Bitter complaints! Why can’t we get int’l flights to Anegada?
Residents and visitors alike have reportedly become frustrated by what is being described as inadequate air travel services to the far-flung sister island of Anegada.
Representative of the Ninth District where Anegada is located, Vincent Wheatley communicated those concerns during a sitting of the House of Assembly recently.
According to Wheatley, stakeholders want to see more international flights landing in the sister island.
“I’ve heard this from tourists several times. Why do we have to stop in Beef Island [at the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport]? Why can’t we fly from Puerto Rico or St Thomas or anywhere and fly directly to Anegada?” Wheatley questioned.
“There are other international flights going to other parts of the BVI that is not Beef Island so why can’t we get the same service going to Anegada? People are complaining bitterly about it,” the Anegada representative stated.
He continued: “There are persons flying from Europe, America and they must stop from Puerto Rico or St Thomas into Beef Island and then to go over to Anegada [via ferry], thus delaying their arrival in Anegada.”
He noted that new runway lights were installed at the Captain Auguste George Airport in Anegada and the airport thereafter received certification to accommodate night flights; yet air traffic to the sister island is still limited.
“We did everything we could do but for some reason, Anegada still can’t get international flights… We are tourism and we want to make tourists and our locals get to their final destination as quickly as possible,” Wheatley argued.
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He wait til now to complain but thus when he aunt a minister. Investigation and no power
Waste of time District Representative. It’s talking time, and now he appears.
Vincent stop lie Anegada in need of serious help. you all just had a serious complains about emergency problem please fix the problems in Anegada first. Upgrade your emergency agencies first. Health services, Police stations, both domestic and civil fire stations what about a small bank branch.
It always amazes me to hear elected officials on the government side asking such questions! You are in a position to make the change! Sthu and tell us the plan to fix it! From just yammering and complaining with hot air
The same reason you don’t put an airport at the foot of Mt. Everest. Let’s not destroy the environment of Anegada just to receive a few international flights every lobster fest
We will need a hospital and fire station at Anegada along with plenty hotel rooms
Mr man look how long this going on, you are a minister your district having issues and now you want to bring this up when the busy season almost up? Airport Authority making a bunch of excuses, bring the stalk holders and get this done.
International flights were available for many years prior to COVID. Airport has been upgraded. Makes no sense. And what about international ferry and yacht arrivals?
Anegadians don’t want or need it.
You clearly read the story to comment, not to understand. They are talking about using the same planes that are used now except they can fly direct from PR/STT/STX/SXM etc. instead of having to go to Beef Island.
@Gadaman Really? I know plenty of people on Anegada that do. Was fine all before COVID. Now fly from STT, land at Beef or VG to clear customs and either ferry over or fly over in the same plane. Makes no sense, just more time and cost
Anegada is very similar to many of the small Bahamian islands; i.e. small airport on a small island with a small population. Allowing legal international flights in/out of Anegada is a positive step for BVI tourism. However expanding the airport and runway length is not needed at this time.
Clearly, you’re unaware, an international airport means that flights can arrive from an international port like San Juan or St. Thomas and land in Anegada where they will be processed by Customs and Immigration. The process now is that BVIAA and other stakeholders are not allowing that to happen, so flights have to arrive at Beef or VG which is an extra cost on the charters and more hassling for their customers. If VG and Oil Nut Bay can receive direct flights, then why can’t Anegada? This has been going on for over two years, not just months. So, why the minister is acting like he is unaware now?
I’m very clearly not educated on the issue, lemme excuse myself before I embarrass myself further LOL
On the one hand we’re concerned with climate change and worsening hurricanes and so forth…and on the other we want an international airport and cruise ship pier at every island.
doubtful there is enough volume of passengers to have scheduled intl flights direct to Anegada – just dont make business sense…that’s why there are non.
Simple
Logistics
Not enough personnel, fuel, and support there. More lazy and corrupt customs and immigration needed.
You think flying in to Beef is expensive? It would be triple the cost to Anegada.
Simply not viable.
Are you kidding me? How about making the ferry dock an official port of entry? Enhancing the services at the dock, ensuring dockmaster takes control of his responsibilities, ferry ticketing booths and proper bathrooms, beautification at the dock, Admin yard, garden, and airport, more attention to the school and to the clinic and an established and practical medivac system. Vincent not taking Anegada seriously and he fooling the people with a little activity sponsor here and there and a donated item here and there. Do not fall for the shananigans
Are these not the same people who opposed the airport runway expansion to be done at Anegada instead of at Beef Island?
An expansion of the runway and terminal there would have attracted supporting investments in hotels, restaurants, air freight handlers, private jets, helicopters, local charter flights, and ferries.
Anegada could have been the BVI international hub and its economy would have been transformed.
All we need is ferries from beef island Airport to anegada and we will be okay
I always thought the airport would kill the flamingos. But then I learned they’re only plastic…