By the Caribbean Journal staff

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, the island of Anguilla has announced new plans that would significantly expand its existing airport.

The plan unveiled by Anguilla Chief Minister Victor Banks would expand the airport’s runway by 600 feet to 6,000 feet.

That expansion would allow the airport to accommodate operations from larger aircraft like Boeing 737 and other international jet aircraft and potentially draw regularly-scheduled service from major carriers.

Today, Anguilla is only accessibly by small regional craft and by boat.

On the latter point, Banks also announced plans to rebuild the island’s Blowing Point ferry terminal, destroyed by Irma.

Architectural plans have already been commissioned for the design and construction of the new facility, with construction slated to begin shortly.

“We recognize that facilitating access to the island is the key to the revival of our tourism industry,” said Donna Banks, Chairperson, Anguilla Tourist Board. “Our goal is to provide access not only for visitors to Anguilla, but also for our neighboring islands, all of whom are dependent on tourism for their economic well-being.”

While Anguilla was hit particularly hard by Irma, the island is recovering, with phone and Internet restored to most parts of the island, roads and beaches cleared and grocery stores largely well provisioned.