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A contract for the 787-foot extension of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport runway is expected to be awarded in December 2026, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley outlined the timeline during his Budget Address this week, describing the extension as part of a phased approach to improving the Territory’s main airport.
“My government is taking the bold decision to expand the airport runway in a phased approach. This long-overdue project will commence in 2027 following the contract award in December 2026,” he stated.
“This includes the 787-foot extension, which will facilitate greater passenger capacity on flights, safer operations and more connection options.”
The Premier also outlined other planned improvements at the airport, including outstanding apron and lighting works, terminal plans to double arrival capacity, and cargo-centre design.
“Better gateways must bring more opportunity within reach,” Wheatley stated.
The works involve a smaller extension at the western end of the runway, distinct from the major airport expansion intended to lengthen the runway to 7,000 feet. As previously reported the larger project, estimated to cost more than $400 million, was awaiting United Kingdom approval because of the borrowing involved.
Financing for the smaller project is expected to be sought from the Social Security Board (SSB).
Wheatley linked the airport improvements to the success of American Airlines’ direct service between Miami and Beef Island, which he said had helped drive the Territory’s record tourism performance.
“Our record tourism performance has partly been driven by the popular direct Miami-Beef Island American Airlines flight, which numbers as many as seven daily flights in the winter,” he said.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley outlined the timeline during his Budget Address this week, describing the extension as part of a phased approach to improving the Territory’s main airport.
“My government is taking the bold decision to expand the airport runway in a phased approach. This long-overdue project will commence in 2027 following the contract award in December 2026,” he stated.
“This includes the 787-foot extension, which will facilitate greater passenger capacity on flights, safer operations and more connection options.”
The Premier also outlined other planned improvements at the airport, including outstanding apron and lighting works, terminal plans to double arrival capacity, and cargo-centre design.
“Better gateways must bring more opportunity within reach,” Wheatley stated.
The works involve a smaller extension at the western end of the runway, distinct from the major airport expansion intended to lengthen the runway to 7,000 feet. As previously reported the larger project, estimated to cost more than $400 million, was awaiting United Kingdom approval because of the borrowing involved.
Financing for the smaller project is expected to be sought from the Social Security Board (SSB).
Wheatley linked the airport improvements to the success of American Airlines’ direct service between Miami and Beef Island, which he said had helped drive the Territory’s record tourism performance.
“Our record tourism performance has partly been driven by the popular direct Miami-Beef Island American Airlines flight, which numbers as many as seven daily flights in the winter,” he said.
© 2026 BVI Platinum News. This article is original BVI Platinum content. Reproduction or republication without written permission is prohibited.
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