List of Airports in Montserrat
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of Montserrat according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Montserrat are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Montserrat
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bramble Airport | MNI | Montserrat | Small |
Major Airports in Montserrat
Montserrat is a small island in the Caribbean, part of the Leeward Islands. As a territory of the United Kingdom, it has limited air transport infrastructure due to its small size and population. The island primarily serves regional flights and caters to a small number of visitors each year, mostly for tourism and business. Montserrat has one operational airport, which is the primary gateway for air travel to and from the island.
1. John A. Osborne Airport (MNI)
Airport Code:
MNI
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC -4:00
Address:
John A. Osborne Airport, Little Bay, Montserrat, British West Indies
Nearby Cities:
- Plymouth (4 miles)
- Brades (3 miles)
- Davy Hill (2 miles)
- Old Towne (6 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- FlyMontserrat
- Caribbean Helicopters
- LIAT (formerly)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
John A. Osborne Airport handles approximately 10,000 to 15,000 passengers annually, depending on the number of flights and tourism activity. The airport’s traffic is relatively low, reflecting the island’s small population and limited tourism infrastructure.
Airport Location and History
John A. Osborne Airport (MNI) is the only international airport on the island of Montserrat. Located in the northwest of the island near Little Bay, it serves as the primary air gateway for both residents and visitors. The airport is named after John A. Osborne, a former Chief Minister of Montserrat, who played an important role in the island’s governance.
The airport’s history dates back to the 1960s, though it was only in the 1980s that it began to accommodate larger aircraft. Initially, it was used by smaller aircraft and regional flights, offering connections to nearby Caribbean islands such as Antigua. However, in 1997, Montserrat’s volcanic eruption devastated the capital city, Plymouth, which forced the relocation of many services, including the airport. The eruption significantly impacted the local economy and infrastructure, including the airport’s operations.
In the years following the volcanic crisis, John A. Osborne Airport was modernized to accommodate both small aircraft and helicopter services. However, it remains limited in terms of capacity and infrastructure. It is primarily used for flights from Antigua and is a key transport link for the island’s residents and the occasional tourist.
The airport also supports inter-island flights, often via smaller propeller-driven aircraft or helicopter services. As Montserrat’s volcanic activity has stabilized, the island is slowly rebuilding, and the airport remains an essential part of its transport and recovery efforts.
Facilities and Infrastructure
John A. Osborne Airport has one runway (12/30), which is 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) long. The runway is adequate for small to medium-sized aircraft, including the DHC-6 Twin Otter and Beechcraft 1900, which are used for regional flights. However, it is not long enough or strong enough to accommodate larger wide-body aircraft, limiting the airport to short- and medium-haul flights primarily within the Caribbean.
The airport features a small terminal building, which includes basic passenger services like check-in counters, baggage handling, and a small waiting area. There are limited amenities, with a few shops and snack bars available. Security measures are in place, but the airport remains small and relatively simple, with minimal infrastructure compared to larger Caribbean airports.
The airport’s facilities are generally sufficient for the local demand. However, there are plans for further development to enhance the airport’s capacity and improve the infrastructure for both tourism and business needs. Ground transportation options include taxis, rental cars, and shuttle services to major towns on the island, including Brades and the former capital, Plymouth.
2. Plymouth Airport (formerly operational)
Airport Code:
N/A (No longer operational)
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC -4:00
Address:
Plymouth, Montserrat, British West Indies
Nearby Cities:
- Plymouth (0 miles)
- Brades (4 miles)
- Davy Hill (3 miles)
- Little Bay (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (Plymouth Airport ceased operation after volcanic eruption)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Plymouth Airport had limited traffic, with annual passenger numbers fluctuating between 5,000 and 10,000 before its closure. The airport was primarily used for regional flights to nearby Caribbean islands and was essential for inter-island transport.
Airport Location and History
Plymouth Airport, located near the island’s capital before the volcanic eruptions, was the primary air transport hub for Montserrat until 1997. The airport was situated within Plymouth, the capital city, and served as the island’s main gateway for flights to neighboring Caribbean islands, including Antigua and St. Kitts.
However, the 1995 eruption of Soufrière Hills volcano significantly affected the Plymouth region. In 1997, the eruption caused widespread destruction in Plymouth, which was eventually abandoned due to ash and pyroclastic flows. This event led to the closure of the airport, and its runway was rendered unusable. The destruction of Plymouth Airport marked a major turning point in Montserrat’s infrastructure and left John A. Osborne Airport as the island’s sole operating airport.
Before its closure, Plymouth Airport had a short runway and limited facilities. It was primarily used by small regional aircraft. The infrastructure was insufficient for handling large commercial jets, and the airport lacked many amenities that are found at larger international airports.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Plymouth Airport had a single runway, which was approximately 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) in length. The runway could accommodate small aircraft like the Cessna 208 Caravan and Twin Otter but was not designed for large jets. The terminal was minimal, offering only basic services for passengers and handling regional flights from nearby islands.
Due to the volcanic activity and the destruction of Plymouth, the airport ceased operations, and the government shifted its focus to rebuilding Montserrat’s airport infrastructure. The primary focus of development has been at John A. Osborne Airport, located in the northern part of the island, which is less prone to volcanic hazards.
Plymouth’s airport is no longer in operation, and the infrastructure is now in ruins. However, the memory of the airport is important for understanding the history of Montserrat’s recovery from the natural disaster.
