The long-anticipated rehabilitation of the runway at Hewanorra International Airport (HIA) has officially entered a decisive phase, marking a major step forward for one of Saint Lucia’s most critical infrastructure projects.
At a bidders’ conference held on Wednesday, March 18, inside the airport’s VIP Lounge, officials outlined the scope, expectations, and next steps of the long-delayed initiative—signaling tangible progress after years of planning, setbacks, and uncertainty.
The project forms part of the Caribbean Air Transport Connectivity Project (CATCOP) and is designed to modernize the airport’s runway infrastructure, enhance safety standards, and improve operational efficiency at Saint Lucia’s primary international gateway.
Project Manager for CATCOP, Kendell Peter, confirmed that the initiative—funded by the World Bank—has now advanced to the procurement stage, opening the door for qualified contractors to submit bids. “This is a World Bank-financed project,” Peter explained. “We have gone through an extensive period of design and review, and we are now inviting bidders to submit their proposals.”
He noted that the bidders’ conference was a key step in maintaining transparency and ensuring that all prospective contractors clearly understand the project’s requirements. “We are here to clarify expectations as the employer, address conditions within the bidding documents, and provide an opportunity for bidders to raise questions,” Peter added.
Senior Manager for Airports at the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA), Amy Charles, reflected on the lengthy journey to reach this stage, highlighting that the project’s roots date back to early discussions with the World Bank in 2019. “We started these conversations on April 29, 2019, when the World Bank first met with our airports team,” Charles recalled. “Despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and other changes along the way, we are now at the most significant phase of this project.”
The runway rehabilitation is expected to play a transformative role in strengthening Saint Lucia’s aviation sector. Upon completion, the upgraded runway will be better equipped to handle increasing air traffic, while meeting modern international safety and resilience standards.
For a project that has faced years of delays, the move into procurement represents more than just progress—it signals renewed momentum toward enhancing the island’s connectivity, tourism capacity, and overall economic development.
