Cabinet approves business case for airport expansion – Rymer
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer
Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer announced that the government has approved the business case for expanding the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, marking a key milestone in efforts to modernise the territory’s aviation infrastructure.
Rymer told the House of Assembly that Cabinet approved the outline business case on October 1, 2025, following a detailed review led by consultants KPMG. The firm was selected through a competitive process to prepare the study “in accordance with the United Kingdom’s Treasury’s Green Book guidelines,” Rymer stated.
He explained that the framework ensures the project remains “transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on delivering lasting value for the people of the Virgin Islands”. A steering committee made up of local experts from finance, aviation, tourism, planning, and environmental sectors supported the process by providing insight and analysis to align the plan with national priorities.
Rymer said Cabinet endorsed a runway extension to 7,000 feet as “the most viable and beneficial option to meet our territory’s aviation and economic needs”. He described the decision as “a major step toward our vision for a modern, competitive, and globally connected Virgin Islands”.
The minister noted that the longer runway will allow the territory to handle larger aircraft and enable direct flights from major hubs in North America, Latin America, and possibly Europe. “This improvement will reduce travel times, increase visitor convenience, and open new markets for tourism and business investment,” he explained.
He added that the development would create jobs and business opportunities for Virgin Islanders throughout its various phases.
Rymer said the next step will be to “engage a commercial entity to execute the project” through a transparent process that ensures “only reputable, experienced firms with proven capacity” are shortlisted. An expression of interest will be issued before a formal request for proposals in early 2026.
The minister also highlighted the government’s engagement with the United Kingdom to ensure the airport expansion is viewed as “a development investment that will yield significant long-term economic and social returns,” rather than borrowing under the protocols for effective financial management.
He confirmed that the airport master plan had been updated and accepted, ensuring the expansion is sustainable and aligned with wider land-use and infrastructure goals. “The Terrance B Lettsome International Airport expansion is more than an infrastructure project. It is a statement of confidence in our future,” Rymer stated.
He said the project embodies “our collective determination to build a Virgin Islands that is globally connected, economically vibrant, and resilient for generations to come”.
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Boo. There isn’t a business case for a 7000 runway but there is a massive environmental one for it only being 5500.
They just want the money in their pockets to follow in the footsteps of those that built Pier Park.
After a 17-hour trip to the Territory, Baroness Hodge—here to assess the implementation and progress of the COI recommendations—arrived at the conclusion the facts support: this work is necessary. As the United Kingdom’s Anti-Corruption Champion, she is not in the business of endorsing schemes to siphon public funds. If she had believed that was the case, she would have said so—and declined to lend her name to it.
The broader point is about incentives and reality. In today’s economy, time and convenience function as currency. Airlines have learned this the hard way: they compete on faster turnarounds, less friction in pre-boarding, and terminals outfitted with genuine amenities—even rentable sleep pods—because travelers consistently reveal their preferences. People want to spend less time in transit and more time at the destination, enjoying what it offers.
And for anyone still convinced that convenience is a trivial modern indulgence, there is a simple test: set aside the smartphone and return to the landline. Then let us know if there was a need to return to that smartphone or if that landline was able to meet your needs.
It is unlikely that there would be direct flights from Europe as intimated by the Minister in the article.
Europe direct can be possible now with Airbus’ new 321 LRs and XLRs aircraft. As the world evolves, so does technology. Keep Up! Tortola Government just Big and Stupid!
Actually, the (absolute) minimum runway length for the A321XLR (the only one of the Airbus A320 family with sufficient range and oceanic capabilities) is 7,300 feet. That takes no account of the temperature in Beef Islands, so no airline would risk using 7,000 for a fully loaded aircraft. So, to reply to your point, you can fly as many A321XLRs here as you want, but they will be one way trips!
So what do you think happens in St Thomas DAILY?
Source, or it didn’t happen.
A government committed to transparency would at least share the business case before approving it behind closed doors since we’re $ 500+ million (more than the GDP) on a public works project and not some road pot hole fixing project.
