Barbados to Upgrade Radar and Airspace Technology at Grantley Adams International Airport
The Government of Barbados has announced plans to make major upgrades to the radar and airspace management technology at Grantley Adams International Airport. This decision comes as the island experiences a record number of incoming flights and passengers.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill, revealed the upgrade during a debate on the Appropriation Bill 2026 in the Barbados House of Assembly. He stated that the new technology will not only enhance safety but also improve efficiency in managing the influx of aircraft.
The project includes the installation of a new monopulse secondary surveillance radar system, valued at approximately $7. 2 million, as part of a larger $17 million aviation technology program. The CAF Development Bank is providing support for this initiative.
Hadley Bourne, Chief Executive Officer of the airport, explained that the new radar system will enable air traffic controllers to better track aircraft and manage spacing between planes. This is especially crucial during peak periods when congestion in the airspace can occur before the planes even land.
This announcement comes on the heels of a recent disruption at the airport when air traffic controllers staged a sickout, resulting in the temporary closure of Barbados’ airspace for nearly seven and a half hours. This caused flight cancellations, delays, and diversions, affecting services by American Airlines, JetBlue, and Air Canada.
Gooding-Edghill also acknowledged that the airport, which was built 40 years ago, was not designed to handle the current volume of traffic. In fact, the facility recently recorded its highest number of passengers, with 2. 4 million passing through its terminals. This surge has put pressure on airport infrastructure, particularly during peak travel periods when multiple planes may be waiting for parking positions on the apron.
To address this growing demand, the government is planning the first phase of a $120 million expansion of the airport. This expansion will increase capacity and improve services for passengers. Additionally, investments are being made in equipment to enhance aircraft handling and passenger processing as traffic continues to grow.
Lemuel Padmore, Chief Executive Officer of Caribbean Aircraft Handling, revealed that peak arrival times between 2 p. m. and 4 p. m. can see up to 15 aircrafts arriving, carrying nearly 3,000 passengers and 4,500 bags. This highlights the urgent need for upgrades to handle the current and future volume of traffic at Grantley Adams International Airport.
In conclusion, the Government of Barbados is taking significant steps to modernize and improve the airport’s radar and airspace management technology. These upgrades will not only benefit the country’s tourism industry but also ensure the safety and efficiency of air travel for all passengers.