The newly built multi-million dollar terminal at Clayton J Lloyd International Airport will officially open on 15 December, infrastructure minister Jose Vanterpool has announced.
Vanterpool told a government press conference on 24 November that with just the final finishing touches remaining, it is a “concrete date and a hard and fast deadline”.
All major construction inside the 4,650 square-metre terminal building is complete and the contractor is addressing few minor defects to ensure the highest quality finish.
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“As it relates to the security systems, advanced screening equipment including the x-ray machine and the body scanners have been installed,” the minister said.
“Testing, staff training and commissioning are currently underway this week to meet the international security standards.”
Vanterpool went on to say that the building is undergoing a deep clean while the furniture and signage are being positioned for operational readiness.
“These finishing touches will ensure a seamless experience for travellers from day one,” he said.
“This milestone underscores our commitment to strengthening Anguilla’s connectivity and supporting our tourism growth.”
Vanterpool explained that teams are currently preparing the new building for full operations and transferring airport activities over from the old terminal.
“This process is one that began early in the year, and we are pretty sure and confident that it will go smoothly that day,” he said, referring to the handover date of 14 December.
The minister said the old terminal is slated for demolition “as soon as possible” to allow for the continued expansion of the airport apron.
The new terminal will be ready for the launch of BermudAir’s new AnguillAir flights from the United States on 17, 18 and 19 December, Vanterpool added.
He said that guests will be welcomed into a “modern, spacious and efficient environment” throughout the winter season.
Tourism minister Cardigan Connor added that the new service is a “significant development” for Anguilla because it strengthens the airlift capacity and provides additional connectivity.
He described it as a “major milestone” and said the routes expand access to both leisure and business travellers.
“The goal is to ensure that these flights not only succeed but also gain maximum visibility and support within the international travel marketplace,” Connor told the press conference.
“This increase in air access is essential as we continue to strengthen Anguilla’s position as a premier luxury and wellness destination in the Caribbean.”
St Kitts and Nevis construction company Kelly Construction and Aecon Group based in North America were awarded the contract to build the new terminal.
The groundbreaking for the structure took place in March 2024 and construction work began in April the same year.
It is part of an EC$473 million airport project, which includes expansion of the runway and apron, envisioned in the government’s Airport Masterplan 2022-2041.
In February, the government released a video walkthrough of the new terminal blending. Click here to watch the video in full.
