Anguilla’s new airport terminal is expected to be fully operational by November, according to infrastructure minister Haydn Hughes.
“We’re excited about that. It’s moving along well,” he said during a government press conference on Monday, 3 February.
The groundbreaking for the new 4,650 square-metre terminal at Clayton J Lloyd International Airport (CJLIA) took place on 27 March, 2024, and construction work began in April.
It is part of a EC$473 million project which includes expansion of the runway and apron, which was envisioned in the government’s Airport Masterplan 2022-2041.
St Kitts and Nevis construction company Kelly Construction and Aecon Group based in North America were awarded the contract to build the new terminal.
Together they will construct the main building, new aprons, advanced drainage systems, upgraded lighting, utilities, parking and roads.
Upon completion of the new terminal, the old terminal will be demolished to make way for further apron expansion.
Progress to date
During the press conference Hughes described the various phases of the project that have been completed, including the installation of the foundation and the structural framework.
He said the mezzanine walls and columns are all going up and several roof slabs will be finished by the end of the week.
The minister added that masonry walls, along with heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, are currently being installed in the arrival and baggage claim areas.
He said the framing and foundations for the outlet for a storm water pond “which will handle most of the rainfall from the site” has begun.
The first portion of the apron expansion has started as well as electrical work for airside lighting and the grading of the parking lot, he added.
Discussions
Hughes said conversations on operational readiness for the new terminal have begun with various stakeholders and government agencies.
This week, talks will take place with the Anguilla Hotel Tourism Association, lawyers, aviation officials, and local and international airlines, he added.
“We are also having discussions with airlines who have not yet started service in Anguilla and will not start service in Anguilla until the until the airport is extended,” Hughes said.
On 8 February, a government team will travel to the Bahamas to sit with airlines and discuss future route development once the airport project is complete.
“So we don’t, again, have any delays between the [completion] of the extension of the runway and airlines flying to Anguilla,” he said.
Hughes said his ministry is also working through several expressions of interest from food outlets to operate in one of four spaces at the new airport terminal.
Watch the press conference in full below:
