Former airports boss clears the air on BVIAA departure

Former BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) Managing Director Kurt Menal has sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding his departure from the statutory body, stating that he resigned and provided the required notice before leaving.

Menal addressed the issue in a statement posted on LinkedIn following reports about his departure from the BVIAA, where he served as managing director for the past four years.

“I resigned my position and gave three months’ notice, with the Board exercising the option to pay in lieu of notice,” Menal stated.

His comments come days after news emerged that he had left the authority. Menal used the statement to reflect on his tenure and highlight what he described as major achievements during his time at the organisation.

“After four years serving as Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority, the time has come for me to close this meaningful chapter of my professional journey,” Menal stated. “It has been an incredible privilege to serve the people of the Virgin Islands and contribute to the advancement of the aviation sector, tourism industry and broader economy.”

According to Menal, one of the authority’s key priorities during his tenure was improving air connectivity and supporting long-term growth in the territory. He said efforts to engage airlines and develop air services helped drive significant growth in passenger traffic.

Menal reported that passenger numbers increased from 176,000 in 2022 to 317,676 in 2025, representing an 80 per cent increase. He described the growth as a reflection of increased confidence in the destination and the work of stakeholders across the aviation and tourism sectors.

He also praised the BVIAA staff, saying he had the pleasure of working alongside an exceptional team whose dedication and professionalism contributed to the organisation’s achievements.

In recent years, the BVIAA has played a central role in government plans to expand the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport. The proposed airport development project has been the subject of extensive public discussion and negotiations involving the Virgin Islands government and the United Kingdom.

In his statement, Menal thanked the Virgin Islands government for the opportunity to serve and expressed confidence in the territory’s future aviation development.

“The British Virgin Islands will always hold a special place in my heart,” Menal stated, adding that he looked forward to seeing the territory “continue to soar to even greater heights.”