Anguilla announces expansion of air and sea ports
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The Chief Minister of Anguilla, The Hon. Victor Banks, has announced that plans are in place for the expansion of Anguilla’s Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) and the reconstruction of the Blowing Point ferry terminal.
The British government has indicated that they will be responding to the need to expand Anguilla’s airport.
A team will oversee the project to extend the runway by 600 feet from its current 5,400 feet. This extension will allow the airport to accommodate operations from larger aircraft, including the B-737 series. The airport will remain open to private and commercial aircraft during this planned expansion period.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, the terminal at Blowing Point will be demolished. Architectural plans have already been commissioned for the design and construction of the new facility. Construction is expected to begin shortly.
“We recognise that facilitating access to the island is the key to the revival of our tourism industry,” said Mrs. Donna Banks, chairperson, Anguilla Tourist Board “Our goal is to provide access not only for visitors to Anguilla, but also for our neighbouring islands, all of whom are dependent on tourism for their economic well-being,” she continued.
The island is recovering; phone and internet communications have been restored to most parts of the island. Roads and beaches have been cleared.
Many local restaurants have reopened, along with a number of hotels that are housing relief workers and UK government officials.
In terms of access, Seaborne Airlines has esumed daily flights between Anguilla and San Juan. Trans Anguilla Airlines and Anguilla Air Services are operating charter services from St Kitts and Antigua, which connect to the UK via the British Airways (St Kitts and Antigua) and Virgin Atlantic (Antigua) services.
