Sachin Walls
There are three airports operating in Antigua and Barbuda, a nation lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The most notable airport in Antigua is the V. C. Bird International Airport (IATA: ANU, ICAO: TAPA), an international airport 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 Force and was built as a base around 1941. It was renamed in 1985 after the first prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | V. C. Bird International Airport |
| IATA | ANU |
| ICAO | TAPA |
| Location | 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda |
| History | Built as a United States Army Air Forces base around 1941 and named Coolidge Airfield; renamed Coolidge Air Force Base (Coolidge AFB) in 1948; closed in 1949; became a civil airport and was known as Coolidge International Airport until 1985 when it was renamed after Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the first prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda |
| Facilities | 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, restaurants, a newly constructed car park, bars, cafes, and other offices; serviced by more than 17 airlines |
| Processing Capacity | 1,700 passengers |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours a day |
| Year of Opening | 20 August 2015 |
| Website | vcbia.com |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
V. C. Bird International Airport
Upon the base's closure, it transitioned into a civil airport. Initially known as Coolidge International Airport, it was later renamed in 1985 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 travellers worldwide. In 2025, V. C. Bird International Airport celebrated its 40th anniversary.
The airport boasts a range of facilities, including 46 check-in counters, 15 self-check-in kiosks, 5 baggage carousels, a mini food court, VIP lounges, a bank, retail stores, first-class lounges, and restaurants. It also features a mural by Heather Doram, the designer of Antigua and Barbuda's national costume. The airport operates 24 hours a day and is serviced by over 17 airlines. It has a processing capacity of 1,700 passengers and offers convenient services like online check-in and seat selection.
Arriving at McCarran: The Best Time to Land
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Location and history
There are three airports operating in Antigua and Barbuda, a nation lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The island of Antigua is home to V. C. Bird International Airport (IATA: ANU, ICAO: TAPA), which is located 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 base for them 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, it was renamed the Coolidge Air Force Base (Coolidge AFB) but closed due to budgetary cutbacks in 1949, with the United States retaining the right of re-entry. Subsequent agreements with the United Kingdom and, later, the Antiguan government upon independence, allowed for the establishment and maintenance of 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 after Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the first prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda.
The airport has a range of facilities, including check-in counters, self-check-in kiosks, baggage carousels, a food court, VIP lounges, retail stores, restaurants, and a bank. It also features a mural by Heather Doram, the designer of Antigua and Barbuda's national costume. The airport opened on 20 August 2015 and has a processing capacity of 1,700 passengers. It is serviced by more than 17 airlines and is open 24 hours a day. The new terminal became operational on 26 August 2015, and all flights now operate from this facility. The terminal covers 23,000 square meters (247,570 square feet) and includes modern security and passenger processing facilities.
The airport has a rich history of aviation incidents. On 10 May 2004, a LIAT de Havilland Canada DHC-8-311 flight made an emergency landing after one of its wheels fell off shortly after takeoff. On 12 November 2008, another LIAT de Havilland Canada DHC-8-311 aircraft circled the airport due to reports of a landing gear malfunction. It turned out that the landing gear was functional, but the cockpit indicators showed a fault. The aircraft landed safely with its 42 passengers and three crew members. On 7 October 2012, a FlyMontserrat Flight 107 took off from the airport and later crashed a few feet off the runway, resulting in three deaths. The crash was attributed to significant water contamination of the aircraft's fuel.
Sanford Airport Shopping: What's Available Before Your Flight?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Facilities and services
V. C. Bird International Airport is the international airport 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 United States Army Air Forces base around 1941. It was renamed in 1985 after Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the first prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda.
V. C. Bird International Airport has a wide range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. Here are some of the key features:
Check-in and Baggage Services: The airport is equipped with 46 check-in counters, 15 self-check-in kiosks, and 5 baggage carousels, making the check-in process efficient and convenient.
Dining and Retail: Passengers can enjoy a variety of dining options, including a mini food court, bars, cafes, and restaurants. The airport also has a selection of retail stores, allowing travellers to purchase last-minute souvenirs or necessities.
Lounges: V. C. Bird International Airport offers multiple VIP lounges and first-class lounges, providing exclusive comfort and amenities for eligible passengers.
Bank and Other Services: The airport has a bank and ATM machines for financial needs. Additionally, a special assistance team is available to help with accessibility services and ensure a smooth journey for all passengers.
Transportation: Taxis and rental cars are readily available at the airport, providing convenient travel options for arriving and departing passengers. However, it is important to note that there is no public bus service at the airport.
Art and Aesthetics: The airport features a mural by Heather Doram, the designer of Antigua and Barbuda's national costume, adding a touch of local culture and artistry to the airport's environment.
Modern Infrastructure: With the construction of its second terminal in 2015, the airport now boasts modern security screening facilities, up-to-date passenger processing systems, and comprehensive monitoring facilities, including CCTV, ensuring a safe and efficient travel experience.
Working at Dubai Airport: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airlines and flights
There are three airports operating in Antigua and Barbuda: V. C. Bird International Airport (IATA: ANU, ICAO: TAPA), Robert Bradshaw International Airport, and another airport on the island of Barbuda.
V. C. Bird International Airport is located on the island of Antigua, 8 km (5.0 mi) northeast of St. John's, the capital of Antigua and Barbuda. It was built as a United States Army Air Forces base around 1941 and was originally named Coolidge Airfield after Capt. Hamilton Coolidge, a United States Army Air Service pilot killed in World War I. The airport was renamed Coolidge Air Force Base (Coolidge AFB) in 1948 and then closed due to budgetary cutbacks in 1949. It became a civil airport after its closure and was known as Coolidge International Airport until 1985 when it was renamed V. C. Bird International Airport in honour of Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, the first prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda. The airport celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025.
The airport has a processing capacity of 1,700 passengers and is serviced by more than 17 airlines, including Virgin Atlantic. It includes 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, restaurants, and other facilities. Taxis and rental cars are available at the airport, but there is no public bus service. The airport is open 24 hours a day and has two terminals, with all flights operating from the new terminal, which became operational in 2015.
The other airport in Antigua and Barbuda is located on the island of Barbuda. However, there is limited information about this airport and the airlines that service it.
Charlotte Airport: Uber Availability and Accessibility
You may want to see also
Transport and accessibility
Antigua is served by the V. C. Bird International Airport (IATA: ANU, ICAO: TAPA), 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 the Coolidge Airfield after Capt. Hamilton Coolidge, a United States Army Air Service pilot killed in World War I. The airport was closed in 1949 due to budgetary cutbacks, but agreements were made with the United Kingdom and later the Antigua government for the establishment and maintenance of missile tracking facilities.
The airport has a processing capacity of 1,700 passengers and is open 24 hours a day. It is serviced by more than 17 airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, which offers online check-in and allows passengers with carry-on baggage only to print their boarding passes. The check-in and bag drop desks for various airlines open four hours before departure. The airport features 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, restaurants, and other facilities. A new terminal was constructed and became operational in 2015, covering 23,000 square meters (247,570 square feet) and offering modern amenities, including four jet bridges, advanced security screening, and CCTV security.
While taxis and rental cars are available at the airport, there is no public bus service. The airport is easily accessible for travellers with a range of modern-day travel benefits and services.
E-Cigarettes: Airport Rules and Regulations Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are two airports in Antigua.
The main airport in Antigua is called V. C. Bird International Airport.
The airport 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 is serviced by more than 17 airlines, including Virgin Atlantic.
The airport has 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 restaurants.
