Anguilla's runway extension could soon mean direct lift from Canada
ANN RUPPENSTEIN
With plans underway for a runway expansion in Anguilla, Haydn Hughes, Minister of Infrastructure, Communications, Housing, Utilities and Tourism, said the destination is already in talks with Canadian carriers about linking the two countries with direct lift.
“Once the runway extension is done, it will be able to accommodate any flight from anywhere in the world,” Hughes told Travel Courier on location for Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Jamaica. “The runway itself is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2026.”
More immediately, the new passenger terminal at Clayton J Lloyd International Airport is progressing on track and a groundbreaking ceremony took place a few months ago.
“Our focus is on infrastructure improvement on the island as we build a foundation for the expansion of our tourism industry,” he shared. “The terminal is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025.”
Notably, Hughes said that the destination has recovered from pre-pandemic levels.
“I’m happy to report that our visitor arrivals have not only fully recovered but we are now outpacing all previous arrival records. Our Q1 visitor arrivals for 2024 outperformed Q1 2019 by 24.4 per cent,” he said. “The growth in 2024 was led by two of our largest source markets — the United States and Canada.”
Meanwhile, the destination also broke ground on a new luxury yacht and marina at Altamer. The 118 berth marina will be able to accommodate yachts up to 250 metres in size. A 62 room five-star hotel, branded residences, beachfront villas, resort condominiums and a state-of-the-art fitness centre with spa and duty-free shopping will also be part of the scope of the project.
“An agreement with a well known five star hotel group has been signed and this will be the first international hotel with a marina [on the island],” he added.
As for events on island, this summer marks the 50th Anniversary of Anguilla’s Summer Festival. The Anguilla Tourist Board has also launched a summer campaign to boost summer travel to the island.
“The summer campaign also aims to showcase the accommodation options available on island beyond the luxury resorts,” he shared.