This is what I’m saying! The skill ah dem. Sickening!
He can’t even fix couple pot holes. Strupes
This is CORRUPTION of the constitution.
This is CORRUPTION,
The VI people have had not voice in this.
All done in SECRECy. The people were to be shown the reports but this has not happened. What has been hidden in these reports by the dirty self serving HOA13.
CORRUPTION.
NATURES DIRTY AIRPORT
Buzz if the UK’s Anti-Corruption Representative recognizes a legitimate need, then how is simply wanting a runway extension corrupt? It’s reasonable to worry that any large project could be mismanaged or exploited—that’s a concern about administration, not motive. The desire to extend the runway is not, by itself, an attempt to create opportunities for graft. There is a legitimate need; the task is to ensure strong oversight and transparent execution.
An easy on this one.
Corrupt how?
We were told we would see the report.
We were told it was not a done deal.
We were told the public would have an input.
We have not had access to the report.
We have not had access to the business case for the airport.
There is a reason we have not seen this.
Something is being hidden from the people.
That is corruption.
We are being lied to. Never has it been stated that flights are possible from Europe but we are told this is one of the reasons for the extention. This is a lie. Lying is corruption. What is in the report that they are hiding?
Out of all of the options extending opens up a very limited number of additional East Coast airports. We already have Miami as an operational route. What is the business case for the expenditure necessary for the addition of one perhaps 2 additional US airports. We already have Miami, St Thomas, and San Juan.
What is this extention giving to the people of the VI?
The reports being kept in secret is CORRUPTION.
The decision making behind closed doors is corruption.
Nothing that was said to the Corruption Czar has been made public and we already know of the lies that are told to the UN. Why would we suppose that any truth was told to her.
We have not heard any truth yet about the $5Million that disappeared in to a bankrupt bank.
The HOA13 is hiding behind a SECRET wall and that is a CORRUPTION of our Constitution and contrary to their stated Transparency and Accountatbility.
It really begs the question why is it that they are backed by people like yourself that are so keen NOT to see behind these secrets and find what the reports say. Who are these people so keen to get their hands on the money they don’t care to know.
There are too many people lined up for the juicy contracts and friends and family cash fallout to not have this all out in the open.
The CORRUPTION gravy train is alive and about to pour $Millions of debt, that will sit on the backs of the $7.25 an hour earning people of the VI, into the pockets of the elite for a runway (the case or which has been hidden from the public) that is not needed, likely will never be finished, and will mean the infrastructure of the VI will remain fit only for donkeys for the foreseeable future.
These SECRETS come with a hefty price to pay for decades for the VI.
All we need is to improve connection to other islands which already have larger airports. This extension will not only cost us a $ we don’t have but to bring the larger planes will also need subsidizing, so more money out of our pockets!
We are happy being able to fly into Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Antigua, Barbados, Saint Maarten and then catch planes to other destinations.
I am not even mentioning the environmental challenges and the noise! Our people and our tourists don’t want that.
All we need is better infrastructure (roads, water, electricity, sewerage, internet) and service and then the tourists will come. Just like they go to St. Barth!
Which other Caribbean Island do you see doing what you are advocating? Your solution is to depend on our competitors for our travelers to/from BVI? That makes sense? We need real leaders who will move this place forward. If H.L. Stoutt were around another 20yrs we would’ve had a proper airport and booming economy because he understood and was not scared of naysayers. Time for BVI to move forward and stop listening to the negative complainers who bring zero to the table.
If this suggestion truly isn’t an inconvenience, why didn’t St. Thomas keep the St. Croix shuttle model after the 1976 accident—when jets landed in St. Croix and passengers were moved to St. Thomas on prop aircraft until the runway was lengthened? If that system worked so well, they would have kept it and avoided restoring jet access to STT. They didn’t—because it was inconvenient. Travelers want to reach their destination quickly and spend more time enjoying it, not getting to it.
Name one airport in Europe you liars. Guadeluope?
