VC Bird is the only international airport in Antigua and Barbuda and it is located on the island of Antigua, 5 mi northeast of the capital, St. John’s. In 2011, the government announced that a new airport terminal would begin construction and be completed the end of 2013. The project began construction on time but the new terminal finally opened in 2015.
Construction was handled by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, the overall investment estimated at USD 100m. The project was funded by a China EXIM Bank concessional loan, and by a Chinese Government Interest Free Loan. As per an agreement signed with the government of Antigua and Barbuda, 30 percent of the overall investment was funneled into the local economy through the employment of local contractors and other services.
The new terminal includes 46 check-in counters, two floors, with four jet bridges, 14 departure gates, a mini food court, full baggage screening and a VIP lounge. It also includes 15 self-service check-in kiosks and more than a dozen retail outlets, among other features.
The launch of the new terminal was interpreted as a government move to re-energize the country’s modest tourist arrivals growth.
China-Antigua and Barbuda Relations: Key Events (Timeline)
1981: On 1 November, Antigua and Barbuda is granted independence from the United Kingdom.
1983: China establishes diplomatic relations with Antigua and Barbuda.
2014: PM Gaston Browne vowed to transform Antigua and Barbuda into an “economic powerhouse”. He announced that St. John’s Port (Antigua) would be completely rebuilt with a $255 million investment from China. He also welcomed Chinese investor Yida Zhang to and agreed on the Yida Project which includes various industrial developments.
2015: The Antigua Port Authority signed a financing agreement with China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) to begin maintenance dredging of St John’s harbor.
2017: Hurricane Irma devastated Antigua and Barbuda, destroying approximately 90% of properties on the island of Barbuda. The Chinese government as well as Chinese investors offered considerable financial assistance to the country. Private investments dwarfed state aid. Some of the new projects being developed have sparked concerns over the environmental impact of Chinese investment.
2018: In January, PM Gaston Browne invited the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to invest more with the Government and suggested that CCECC creates its regional headquarters in the country. In June, Antigua and Barbuda became the first country in the eastern Caribbean to sign up for China’s Belt and Road initiative.
2020: The US urged Caribbean countries not to accept gifts from China, with Mike Pompeo personally delivering this message. However, Instead of offering financial assistance to the economically challenged Antigua and Barbuda, the US is threatened to withhold assistance to its Defence Force over an unpaid loan. In April residents of Antigua reported that the Yida Project continues. In July, Antigua and Barbuda backed the new Hong Kong national security law in the UN. In October, Information Minister Melford Nicholas characterized China as an “important partner” for the twin island nation.
