The British Virgin Islands government will sign a contract in December 2026 to lengthen the runway at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport by 787 feet, with building work to begin the following year.
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley revealed the schedule during this week's Budget Address, framing the project as the first phase of a broader airport upgrade strategy. He said the runway extension would support more passengers per flight, improve safety and expand travel connections available to visitors and residents.
"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," Wheatley told legislators.
The 787-foot addition will be built at the western end of the runway. It is separate from a much larger scheme to stretch the runway to 7,000 feet, which carries a price tag exceeding $400 million and remains pending UK approval due to debt implications.
The Social Security Board (SSB) is expected to fund the smaller extension work.
Beyond the runway itself, the government intends to complete long-delayed apron and lighting upgrades, redesign the terminal to handle twice as many arriving passengers, and build a cargo facility.
Wheatley connected the airport improvements to the Territory's tourism boom, pointing to American Airlines' Miami-Beef Island service as a driver of visitor numbers. The airline runs up to seven flights daily on that route during winter months.
"Better gateways must bring more opportunity within reach," Wheatley said.
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