Much-delayed Caribbean airport set to open

The Caribbean island received its first light aircraft flights in early

December at the new Argyle International, a development that has been dogged by construction difficulties, which involved levelling mountainous terrain and demolishing 134 houses.

The St Vincent & the Grenadines Tourism Authority has now confirmed talks with eight airlines including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to establish direct flights. However, negotiations are at an early stage and nothing will be confirmed until the airport is fully completed and a chief executive appointed.

It is hoped that Argyle will become a gateway to the Grenadines’ 32 main islands and feed more clients to the Buccament Bay development. Buccament’s operations director Graham Hawkins said the resort had managed to develop without the direct air feed.

“The airport was about five years late, but we have more than coped in the meantime, the double drop flights have not been a barrier.”

He added that the resort was “sold out until May”.

Connections to the resort at the moment are mainly via Barbados with Liat, but a new link from St Lucia’s international airport, established in December, is now another option.

Hawkins said there was potential to expand Buccament Bay once the direct flights were established. There are currently 112 villas and 22 suites, but the property includes 700 acres of land. “We have the potential to develop more sporting academies or things like spas,” he added.