Anegada airport certified for night flights after simulation exercise

“Although there is potential for abuse, we do not believe it is as loose and uncontrolled as portrayed in the Premier’s statement.” — Former BVIAA board

The Captain Auguste George Airport in Anegada has now received the certification via the Overseas Territories Aviation Regulation to accommodate night flights following a simulation exercise last Thursday.

Premier Andrew Fahie made the announcement yesterday at the reopening ceremony for the Taddy Bay Airport in Virgin Gorda.

“We just put in the lights and had the test run and it is approved now. I understand we got certification this morning by the regulatory body. Things have been coming together as they have never been for quite some years in the Virgin Island for the economy. COVID-19 has knocked us down but not knocked us out,” Fahie said.

While addressing the attendees at the Taddy Bay Airport reopening ceremony, the Premier said the government is not only focusing on the Virgin Gorda Airport. He noted people might feel Anegada is being left out but very soon things will be up and running.

He said the flight simulation carried out on November 18 was a success and they did a test run with a night flight and the plane landed safely.

“I was filled with joy when I saw the simulation happen successfully. I was away when it landed and that now has allowed us to be this morning, certified now to do night flights coming into Anegada. That’s what happens when you push. Very soon with the Welcome Centre going up in Anegada we will see international flights which we have started to prepare for coming into Anegada. So, Anegada here we come because very soon we will be having one of these ceremonies over there with the first international flight and even by night, it will happen,” the Premier said.

Representative of the Ninth District where Anegada is located, Vincent Wheatley, said the government is looking for bigger things for the Captain Auguste George Airport with the installation of the new lights and certification to accommodate night flights.

“Anegada airport was always open. It was just closed for night flights but now it will be re-open for night flights. So, we are now looking forward to more inter-island and international flights into Anegada during the nights. Flights from St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Miami and even from Beef Island and Virgin Gorda once they are available,” Wheatley said.

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