The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), which owns and operates the Owen Roberts International Airport, has reached the half-way mark with the renovation and expansion of the terminal. The project will almost triple the current size of the airport and was designed to accommodate over two million passengers per year. Currently the airport processes over one million passengers per year, but is only equipped to service 500,000 passengers.
Passengers can expect a complete renovation of the airport, which was first constructed in the early 1980s, and an overall enhanced airport experience. In addition to an overall increase in space, there will be additional gates, arrival baggage carousels and security x-ray machines. The project also includes the installation of sophisticated systems to help expedite wait times and provide efficiencies, including an electronic common use passenger processing system for check-in (including self-service kiosks), new departures baggage handling system, flight and baggage information display systems, geo thermal air conditioning system and new ambient noise controlled public address system.
“There are numerous moving parts to the project, and it has been so rewarding to witness first-hand the many leaps and bounds we are making to deliver a first-class facility that we will all enjoy,” said CIAA CEO Mr. Albert Anderson.
The project is divided into several phases over a three-year period in order to not only carry out the construction work required but to also maintain normal operations at the airport as passengers arrive and depart on a daily basis.
Work on phase one of the expansion project is complete, which includes a new baggage handling and screening area, airline offices and a mechanical room. Phases two and three are scheduled for completion at the end of 2017. This includes an additional exit lane in short-term parking in October, enhancing the ticketing area in November for future long-term expansion and new immigration, customs and baggage claim areas in early December. The final phase, to be completed in late 2018, includes an expanded departure hall, food court, VIP lounge, restaurant, additional restroom facilities, children’s play area, lactation room for new mothers and a variety of concessions.
In addition to the airport expansion project currently underway, the CIAA has also put out to tender for design services to enhance the airside. Projects for this bid include strengthening the runway, remediating the airfield ponds, expanding the apron to the east and adding a perimeter road for airfield access vehicles.
“Our passengers, airport partners and staff have been very understanding and accommodating throughout this transition. We have inconvenienced them quite a bit, and we appreciate all of the support we have received while the necessary construction work is going on,” said Mr. Anderson. “A world-class terminal in the Cayman Islands is not far from sight now, and we look forward to sharing it with our residents and people from all across the globe.”
The CIAA will continue to inform the public about the airport renovation and expansion project through the media outlets and on their Facebook page and, as always, would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation.
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