Show the report.
Unless the baroness is paying for it, her opinion doesn’t matter. She’s old, and she didn’t like the long flight. Okay, but it’s the BVI taxpayer who will be footing the bill for this project. And the math ain’t mathing!
A good representation of what probably 70% of your guest are. Travelling is already stressful and adding additional stress unnecessarily will simply have guest going to destinations that are easier to access.
Yes, LET’S GO!!!!!
Good bye Trellis Bay
so where is the report
So where is the report?? Why has the repot not made public?
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North and South America and Europe? Africa is going to run things from here on. If you don’t know what time it is you need to wake up. If 7000 feet cant take direct flights to and from Africa you need to go back to the drawing board. The curtain is closing on the slavery colonial era and we are entering the golden age. To those of you that see this as a distant dream a new day is dawning without warning forget about the up street down street east end west end up island down island prison mentality. What we are looking at is a global village everyone need to get conscious.
The existing runway is 7100 ft. Another 7000 is just shy of Marina Cay. Trellis Bay will have to be landfill. What are the plans for relocating the car ferry/VG ferries/scrub Marina Cay,anchorage and Trellis Bay businesses? What is the environmental impact? Cost?
You just have to read the report.
Existing runway is 4645feeet
7000 ft does nothing but cost 3 to 400 million
We don’t have infrastructure to get many more tourists in at present.
Get a good 3 times daily ferry direct to STT and use that facility. Much more economical
kye kye , is saying )> I had this dream , and now I can seeit coming true , “WE CAN ALL FLY INTO THE SUNSET , FLY INTO ROAD TOWN , WEST END AND EVERYWHERE , SO FORGET ABOUT POTHOLES SOON WE GO BE BRING IN FLYING CARS ‘ VEHICLES ETC , SO DOH DIG NUTTIN , WE GOT YO BAK SIDEZ – FRONT SIDEZ – IN SIDEZ & OUT SIDEZ
The cookie jar!
Ask your favourite AI tool what is possible. I didn’t belive the Cabinet so I did my own research: well, I asked Grok.
### Current Runway Length at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS)
Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS), located on Beef Island in the British Virgin Islands, currently has a single runway (09/27) measuring **4,642 feet (1,415 meters)** in length. This short runway limits operations to smaller regional aircraft like the De Havilland Dash 8 or ATR 72, primarily serving short-haul routes from nearby Caribbean islands (e.g., St. Thomas or San Juan).
### Extended Runway Length
Adding 7,000 feet to the current length results in an extended runway of **11,642 feet (3,548 meters)**. This would classify EIS as having one of the longer runways in the Caribbean, comparable to major hubs like Miami International (MIA) or San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín (SJU). Such a length would comfortably accommodate takeoff and landing for most narrowbody and widebody commercial jets at maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), even under hot/high conditions typical of the region (e.g., sea-level elevation but with tropical temperatures reducing air density). “Comfortably” here means the runway exceeds standard takeoff field length (TOFL) requirements by at least 20% for fully laden operations, allowing for safety margins, obstacle clearance, and emergency aborts.
### Suitable Aircraft and Non-Stop International Destinations
With the extended runway, EIS could handle direct international flights from major global hubs, enabling tourism and business traffic growth. I’ve selected representative aircraft across narrowbody and widebody categories that were previously infeasible due to the short runway. These can operate “comfortably” on 11,642 feet, with TOFL requirements well below this length at MTOW (based on manufacturer data from Boeing/Airbus performance charts for ISA+15°C conditions at sea level).
For each aircraft:
– **Passenger capacity**: Calculated for a fully laden takeoff from the origin airport, assuming:
– Non-stop flight to EIS with required fuel (trip distance + reserves per ICAO standards: 5% contingency + 30-min alternate + 45-min final reserve).
– Full cargo payload (typical 10-15% of total payload for mixed operations).
– Standard 2-class configuration (economy + business).
– Zero-fuel weight (ZFW) maximized for passengers + cargo, ensuring total weight ≤ MTOW while fitting the fuel load.
