GATEWAY TO THE CARIBBEAN
SUPPORTED BY
GATEWAY TO THE CARIBBEAN
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
CARIBBEAN
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS
AUTHORITY
PROJECT DIRECTED BY:
GARY SMITH
In the British Virgin Islands, aviation is not merely a mode of transportation. It is the connective tissue of an economy built on tourism, global mobility and regional collaboration. Every arrival represents a visitor stepping into one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations, and every departure reflects a territory deeply connected to the wider world.
At the centre of this system sits the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), responsible for managing a network of three airports that together support the territory’s economic vitality and international accessibility. Leading that effort is Kurt Menal, Managing Director of the Authority, whose responsibility stretches across operational oversight, strategic development and the longterm future of aviation infrastructure in the islands.
For Menal, the job is defined by an understanding that aviation operates within a truly global system. Decisions made thousands of miles away can ripple across small island economies within hours, shaping everything from passenger movement to operational continuity.
“Aviation is a global industry,” he explains. “The decisions that are made in one territory can impact flights,
operations and passengers in another. You have to see yourself as part of that wider system.”
That global perspective has become increasingly important in recent years. Geopolitical shifts, operational disruptions and regional airspace challenges have reinforced the importance of resilience in airport management. A recent airspace shutdown near Puerto Rico, for example, led to aircraft being grounded across the region, including in the British Virgin Islands.
Situations like these highlight the complexity of modern aviation and the need for airports to prepare not only for growth, but for disruption.
“Events outside of the BVI can have a direct operational impact on us,” Menal says. “That means contingency planning and business continuity must remain a major part of how we operate moving forward.”
When travellers are delayed or stranded, the airport becomes more than an infrastructure hub. It becomes the environment in which passengers experience the destination for the first time. Ensuring that the environment remains efficient, welcoming and operationally sound is therefore critical.
The BVIAA has increasingly focused on improving the on-the-ground passenger experience while simultaneously strengthening operational systems that allow the airport to respond quickly to unexpected events. Technology plays a central role in that evolution.
Under Menal’s leadership, the Authority has accelerated its adoption of digital infrastructure designed to improve efficiency while maintaining strong security standards. A recent partnership with global aviation technology provider SITA introduced Common Use Terminal Equipment at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, the territory’s primary gateway located on Beef Island.
The system allows airlines to operate flexibly across shared counters rather than being tied to a single fixed position, enabling the airport to respond dynamically to fluctuating passenger volumes.
“What this technology allows us to do is manage our airline partners more efficiently while also improving the passenger experience,” Menal says. “Airlines are no longer fixed to one counter. They can move depending on their traffic volumes, which gives us greater operational flexibility.”
The shift represents a significant step forward for the airport’s operational model. At the same time, digital immigration systems have been introduced to allow travellers to complete arrival information online before landing, reducing processing times at customs and immigration.
Behind these technological improvements lies a broader strategy: creating a seamless passenger journey while maintaining operational resilience across the airport network.
The BVIAA operates three distinct airports
Managing Director, Kurt Menal
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The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority
The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) plays a vital role in shaping the economic and social rhythm of the Territory. As the steward of the BVI’s maritime gateways, the Authority manages the flow of people, goods, and commercial activity that sustain the islands’ growth and global connectivity. In a region where maritime infrastructure is the backbone of national development, BVIPA has emerged as a strategic leader, modernising operations, strengthening resilience, and positioning the Virgin Islands for long-term competitiveness.
Across Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke, BVIPA oversees a network of cruise piers, cargo terminals, and ferry facilities that support both international and inter-island movement. These ports are more than physical assets; they are the lifeline through which the Territory’s economy circulates. Every arrival of every vessel, whether a cruise ship carrying thousands of visitors or a cargo carrier delivering essential goods, represents a moment where operational excellence directly influences national outcomes. BVIPA’s mandate is to ensure that each of these moments is managed with precision, safety, and a future-focused approach.
