to new terminals and implements necessary protocols. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the authority restricted terminal access to travellers and staff, mandating masks, health screenings, and PPE for staff.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has played a pivotal role in the airport's redevelopment, transforming it into a logistics hub for the Eastern Caribbean. The authority has collaborated with The Tourism Authority to expand flight capacities and develop new destinations and inbound flights. The acquisition of a new 30,000-square-foot warehouse will significantly enhance cargo operations, positioning the airport as a critical link in the cargo route between South America, Miami, and Amsterdam.
The new airport terminal, which opened in 2015, spans 23,000 square meters and boasts modern facilities, including jet bridges, advanced security systems, and ample check-in and baggage counters. The terminal also features a food court, VIP lounges, retail stores, and restaurants, enhancing the overall traveller experience. The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority's efforts have been instrumental in supporting the country's economic development and promoting Antigua as a desirable destination for tourists and investors.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the V.C. Bird International Airport is located on the island of Antigua.
V. C. Bird International Airport, P.O. Box 668, High Street St. Johns, Antigua, West Indies.
The airport has a wide range of bars, cafes and restaurants. It also has modern security screening facilities, up-to-date passenger processing and monitoring facilities, a CCTV security system, 46 check-in counters, 15 self-check-in kiosks, 5 baggage carousels, a mini food court, multiple VIP lounges, a bank, retail stores, first-class lounges and more.
The airport was built as a United States Army Air Forces base around 1941 and was named Coolidge Airfield after Capt. Hamilton Coolidge, a United States Army Air Service pilot killed in World War I. It was renamed Coolidge Air Force Base in 1948 and then later renamed V.C. Bird International Airport in 1985 after Antigua and Barbuda’s national hero and first prime minister, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird.
Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport, although there is no public bus service.
