The Government of Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal remains committed to modernizing the three airports on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Anegada. When the Taddy Bay Aerodrome on Virgin Gorda was closed last week, plans were well on the way for the construction of a new airport on the island.
Air Safety Support International, ASSI, the Governor’s designated aviation regulator, confirmed the closure of the airport to commercial aircraft movements. ASSI said the Aerodrome Certificate for the airport was no longer valid because the British Virgin Islands Airport Authority has not maintained compliance with all the safety conditions of the certificate. ASSI said this action was precipitated by the additional risks posed to the flying public by a new building development within the airport’s protected areas.
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Julian Fraser RA stated, ‘your Government is prepared to do whatever is necessary to facilitate the swift and sustained reopening of this important facility. We regard the Virgin Gorda airport as critical to our economy, businesses, residents and our status as a modern destination.’
(resource: BVINews)
