Mr Kurt A.G. Menal, Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority confirmed his abrupt resignation effective Thursday, May 7, 2026. Photo: LinkedIn/File

BVIAA Director of Special Projects, Mr Clive A. Smith, is expected to act as Managing Director until the post can be filled. Photo: GIS/File

American Airlines began direct flights from Tortola to Miami, Florida in June 2023. Photo: Government of the Virgin Islands

There is mixed information as to what led to his resignation, as some Board Members claimed that he wanted to give a three-month notice, but was told, as is the practice, he needed to go effective immediately. He is expected to be paid out accordingly.

Our newsroom reached out to Mr Menal, who confirmed his resignation and said he enjoyed a “good working relationship with all staff at the BVIAA”.  He, however, declined to comment further.

Mr Menal, a Saint Lucian national, has been at the helm of the BVIAA for four years and recently got another four-year renewal of his contract in January 2026, making his resignation a surprise to many.

Poor relationship with the PS?

One Board Member alleged that Mr Menal had a poor working relationship with his Permanent Secretary, Mrs Elvia Smith-Maduro, but did not elaborate further, and said the Board did its job in the oversight of Mr Menal.

Under Mr Menal’s tenure, three new airlines have commenced flights in and out of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island, including American Airlines with direct flights to Miami, Florida, from June 1, 2023. This has been a positive game-changer for air access for the Virgin Islands (VI).

Mr Menal was believed to be very instrumental in the ongoing efforts to extend the airport runway, to facilitate more direct flights to and from Tortola.

ASSI a bad decision?

He also oversaw the controversy when the Air Safety Support International (ASSI) imposed its will on the VI and stopped the drop off of passengers next to the terminal building, claiming security concerns.  The practice of dropping off passengers next to the airport terminals is an international best practice that happens at every major airport throughout the world.  Many residents and aviation experts scoff at the ASSI-imposed decision as “ridiculous and unnecessary”.

BVIAA Director of Special Projects, Mr Clive A. Smith, is expected to act in the post until a new Managing Director is recruited, according to a Board Member.