The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has officially broken ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion of Vance W. Amory International Airport in Newcastle, marking the start of what officials say will be a transformative project aimed at strengthening the island’s tourism industry and long-term economic growth.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held Wednesday, July 1, at the airport, brought together government officials, project partners, and members of the local community.
Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley, who also serves as Minister of Tourism, Finance and Economic Planning, described the development as a historic milestone for the island. He said the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM)-led administration has spent more than a decade working to bring the project to fruition.
According to Brantley, the expansion is expected to increase air traffic, enhance tourism, stimulate economic activity, and create significant employment opportunities.
He said the construction phase will generate jobs for local contractors, tradespeople, laborers, and service providers. Once completed, the expanded airport is expected to support permanent positions in airport operations, security, customs and immigration, ground handling, maintenance, and other support services.
Brantley added that improved air access and increased visitor arrivals will create new business opportunities across the tourism sector, benefiting transportation providers, hotels and guesthouses, tour operators, restaurants, retailers, and other small businesses.
The project is expected to be completed within 18 months. Plans include extending the airport’s runway by 2,000 feet, increasing its total length to 6,000 feet, as well as constructing a new fuel farm and fire hall, expanding and modernizing the terminal building and Customs Hall, and enlarging the aircraft parking apron to accommodate up to 50 executive jets.
