The Auguste George International Airport on Anegada may have its own screening facility in the near future, to allow inbound COVID-19 testing for required travelers.
Premier and Minister for Tourism Andrew Fahie made the statement during his recent 2022 Budget speech where he announced a number of plans for the airport on Anegada, along with plans for the Taddy Bay International Airport on Virgin Gorda, and the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport on Beef Islands, Tortola.
The premier said the screening facility is in the conceptualization stage at this present moment, but once rolled out will complement the work that is presently being done to have the Anegada airport up to international standards.
He said, “The Airports Authority in conjunction with Health are evaluating the possibility of installing a screening facility at the airport so that international flights can be screened on-island instead of having to stop at Beef Island to do the necessary COVID-19 tests before being allowed to integrate into the community.”
“Anegada deserves their share of the economic pie. Anegada will get their share. We are making it more convenient for our international guests coming to Anegada, both by air and sea, thereby generating business for the people of Anegada,” the Premier added.
Premier Fahie, who is also the finance minister, said the Airports Authority is close to reopening the Taddy Bay International Airport complete with a COVID-19 testing facility in time for Thanksgiving.
Single aircraft restriction lifted
Meanwhile, the tourism minister also disclosed that the more than two-decade old restriction on single engine aircrafts in the sister islands have been lifted.
He said this will help to welcome more direct flights of small aircrafts into these sister islands.
“Residents and tourism and business interests on the Sister Island can also look forward to more flights as a result of close communication with Airport Safety Support International (ASSI) for the lifting of the single engine aircraft restriction that has been in place at the Airport for over 20 years. The lifting of this restriction will, for example, allow for single engine aircraft flown by companies such as Trade Wind Aviation to operate into the airport. What does this mean? More people coming directly to Virgin Gorda by air and by sea. More economic activity. More persons being employed. More entrepreneurs. And Virgin Gorda being back to where it was and always will be as the Capital of tourism in the Virgin Islands,” the premier explained.
Premier Fahie also revealed that in the area of aviation, steps have been taken for the reestablishment of the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) in the Virgin Islands.
He said one benefit of this is that individuals will be able to register their aircraft in the jurisdiction, which means that there will be new revenues.