Nevis Defends Airport Expansion as Runway Set to Grow to 6,000 Feet

Vance W. Amory International Airport on Nevis is set to gain a 2,000-foot runway extension, bringing its runway to 6,000 feet, under a multi-million-dollar redevelopment that began with a groundbreaking ceremony on July 1, 2026. The project, under construction at the airport in Newcastle, is scheduled to take approximately 18 months to complete.

Special Advisor to the Premier Alexis Jeffers has defended the Nevis Island Administration's (NIA) plans against opposition from sections of the Nevisian public, describing the redevelopment as an investment in the island's economic future.

Why build now?

Speaking on the October 30 edition of the programme On Point, Jeffers questioned why the proposed expansion had attracted resistance in Nevis when other Caribbean territories were investing in their aviation infrastructure. He pointed to developments in St. Maarten, Anguilla, Tortola and Dominica, arguing that Nevis must position itself to compete within the regional tourism and investment market.

Jeffers maintained that the NIA had received a mandate to pursue development across several areas.

"We got a mandate from the people of Nevis, an overwhelming mandate to bring development to the island of Nevis in terms of infrastructure, in terms of tourism development, in terms of people development," he said.

He argued these areas were closely connected and that the administration's ultimate objective was improving opportunities and living standards for Nevisians.

"All of this development that we're speaking of leads to one thing ultimately, one thing, and that is people development," Jeffers stated.

What does the timing mean for taxpayers?

Addressing concerns about investing during a downturn, Jeffers acknowledged that global economic pressures — including international conflicts and rising fuel prices — were affecting transportation, manufacturing and the cost of goods and services. He argued, however, that difficult conditions should not delay major infrastructure projects.

"Everything in this world is cyclical," he said, suggesting that waiting for more favourable circumstances could cost Nevis important opportunities.

"We cannot wait until three years from now or five years from now to see if economic situation, our fortunes change, and then start to make investment then. As an island, as a country, we have to invest at this point in time," Jeffers said.

He cited precedent: during the 2008 global financial crisis, the NIA pursued construction activity, including the development of Cherry Garden, which he said provided employment when conditions were difficult. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the administration temporarily waived the Alien Landholding Licence fee to encourage foreign purchasers to buy properties that had remained on the market and undertake renovations. According to Jeffers, that measure created opportunities for construction suppliers, contractors and skilled workers.

Who benefits during construction?

Jeffers said the airport redevelopment could produce a similar stimulus through the businesses and workers expected to benefit from the construction phase. He identified potential beneficiaries:

• Truckers, equipment operators, tradespeople and other skilled workers;
• Businesses providing rental accommodation, hardware supplies, automotive parts, tyres and food services;
• Local suppliers of servicing and replacement parts for vehicles and heavy equipment.

He noted that some specialised skills were not readily available on Nevis, meaning workers and technical personnel would likely travel to the island and require accommodation and other services.

"So there's a multiplier effect as a result of a project such as the airport project," Jeffers said. "That is why it is important to pursue this project and push it forward so that at least we can keep that economic wheel turning."

What comes after construction?

The redevelopment has been in planning for several years. On November 10, 2023, the NIA signed an agreement with Perez Engineering Construction and Consulting Services Limited for the expansion and upgrade of the facility. Planning, engineering and land acquisition subsequently advanced, with final engineering designs nearing completion in early 2026.

Beyond the runway extension, the works include:

• An expanded and modernised terminal building;
• A new Customs Hall;
• A fuel farm;
• A new fire hall;
• An enlarged aircraft parking apron.

Jeffers said the long-term objective is to give Nevis the aviation infrastructure needed to take advantage of improved international connectivity and attract visitors when global economic conditions strengthen. With the 18-month construction timeline running from the July 2026 groundbreaking, the administration is betting that regional connectivity will reward the investment before the end of the decade.