๐ฆ๐ฌ Codrington (Barbuda), Antigua and Barbuda
Barbuda Codrington Airport (BBQ) served as the primary aviation link for the island of Barbuda for decades until its permanent closure in October 2024. The airport was a modest facility, featuring a small 800-square-foot terminal that handled inter-island flights, primarily connecting to V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua. Following its closure, all flight operations shifted to the newly inaugurated Barbuda International Airport (BIA), located approximately 10 minutes away from Codrington village. This transition marks a significant upgrade for the island, providing a much larger and more modern facility to support growing tourism and private aviation. The new Barbuda International Airport features a 1,248-square-foot terminal building, which is divided into separate, efficient areas for arrivals and departures. One of the most significant additions is a modern Fixed Base Operator (FBO) terminal, specifically designed to cater to high-end travelers and private jet owners. This facility offers premium lounges and streamlined processing, a major improvement over the very basic amenities of the old Codrington strip. While the old airport was known for its informal, 'island-time' atmosphere, the new international airport provides the infrastructure necessary for a more professional and comfortable travel experience. Amenities at the new airport include upgraded security screening, baggage handling, and basic passenger services. While still compact compared to major Caribbean hubs, the facility is designed for future expansion and improved accessibility. For travelers, the shift means better reliability and the capacity to handle larger aircraft than the old 5,000-foot runway at Codrington allowed. The new runway is significantly longer and better equipped for all-weather operations, ensuring Barbuda remains well-connected even during the hurricane season. Taxis and local transportation remain available at the terminal to ferry passengers to Codrington and the island's famous pink-sand beaches.
Connecting to Barbuda has undergone a major transformation with the opening of the new Barbuda International Airport in late 2024. Historically, almost all air traffic to the island was routed through V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Antigua, followed by a short 15-20 minute flight on small propeller aircraft. This remains the most common route, with carriers like SVG Air providing regular shuttle services between the two islands. When planning a connection through Antigua, travelers should allow at least 90 minutes to two hours for immigration, customs, and the transfer to the domestic departure area. It is also highly recommended to verify interline baggage agreements; often, baggage may not be checked through to Barbuda, requiring passengers to collect it in Antigua and re-check it for the short hop. Ground connections on Barbuda are straightforward but require some planning. The new airport is located about 10 minutes from Codrington, the island's main village. Taxis are generally available to meet scheduled flights, but for arrivals outside of peak times or via private charter, pre-arranging transport through your hotel or villa manager is strongly advised. Car rentals are also available on the island, and for the more adventurous, bikes are a popular way to get around the flat terrain of Barbuda. For those looking for alternative ways to reach the island, the Barbuda Express ferry remains a popular option, connecting St. Johnโs, Antigua, with Codrington. However, for those arriving by air, the seamless transition to the new international airport is now the preferred choice. Always keep a close eye on your flight status, as the small aircraft used for inter-island hops can be sensitive to weather conditions and weight restrictions. It is common
Check terminal and airline baggage transfer rules, especially on separate tickets.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
75 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda
Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources