Nevis Breaks Ground on Historic Airport Expansion

NIA Charlestown, Nevis, July 2, 2026 – Nevis officially launched a major new chapter in its aviation and tourism development on July 1 with the groundbreaking of the multi-million-dollar expansion and enhancement project at the Vance W. Amory International Airport (VAIA), an investment expected to strengthen air connectivity, stimulate economic growth and create opportunities for generations to come. The ceremony, held at the airport in Newcastle, St. James, marked the commencement of what the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has described as a transformative initiative designed to reshape the island’s tourism industry and broader economy. Addressing the gathering, Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism, Finance and Economic Planning, the Honourable Mark Brantley, characterized the occasion as a defining moment in the island’s history, emphasizing that the investment is intended to secure Nevis’ long-term future. “I want our people to consider that we are gathered here together at a point where we are making history at this groundbreaking for purposes of an investment which we feel will propel Nevis for the next generation. “We are here because this government is committed to moving this island to the next level… We are doing what we are doing for those who are coming; the next generation. We all understand that having an advanced Vance W. Amory International Airport is good for Nevis and good for the Federation.” Premier Brantley noted that the Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM)-led Nevis Island Administration had spent more than a decade working to bring the ambitious project to fruition, describing it as the culmination of years of planning, technical assessments and financial negotiations. He explained that the upgraded airport is expected to significantly enhance air access to Nevis, boost tourism, stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities throughout both the construction phase and the airport’s long-term operation. During construction, the project is expected to generate jobs for local contractors, skilled tradesmen, labourers and service providers while increasing demand for locally supplied goods and services. Once completed, the expanded facility is expected to support additional permanent positions in airport operations, security, customs and immigration, ground handling, maintenance and other essential services. Increased airlift and visitor arrivals are also anticipated to create new business opportunities across the transportation, accommodation, restaurant, retail and tour sectors, further strengthening the island’s economy. Reflecting on the journey to the groundbreaking, Premier Brantley acknowledged the challenges involved in delivering a project of such magnitude. “Sometimes we have to be patient and appreciate that projects take time. This effort has been a relentless, ongoing effort, but to get to where we are today, we have had to navigate the technical and practical issues that are involved… that takes time. “We had to design and redesign. We had to go back to the drawing board, and when we thought we had a plan, we had to get financing for that. I want you to understand the difficult nights and the long days of trying to navigate the financial situation, the politics, trying to navigate how Nevis could sustain a project such as this… I can assure you it is not an easy task… in order to bring a project such as this to fruition and to reality for the benefit of the people of Nevis.” The Premier also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for guaranteeing the Nevis Island Administration’s EC$20 million loan through the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank (SKNANB), the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) for its US$20 million concessional loan, and businessman Patrick Drahi for contributing US$25 million in investment capital toward the development. Joining the ceremony, Ambassador of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Edward Ling-Wen Tao, reaffirmed Taiwan’s longstanding partnership with Nevis and pledged continued support for the island’s sustainable development agenda. “On behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I would like to extend sincere congratulations to the Government and people of Nevis… Looking ahead, I am confident that Taiwan will continue to play a constructive role in the Airport Expansion Project and other meaningful initiatives, further reinforcing the unbreakable bond between Taiwan and Nevis. “May the Vance W. Amory International Airport Expansion Project proceed smoothly, reach a successful completion, and bring prosperity and opportunities to the wonderful people of Nevis.” Also delivering remarks were Project Coordinator and Advisor to the Premier on Investments, the Honourable Alexis Jeffers; Project Manager Michael Perkins; General Manager of the Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority (NASPA), Oral Brandy; Contractor Seamus Kelly of Kelly Construction; Lead Engineer Leonardo Perez of Perez Engineering Construction and Consulting Services Ltd.; Chief Executive Officer of the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank, Anthony Galloway; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, John Hanley; and Community Representative Janesha Daniel. According to the contractor, the expansion project is expected to be completed within 18 months. The development will extend the airport’s runway by 2,000 feet, increasing its total length to 6,000 feet. It will also include the construction of a fuel farm, a new fire hall, an expanded and modernized terminal building, a new Customs Hall, and an enlarged aircraft parking apron capable of accommodating up to 50 executive jets.