St Helena has been in splendid isolation since it was first discovered by Portuguese explorers in 1502. Surrounded by thousands of miles of empty ocean, its remoteness and isolation have always been key to its character.
What do St Helenians - and descendants of St Helenians who live in the UK - think of the airport? Are they pleased it'll be easier and quicker to get there? Do they think the Island will change?
Richard Jones spoke to a cross-section of St Helenians. First is Gavin Thomas from Bordon in Hampshire who moved to the UK in 1989 but visits St Helena regularly.
Then Madeleine Sweeney, from Southampton, who has relatives from St Helena and first visited in 2008.
At the St Helena Sports Day in Reading during the summer he spoke to Candy Moyce, President of the UK St Helena Association who came to the UK in 1957, and to Professor Dan Yon, a St Helenian who now lectures at York University in Canada.
Monday's weather forecast
Philippa has the outlook for the week ahead
A vigil has been held to remember the three victims of the terror attack in Reading.