As air travel to Barbados continues to surge, the island is making a major transformation at Grantley Adams International Airport. 

The former Concorde hangar, which has served as the island’s popular Concorde Experience museum, is being converted into a new departure terminal. 

The museum had been the home of the British Airways Concorde called Alpha Echo, which made its final journey to Barbados in 2003. 

The Concorde hangar will now becom ea secured departure area for passengers, officials confirmed this week. 

“This decision underscores our commitment to enhancing the travel experience in Barbados as we enjoy our position as a preferred destination,” airport officials said in a statement. 

The new terminal will “significantly ease congestion at our main terminal, Terminal One, offering a more streamlined and comfortable experience for travelers in both areas,” they said. 

The process to convert the hangar has already begun, with team members “working around the clock to prepare this terminal.”

The new terminal will feature new seating, security screening, a commercial area and other amenities – making it a “fully functioning and comfortable pre-boarding area for specific flights.”

“We believe this innovative use of the Concorde Experience, a symbol of aviation excellence, aligns perfectly with our mission to offer exceptional service and facilities,” said Hadley Bourne, chief executive officer at Grantley Adams International Airport. “We look forward to welcoming passengers to this new terminal very soon and are confident that it will greatly contribute to the positive travel experience at Grantley Adams International Airport.”