Aviation History
Antigua and Barbuda has no flag carrier of its own but has long been the operational and historical home of LIAT, the multi-government-owned Caribbean regional airline founded in 1956, based at V.C. Bird International Airport. The airport began as a US Army airfield built in 1942, becoming Coolidge International Airport in 1949 before being renamed in 1985 for the nation's first Prime Minister, Sir Vere Cornwall Bird. LIAT's 2020 liquidation and 2024 relaunch as a smaller carrier marked a major disruption to the island's role as a regional aviation hub.
The United States Army constructed a military aerodrome in Antigua for wartime use.
The facility transitioned to civilian use, reopening under the name Coolidge International Airport.
Leeward Islands Air Transport Services was established on 20 October 1956 in Montserrat, later basing major operations in Antigua.
Following the bankruptcy of parent company Court Line, a group of Caribbean governments acquired LIAT, beginning its era of multi-government ownership.
The airport was renamed to honor Sir Vere Cornwall Bird, Antigua and Barbuda's first Prime Minister.
A modern 23,000-square-meter terminal with 46 check-in counters and four passenger boarding bridges was completed.
COVID-19's impact and mounting debt led Antigua and Barbuda's government to announce LIAT's liquidation, with operations ending entirely by January 2024.
A reformed carrier, LIAT (2020), resumed limited service and later rebranded as Liat Air.
LIAT / LIAT (2020) / Liat Air · Carib Aviation (regional)
Wikipedia, V.C. Bird International Airport, CAPA