Cruise tourism remains one of BVI’s most dynamic economic engines, and BVIPA plays a pivotal role in shaping the visitor experience from the moment passengers’ step ashore. Through strong partnerships with global cruise lines, government agencies, and local businesses, the Authority has elevated the Territory’s reputation as a premier Caribbean destination. Investments in infrastructure, passenger processing, and safety systems have strengthened BVI’s ability to welcome increasing volumes of cruise visitors while maintaining the warmth and authenticity that define the islands. For local entrepreneurs, tour operators, and retailers, each cruise call represents an opportunity, and BVIPA’s commitment to operational excellence ensures that these opportunities continue to grow.
of these operations. Through modernisation initiatives, technology integration, and strengthened partnerships with logistics providers, BVIPA continues to strengthen the Territory’s supply chain stability and economic security.
This commitment to excellence was recognised regionally in 2025 when BVIPA received the Caribbean Shipping Association’s Ludlow Stewart Container Port of the Year Award. The accolade highlights outstanding performance in efficiency, safety, and service delivery across the Caribbean maritime sector. For the Authority, the award is both an achievement and a benchmark, affirming its progress while reinforcing its commitment to continuous improvement.
Safety, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship remain foundational pillars of BVIPA’s operations. The Authority adheres to international maritime conventions and invests in training, technology, and infrastructure upgrades to maintain secure, resilient, and future-ready ports. Collaboration with customs, shipping agents, ferry operators, and regional partners ensures seamless coordination across the maritime ecosystem.
Beyond its operational responsibilities, BVIPA embraces its role as a community partner. Through stakeholder engagement, educational initiatives, and support for national development priorities, the Authority contributes to a broader vision of sustainable growth for the Virgin Islands. Its work touches every sector, from tourism and trade to transportation and community development, making BVIPA a key driver of the Territory’s longterm prosperity.
Equally vital is the Authority’s leadership in cargo and supply chain management. At Port Purcell and other cargo facilities, BVIPA oversees the importation of food, fuel, construction materials, and commercial goods that support daily life and national development. The Territory’s resilience, particularly in the face of global supply chain disruptions, depends on the efficiency and reliability
Looking ahead, the Authority is focused on modernisation, digital transformation, and customer-centric service delivery. Strategic planning, investment in infrastructure, and a commitment to innovation will guide BVIPA as it strengthens the Territory’s position as a leading maritime gateway in the Caribbean. With a clear vision and a dedicated team, the British Virgin Islands Ports Authority continues to advance connectivity, commerce, and opportunity, ensuring that the ports of the Virgin Islands remain engines of progress for generations to come.
www.bviports.org
across the territory, each serving a different role within the islands’ aviation ecosystem. Balancing those roles requires a nuanced approach to planning and development.
Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport serves as the primary entry point into the British Virgin Islands. Located just east of Tortola, it handles the majority of passenger traffic and functions as the main driver of international connectivity.
Virgin Gorda Airport caters primarily to high-end tourism, serving luxury resorts and private villa destinations that have become synonymous with the island’s reputation for exclusivity. With its shorter runway and smaller terminal infrastructure, the airport focuses on turboprop aircraft operating regional routes from hubs such as Puerto Rico and St Thomas.
Further north, Auguste George Airport in Anegada provides a vital lifeline for residents and visitors alike. Serving a smaller community, it facilitates charter flights and essential connections to the main islands, ensuring the territory’s more remote destinations remain accessible.
Each airport therefore plays a different strategic role within the broader aviation network.
“We are one territory with three distinct airports,” Menal explains. “Each island has its own tourism profile, its own infrastructure, and its own needs. Our strategy has to reflect that.”
Close collaboration with the BVI Tourist Board ensures airport strategy remains aligned with the territory’s broader tourism ambitions. Marketing strategies are often tailored to the unique characteristics of each island, ensuring that routes and aircraft types match the expectations of the visitors arriving there.
Virgin Gorda’s luxury resorts, for example, attract high-net-worth travellers who expect seamless regional access via smaller aircraft. Meanwhile, the main
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS
Groundworks BVI: Growing Stronger, Rooted in Community
Few companies embody resilience and evolution quite like Groundworks BVI. Originally founded in the 1980s as a palm tree installation business, the company was reimagined in 2006 as a landscaping enterprise with just three employees and a single truck. Its early milestone project at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds set the tone for what would become decades of transformative work across the Virgin Islands.