– Distances sourced from Great Circle Mapper; ranges from aircraft specs.
– This results in a conservative passenger load (not always max seats) to account for cargo and ensure non-stop feasibility. Actual ops may vary with airline configs.
| Aircraft Model | Typical Config & Max Seats | Fully Laden Passenger Capacity to EIS | Key Performance Notes | Example Non-Stop International Destinations (Distance & Rationale) |
|—————|—————————-|————————————–|———————–|—————————————————————|
| **Boeing 737-800** (Narrowbody) | 2-class: 12J + 150Y (162 seats) | 150 passengers (with 12,000 lbs cargo) | TOFL: ~7,000 ft at MTOW (174,200 lbs). Range: 3,000 nm. Excellent for short/medium-haul; low operating costs. | – Miami (MIA, 1,100 nm): High-frequency leisure route.- New York (JFK, 1,600 nm): East Coast business/tourism hub.- Toronto (YYZ, 1,900 nm): Canadian seasonal charters. |
| **Airbus A321neo** (Narrowbody) | 2-class: 16J + 170Y (186 seats) | 170 passengers (with 14,000 lbs cargo) | TOFL: ~7,500 ft at MTOW (209,400 lbs). Range: 3,500 nm. Fuel-efficient for transatlantic edges. | – London Heathrow (LHR, 3,800 nm): Direct seasonal from UK (just within range fully laden).- Atlanta (ATL, 1,500 nm): US Southeast gateway.- Bogotá (BOG, 1,400 nm): South American expansion. |
| **Boeing 767-300ER** (Widebody) | 2-class: 24J + 200Y (224 seats) | 200 passengers (with 25,000 lbs cargo) | TOFL: ~9,500 ft at MTOW (412,000 lbs). Range: 5,600 nm. Proven for island ops; ETOPS-certified. | – Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG, 3,900 nm): European leisure direct.- Los Angeles (LAX, 2,800 nm): West Coast US link.- Frankfurt (FRA, 4,200 nm): German cargo-passenger mix. |
| **Airbus A330-300** (Widebody) | 2-class: 30J + 250Y (280 seats) | 250 passengers (with 30,000 lbs cargo) | TOFL: ~9,800 ft at MTOW (507,000 lbs). Range: 6,500 nm. Versatile for long-haul; high comfort. | – Madrid Barajas (MAD, 3,500 nm): Spanish direct for EU market.- São Paulo (GRU, 2,900 nm): South American long-stay tourism.- Dubai (DXB, 7,000 nm): Middle East hub (fully laden feasible with lighter cargo). |
### Additional Considerations
– **Operational Feasibility**: The extension would require environmental approvals, terrain mitigation (EIS has approach challenges over water/hills), and infrastructure upgrades (e.g., larger terminals, fuel farms). Widebodies like the A330 would need reinforced pavement for their weight.
– **Economic Impact**: Non-stop routes from Europe/US could boost BVI tourism, with fully laden loads supporting 150-250 passengers per flight, assuming 80-90% load factors.
– **Limitations**: Calculations assume standard conditions; actual capacities could drop 10-20% in summer heat. Larger aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER (TOFL ~10,500 ft) could also operate but are overkill for most routes.
This analysis positions EIS as a potential mini-hub post-extension. For site-specific engineering, consult FAA/AIP data.
The article sai extended TO 7000 feet not BY 7000ft. The total length of 7000 feet will make it the same as St Thomas, USVI and accommodate the same aircrafts.
Just approve whatever you want whenever you want without sharing any details or giving any explanation to the public wether it be to double your salary or throw party or expand the airport; they cant even tell you whose negligence cause the 5M to vanish with bank of asia. Everything secret the public must hear about it after it done happen or already decided and they get an explanation IF we feel like it because who cares what the public thinks or what concerns or questions or suggestions they might have on anything right? Them so stupid they going to just vote for us again next election because we wearing green and we is so and so cousin or grandchild right?