VIPA Unveils Plans for $230 Million Makeover of St. Thomas Airport!

Good news for visitors traveling to the BVI through St. Thomas! The government has announced a $230 million modernization project for the St. Thomas Airport. Of particular interest to BVI travelers should be the plans for connecting a ferry terminal directly to the airport. This would eliminate the current taxi ride between the airport and Charlotte Amalie ferry terminal thus expediting travel for those visitors continuing on to either St. John or the British Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands Port Authority posted the following on its Facebook page:

VIPA unveils plans for new airport on St. Thomas!

Virgin Islands Port Authority officials met with its aviation consultant, Kimley-Horn and Associates, in Ft. Lauderdale to finalize plans to renovate and expand the Cyril E. King Airport Terminal on St. Thomas. The new terminal will enhance and improve the travel experience on St. Thomas and ensure that the US Virgin Islands maintains its position as a first-class destination and tourism hub in the Caribbean. The project scope includes:

• A complete redesign, expansion and upgrade of the interior of the terminal to maximize the use of the two floors of the terminal and the installation of jet bridges;
• Construction of a multi-level parking garage to increase parking spaces;
• Designated areas for taxis, rental cars and other ground transportation;
• Additional lounge and concession spaces to provide more eateries, retail stores and modern traveler amenities;
• Tropical landscaping, improvements to the flow of vehicular traffic; and more.

Also, revealed were plans for a connected ferry terminal that would expedite maritime travel for passengers after exiting the terminal.