Today, Groundworks is recognised as a household name synonymous with quality, consistency and growth. From residential gardens to large-scale landscaping and soil retention installations, the company has built its reputation on craftsmanship, reliability and attention to detail. Every project reflects a deep understanding of the territory’s environment and a
commitment to enhancing both private and public spaces.
Innovation and adaptability continue to define the company’s journey. During the challenges of 2020, Groundworks expanded its in-house plant nursery, propagating a diverse range of tropical plants and strengthening its connection to the local community. The introduction of the Garden Café in 2023 further transformed the space into a lifestyle destination, blending horticulture, hospitality and Virgin Islands culture into one vibrant setting.
Groundworks BVI is more than a landscaping company. It represents pride in growth, investment in community and an enduring dedication to cultivating beauty across the Virgin Islands.
Home to 300+ Birds Across 25 Species
Tucked within one of the most vibrant corners of the park lies VI Parrot Paradise, a 2,500 square foot aviary that has quickly become one of the Virgin Islands’ most charming attractions. Home to more than 300 birds across 25 species, the sanctuary offers visitors an immersive and colourful escape into the world of exotic birdlife.
Originally created to diversify the park’s offerings, Parrot Paradise has evolved into a standout destination in its own right. Families, school groups and bird enthusiasts are drawn to the experience, where close encounters replace distant observation. Guests are encouraged to interact with the birds, many of which are comfortable perching for photos and happily engaging with visitors.
VI Parrot Paradise: A Place for Lovebirds, Literally
Among the aviary’s residents are vibrant macaws, playful parrots and, fittingly, real lovebirds, giving the attraction its affectionate reputation. The environment is carefully designed to be peaceful, spacious and welcoming, ensuring both birds and guests feel at ease.
More than simply an exhibit, VI Parrot Paradise offers connection. It is a place where children experience wonder, adults rediscover curiosity and every visitor leaves with a camera roll full of colour. As a growing highlight within the Virgin Islands’ leisure landscape, Parrot Paradise continues to prove that sometimes the most memorable experiences come with feathers and a friendly squawk.
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
airport on Beef Island supports the bulk of the territory’s commercial traffic and acts as the primary gateway for international arrivals.
The results of this coordinated strategy are already visible.
In 2025, BVIAA recorded a fourteen percent increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year, pushing annual throughput beyond 300,000 passengers for the first time in sixteen years. For a small island territory, the milestone represents a significant achievement.
Forecasts for the coming years suggest continued growth, with passenger numbers expected to exceed 400,000 in the near future.
“Passenger growth is a clear reflection of the strength of the destination,” Menal says. “People don’t come to the airport. They come to the British Virgin Islands. Our role is to ensure the gateway supports that demand.”
To support that growth, the Government of the Virgin Islands has begun exploring the next phase of airport development. An Outline Business Case, developed in collaboration between the Ministry of Communications and Works and the BVI Airports Authority, sets out proposals aimed at expanding Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport’s capacity.
Among the most significant considerations is the potential extension of the runway, a development that could allow the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and expand its route network. Planners are also examining ways to reconfigure terminal space to better accommodate rising passenger numbers.
These projects are not simply about infrastructure expansion. They are about safeguarding the economic future of the territory.
Tourism remains the dominant driver of the British Virgin Islands’ economy, and
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We support individuals, families, and businesses navigating the BVI’s legal and regulatory landscape.
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Our team combines deep BVI expertise and broad international experience. We deliver the responsiveness and personal attention of a boutique practice, together with the technical expertise one would expect from leading advisers. As such, many of our client relationships span years and generations within the same family, reflecting our commitment to service built on trust, discretion, and consistent excellence. By investing time in understanding our clients and their needs, we can provide thoughtful, effective counsel to facilitate the achievement of their goals.
