A NEW international airport has opened on a lesser-visited Caribbean island famous for its pink sand beaches.

Barbuda, one of the two major islands that form Antigua and Barbuda, has opened a brand-new $14million (£10.8million) international airport.

www.airport-world.comBarbuda International Airport opened earlier this month[/caption]AlamyBarbuda is known for its Pink Sand Beach[/caption]

The new airport opened earlier this month in a bid to improve the islands connectivity, tourism and economic growth.

Barbuda International Airport (airport code BBQ) has a 6,100-foot runway, up from 1,640-foot at the islands previous airport, which can accommodate larger aircraft like private jets.

Its new runway has an LED lighting system, allowing for regular night landings, as well as ample space for multiple private jets.

The new airport welcomed its first international flight, which landed on the runway yesterday (October 27).

According to WIC news, private aircraft originated from Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.

For the foreseeable future, Barbuda International Airport will only accommodate private flights.

While no commercial routes are currently in operation, given the islands push for tourism airline routes could become part of its offering.

Considering the private jet flight from New Jersey, commercial flights to and from the US are likely to be first, with UK holidaymakers having to wait longer for a service.

The news comes after Antigua and Barbuda reported a 17 per cent uptick in tourist numbers in the first eight months of 2024, welcoming 229,225 visitors.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Transportation, The Honourable Charles Fernandez said: This new Barbuda International Airport is a shining testament to the visionary leadership of our government.

We have taken bold steps to modernise this island, ensuring that its air links are second to none in this region so that Barbuda can also take advantage of the remarkable growth in our country’s tourism that we have seen this year.

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority CEO, Colin C. James, added: An international airport is a game changer for Barbuda, as we look to attracting the luxury traveller and private jet owners from around the world to Barbuda and showcasing the island’s beauty, pink sand beaches, eco-experiences, wellness attributes and culture to all our visitors.

When commercial flights do start operating to the island, there will be plenty to keep holidaymakers entertained.

Barbuda is famous for its Pink Sand Beach.

The island was also one of Princess Dianas favourite holiday destinations, with Coco Point Beach among her favourite spots.

Regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, the beach was renamed Princess Dianas Beach on what wouldve been her 50th birthday in 2011.

Meanwhile, A-lister Robert De Niro owns the Nobu Beach Inn a restaurant on the island.

Other attractions on the island include the Indian Cave on Two Foot Bay, which is said to be the islands most accessible neolithic cave.

To reach Barbuda without a direct flight, British holidaymakers will need to fly to Antigua before boarding a 90-minute ferry to the island.

Virgin Atlantic currently operates direct flights from London Gatwick to Antigua, with return fares from £373 in December.

There are plenty of other islands to visit in the Caribbean, including Jamaica, St Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados and Turks and Caicos.

Barbuda isnt the only island thats set to benefit from a new airport.

Dominica not to be confused by the Dominican Republic has revealed plans for a XCD$1billion (£292million) international airport that hopes to open by 2026.

And the Maldives has revealed plans for a £620million airport expansion.

Three new airports opening in Europe

Here are three new airports opening in Europe.

Luis de Camoes Airport, Portugal

First discussed back in 2008, Lisbon has revealed plans for its new Luis de Camoes Airport with the £7billion airport to replace the current Lisbon Airport.

Hoping to open by 2034, as many as 100million passengers could travel through by 20250.

Kastelli International Airport, Greece

Greece has revealed plans for a huge new £422million airport with Kastelli International Airport becoming one of the largest in the country.

It will open in 2017, and hopes to welcome up to 10million passengers.

New Bodø Airport, Norway

Norway is replacing its current Bodø Airport with the new £546million New Bodø Airport aiming to open by 2029.

Earlier this month, Greenland revealed plans to open three new airports on the island.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which closed in November 2022, could reopen thanks to a new multi-million-pound plan.

AlamyBarbuda was one of Princess Dianas favourite holiday destinations[/caption]