UPDATE: Beef Island Airport reopens after “bomb threat”

The Beef Island Airport has now reopened following a bomb threat at the facility.

It resumed normal operations at 7:30 pm on Sunday, May 5, the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) stated.

Head of the BVIAA Kurt Menal said the decision to reopen the airport was made after the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force conducted a “complete sweep” of the facility and surrounding areas.

Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines with any concerns about their flight schedules.

Previously Published Story

The Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island was abruptly closed on Sunday, May 5, due to a bomb threat.

The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) released a statement advising of the closure and the threat. It did not give any indication as to where the bomb threat originated but stated that it is being treated as legitimate.

Managing Director of the BVIAA, Kurt Menal, stated that the Authority has activated its Contingency Plan. It is not immediately clear to BVI News what that plan entails.

Meanwhile, the police have been alerted.

“The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is currently at the airport collaborating with other authorities to ensure that safe operations can resume,” the BVIAA’s statement said.

According to Menal, the safety and security of the airport’s passengers and stakeholders remain their “utmost priority.”

He further stated that normal operations will resume once the all-clear is given by the relevant authorities.