No idea when UK will approve airport expansion plans
The Terrance B Lettsome Airport
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley says the local government still does not know when the UK will approve plans to expand the territory’s main airport, months after the proposal was submitted to London.
Speaking last week on the Honestly Speaking talk show with host Claude Skelton Cline, Dr Wheatley said the government remains in a holding pattern as it awaits a response from British authorities.
“Right now, literally, we’re waiting several months just for the approval of the United Kingdom,” the premier said. The delay follows the BVI government’s approval of the business case for expanding Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
Cabinet endorsed the proposal on October 1, 2025, selecting a 7,000-foot runway extension designed to allow larger aircraft and more direct international flights to the territory.
The business case was forwarded to the UK for review, since the project would require borrowing that exceeds the territory’s fiscal limits under the 2012 Protocols for Effective Financial Management. But there has been no word from the UK since then, and many have given up hope, saying this proposal will be another failed attempt like those of previous governments.
Pressed by Skelton Cline on how long the territory will have to wait, the Premier admitted there is no clear timeline.
“Your guess is as good as mine,” the Premier said.
When asked whether that effectively leaves the territory stuck, Dr Wheatley replied bluntly: “We are at a standstill.” He added that the delay highlights the disadvantages of maintaining a colonial relationship with the UK.
“That’s what happens when you put your destiny in the hands of others,” he said.
Despite what many are describing as a lengthy wait, the Premier explained that his government is also pursuing constitutional reforms aimed at expanding local authority. A constitutional review report proposing governance changes is expected to be tabled in the House of Assembly within weeks before being shared with the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as part of upcoming constitutional talks.
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Hon. Kye Rhymer come to the front of the class Sir! Horsepath needs that problem fixed asps…
Hopefully never! We don’t need a bigger airport, just better service to other islands that already have larger airports!
Yea, those other islands that are light years ahead of us with development because they have a proper airport and we do not. Let’s just rely on them despite the fact that regional air transportation is changed drastically and heavy reliance are on direct flights from the mainland and beyond. Sometimes you guys need to use more common sense and less emotion. If the BVI is going to take things to the next level with its twin economic pillars, an extended airport is no longer up for debate, it’s a necessity!
Have you ever heard about regional hubs?
Works in Europe, works in USA, works in Asia but according to many here won’t work in the Caribbean…
The airport will in debt the country and high traffic volume will not materialize .. there is no “build it and they will come.”
Antigua airport among others in the region are fearing badly.
Further with world war on the horizion, no tourist will be coming to this region as all costs go up, and further military presence in the Caribbean.
As reported in BVI news .” Kye Ryker said the outline business case for the expansion is currently under review by the UK and the Uk has requested clarification on aspects of the submission
We are working out these issues and then we will be in a better place to update. “
It is only an outline business case which is insufficient for the UK to relax protocols. Where is the full business case that supports this project and investment? The Govt tourist plan highlights issues of congestion for land and sea visitors- where does this mesh into the anirport expansion plan? Do we have the rooms and berths to accommodate the extra volume of overnight visitors that will be required to pay for expansion costs? Or will residents be left with a white elephant prohibitively expensive to use ?
You want independence ,but still want UK to pay.
I suggest you push for Independence,then you can build it yourself, no constraints or permission required.
Simple
We dont know when we the people will approve it either because we have not seen it!
Hon Premier, forget UK approval – what about when the BVI public will get to give approval? what happened to sharing the business case with the public!?
Just like BVI Airlines, the Hospital, and the Bank we aren’t capable of managing large investments in capital projects.
Take a step back and consider who the larger runway services. It’s the Netjet crowd whose rented planes can’t land here. Consider how that crowd props up the economy.
Would we be better off investing a couple of million in high speed ferries from STT?
Just asking?????
NO
The UK have not approved the business case because they cannot find a business case.
There is no business case.
There is a report that the BVI gov. did not dare to show to the people of the BVI because it says the case is weak/non-existent.
Some BVI people want an airport bc they see contracts and kick backs.
Some want it bc they see MORE and MORE of everything as the only way to survive in this crazy world.
Smart BVI people know we can afford it, can’t handle an uptick in visitors even if there was one, and the beauty of the BVI that attracts tourists would be damaged beyond repair by having MORE of everything.
How about BETTER everything instead?