Cayman Brac Terminal Expansion Work Begins
Cayman Islands government officials announced the commencement of terminal expansion work at the international airport in Cayman Brac, as well as the renaming of the facility, during a groundbreaking ceremony that touted the redevelopment as a boost to the local economy.
Gerrard-Smith International Airport in West End in Cayman Brac has been renamed Charles Kirkconnell International Airport in memory of the late Captain Charles Leonard Kirkconnell, a prominent local businessman with strong ties to the Sister Islands.
Local dignitaries and representatives from the Cayman Islands Airports Authority and the Ministry of Tourism, Finance and Development, including Cayman Islands Premier McKeeva Bush, celebrated the announcement by paying homage to Captain Charles while also lauding the redevelopment work as a boost to the Sister Islands’ economy and its growing tourism product.
Total cost projections were not immediately available, but airports authority officials said the coming months will see various phases of the project enacted, including tender selection and construction. Jeremy Jackson, chief executive officer of the airports authority, said the airports authority is funding the project.
The terminal building will be extended in both directions and there will be some temporary relocation of functions to allow for refurbishments on the existing facility.
The terminal facility is to remain operational during the construction phase. The work is tentatively scheduled for completion next year.
Officials said the airports authority’s redevelopment of Charles Kirkconnell International Airport would facilitate nonstop international flights by increasing operations and services.
Phase one of the project will accommodate a larger ticketing hall, enhanced passenger and baggage screening facilities, and the addition of outgoing immigration counters. The departure lounge will also be expanded to create additional retail space and a larger restaurant. Office space is also being created for Cayman Airways as well as airport security.
Phase two of the project will see enhancements to the arrivals hall – namely the immigration and customs areas – as well as the addition of space for public health and agriculture department personnel.
Mr. Jackson said, “The expansion of the Brac terminal is being funded by the Cayman Islands Airports Authority and the project will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost to the Brac’s economy, we are confident that the ability to attract direct international flights, without the stopover in Grand Cayman, will provide even greater opportunities for local businesses in the years ahead.”
