As Anguilla’s new terminal moves closer to completion, the focus is now shifting towards the second stage of works at Clayton J Lloyd International Airport (AXA) – the runway extension.
Infrastructure minister Jose Vanterpool gave an update on progress on plans to lengthen the 1,633 metre runway during a government press conference on 15 September.
“As it relates to the runway, work is continuously going on in terms of trying to aggressively pursue the lands necessary for the runway extension,” he said.
“As we know we are not able to progress with any part of the runway extension until all of the lands have been acquired previous to starting.”
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The process is “taking time” as is usual with land matters in Anguilla, he said, adding: “But I can reassure the people of Anguilla that we’re making good and steady progress.”
“We’re very hopeful that we’ll have this runway extension started very soon without impacting the overall delivery of the runway significantly.”
The new terminal and extended runway are part of a EC$473 million project as envisioned in the government’s Airport Masterplan 2022-2041.
The plan explains that lengthening the runway is required for current commercial airlines to operate with maximum loads and to attract new operators with larger aircraft.
It will also allow Anguilla to meet regulatory compliance and reduce its dependence on Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport as a connecting hub, the plan says.
The aim is to extend the runway to the east to 2,068.8m – which equates to a 1,829m take-off length, as well as widening it from 30m to 45m.
This will allow it to accommodate the A220-300, EMB 175/190, A319 and similar aircraft up to about 120-seats.
Government land acquisition in Anguilla is governed by the Land Acquisition Act, which provides the legal framework for the compulsory purchase of private land for public purposes.