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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
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air connectivity is central to its continued growth. A significant portion of BVIAA’s passenger traffic is regional, reflecting the interconnected nature of Caribbean travel.
Regional carriers such as InterCaribbean Airways and WINAIR provide essential links to hubs including St Martin, Barbados and Trinidad. These connections allow travellers from Europe and North America to reach the British Virgin Islands via Caribbean gateways.
“The regional carriers are absolutely critical for us,” Menal notes. “They connect the BVI to the Caribbean hubs that link us to Europe and North America. Without those relationships, international connectivity becomes far more difficult.”
While infrastructure and airline partnerships are essential, Menal believes that people remain the foundation of a successful airport system.
The BVIAA employs more than two hundred staff members across its facilities, covering operations, engineering, customer service and air traffic control. Ensuring those employees possess the skills required to operate within a global aviation environment is a key priority.
Through partnerships with Airports Council International, many BVIAA staff members have completed internationally recognised training programmes that strengthen their operational expertise. Managers are also pursuing professional accreditation designed to align airport leadership with global standards.
At the same time, the Authority is investing in the next generation of aviation professionals within the territory itself.
A partnership with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College has created internship opportunities for students
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
Founded in the 1980s, Island Department Store began as a modest 200-square-foot single-story structure selling a limited selection of household supplies to people on the island's east end.
Fast forward to 2024, and the company has expanded to over 110,000 square feet, with half of that space dedicated to customers and spanning two floors, making it one of the largest retail companies in the B.V.I.
Island Department Store sells small household items such as cutlery, glassware, plasticware, garden supplies, bathroom and bedroom items, toys and games, cleaning supplies, mats and rugs. Office supplies include desks, chairs, file cabinets, pens, and shredders, as well as larger equipment like washers, dryers, display coolers, fridges, and freezers.
The furniture department is among the top three major furniture shops to date in the B.V.I. selling bedroom sets, living room sets, dining room sets, patio goods, and accessories.
The purpose of Island Department Store has always been to provide the people of the British Virgin Islands with a wide selection of items in a convenient, comfortable, clean, and peaceful atmosphere.
At I.D.S we carry just about everything to make your house a home, from household items to small and large appliances. We also have a large selection furniture located on our second floor including patio items, bedroom, living room etc
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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLAND AIRPORTS AUTHORITY
pursuing careers in technical disciplines such as telecommunications and mechanical engineering. The initiative provides practical experience within the airport environment while creating pathways into long-term employment.
For Menal, developing local talent is essential to building a sustainable aviation workforce.
“Our aim is to build that capacity locally,” he says. “We want to see more of our aviation professionals, including air traffic controllers, coming from the British Virgin Islands.”
Environmental responsibility is also becoming an increasingly important part of the Authority’s planning. Like many island territories, the BVI faces the challenge of balancing tourism growth with environmental protection.
BVIAA has already taken several steps to reduce its environmental impact. A new sewage treatment facility now recycles treated water for irrigation, reducing pressure on local water systems. Solarpowered waste compaction systems have also been introduced to lower the carbon footprint associated with waste management.
Such initiatives form part of a broader commitment to integrating sustainability into future infrastructure development.
Looking ahead, the Authority’s priorities remain focused on expanding connectivity, improving passenger experience and strengthening the airport network’s contribution to the wider economy.
One of the most important indicators of success will be the growth of overnight visitors to the British Virgin Islands. While day visitors contribute to tourism activity, overnight guests generate significantly greater economic value through hotel stays, dining and local spending.
Airlift will play a decisive role in achieving that objective.
By strengthening regional partnerships, expanding capacity and improving the passenger journey, BVIAA aims to support the government’s wider tourism strategy while ensuring the islands remain competitive within the Caribbean travel market.
For Menal, the future of aviation in the British Virgin Islands lies in embracing the territory’s role within the global aviation system while continuing to invest in infrastructure, technology and people.
Under his leadership, the BVI Airports Authority is positioning itself not simply as an operator of airport facilities, but as the strategic gateway to one of the Caribbean’s most remarkable destinations.
