V.C. Bird International Modernizes Airfield with Advanced LED Lighting System

V.C. Bird International Airport has completed its transition to a new LED airfield lighting system, another step in the ongoing rehabilitation of Antigua and Barbuda's main international airport.

The new system replaces the airport's legacy Airfield Ground Lighting setup. Officials said the switchover followed a comprehensive process of integration, testing, verification and operational commissioning before going live.

Several components of the airfield's lighting and visual aids infrastructure were included in the changeover. These covered the Approach Lighting System, Runway Threshold Identification Lights, Runway Edge and End Lights, and Runway Turn Pad Lights.

Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI), which give pilots visual guidance during runway approach, were also incorporated into the upgraded system. Additional improvements included wind indicators and mandatory instruction and information signage.

The upgrade further covered the VOR Aerodrome Checkpoint Sign, Runway Guard Lights and solar-powered Taxiway Edge Lights, rounding out the airfield's visual aid infrastructure ahead of the new system going operational.

Airport officials said the technical team carried out testing and verification work to confirm the newly commissioned system met safety, reliability and compliance standards before supporting aircraft operations.

The lighting upgrade is the latest milestone in a broader rehabilitation programme at V.C. Bird International that has been running in phases since at least early 2026.

An earlier phase completed in April 2026 reconstructed the asphalt section of the displaced Runway 07 and added a new Runway End Safety Area, a safety buffer designed to reduce risk if an aircraft overshoots or veers off the runway. Work during that phase also included installing new approach lights, runway edge lights and turnpad edge lights.

The overall airfield upgrade has been described as a US$50 million investment aimed at aligning the airport with global and modern aviation standards. Officials have not specified a completion date for the remaining phases of the rehabilitation.

V.C. Bird International serves as Antigua and Barbuda's primary international gateway, and officials have framed the ongoing works as part of a wider effort to modernise the country's aviation infrastructure.