Author: Lisbeth Juliao

Auguste George Airport, is a pivotal aviation hub situated on the serene island of Anegada, making it the northernmost airport within the British Virgin Islands. The airport is a significant gateway to this picturesque region and holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and travelers. It bears the name of Captain Auguste George, an individual who has left an indelible mark on the island’s history.

VI Airlink, a scheduled carrier, plays a vital role in connecting the British Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands, specifically St. Thomas, to Anegada through this airport. While VI Airlink is the primary scheduled carrier, Anegada is also served by a select group of air charter companies. Island Birds Air Charter and Fly BVI Ltd are among these companies, offering direct and on-demand air charter services. They connect Anegada not only to Beef Island (Tortola) but also to other destinations like Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas, San Juan, Antigua, and St. Maarten, enhancing the accessibility of this beautiful island paradise. Island Birds Air Charter, in particular, is known for its exceptional services, making travel to Anegada a convenient and delightful experience.

Auguste George Airport, nestled in a captivating tropical setting, provides a warm welcome to those seeking to explore the wonders of Anegada and the surrounding British Virgin Islands.

Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, formerly known as Beef Island Airport, stands as the primary gateway to the enchanting British Virgin Islands (BVI), a captivating British overseas territory nestled in the Caribbean. This vital airport serves as a linchpin connecting travelers to various islands within the BVI archipelago, enhancing accessibility to this tropical paradise. Additionally, it acts as a key portal for inter-Caribbean voyagers heading towards the nearby U.S. Virgin Islands. Beef Island Airport frequently welcomes travelers who intend to explore the smaller British Virgin Islands by ferry, establishing itself as a pivotal entry point to the region. It is situated on Beef Island, a charming islet linked to the main island of Tortola by the iconic Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.

The airport underwent a remarkable $55 million renovation in 2004, representing the largest capital project ever undertaken in the British Virgin Islands at that time. This extensive endeavor involved the expansion of the runway, enabling larger aircraft to operate seamlessly at the airfield. Notable features of this renovation encompassed the construction of a new 46,000 square-foot terminal building, an expanded flight apron, a modern control tower, and a 3,700-foot runway extension. Additionally, a new airport road was developed, complemented by an expanded parking area capable of accommodating 150 vehicles. Travelers should be aware of a $20 departure tax applicable to those over the age of five.

In 2016, the government announced ambitious plans to further expand the airport by increasing the runway’s length by 2,504 feet. This expansion aimed to facilitate the operation of mainline jetliner types like the Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A320, enabling direct flights to and from the continental United States and Latin America. However, despite initial reports suggesting the United Kingdom’s approval of the financial borrowing for the project, later indications hinted at withheld consent due to concerns about its financial viability. Ultimately, negotiations with the preferred bidder, China Communications Construction Company, were initiated, but by June 2017, the proposed runway expansion was shelved.

Nevertheless, in 2019, Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport made history by welcoming the largest aircraft ever operated into the airport, a Titan Airways-operated Airbus A318-100 jet, reflecting its continuous efforts to improve and accommodate larger aircraft.

Virgin Gorda Airport, situated on the picturesque island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, is an essential transportation hub for travelers exploring this idyllic Caribbean destination, which is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom.

In the past, the airport has witnessed the operations of various airlines, contributing to its rich history. American Eagle, operated by Executive Airlines on behalf of American Airlines, provided regional air service from San Juan (SJU) using CASA 212-200 twin turboprop aircraft. Sunaire, flying as Eastern Express, served Virgin Gorda through a code-sharing agreement with Eastern Airlines, primarily connecting the airport to San Juan and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These flights were facilitated by de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter STOL (short take-off and landing) turboprop aircraft. Other airlines like Crown Air/Dorado Wings and Virgin Island Airways also employed Twin Otter aircraft for commuter flights between the airport and San Juan. Air BVI, based in neighboring Tortola, operated Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander twin-prop aircraft on nonstop routes to San Juan and nearby Tortola. Vieques Air Link and Air Sunshine also played a role in connecting Virgin Gorda with their respective aircraft.

Currently, Island Birds Air Charter, operating since the year 2000, provides on-demand, non-scheduled charter services to the airport. The airport’s ownership and operation were transferred to the Government of the VI (UK) in 2005, following its purchase from Little Dix Bay Resort for $2.9 million. The airport’s runway remains unpaved, consisting of sand and gravel. In 2010, the airport underwent significant construction work, resulting in its closure for several months. It reopened in December 2010, albeit with restrictions and limitations imposed by the ASSI regulatory agency. Presently, only a select few airlines approved by both ASSI and the FAA are permitted to operate at Virgin Gorda Airport.