New Airport

[Robert T]

Just wondering what others think about the new airport/terminal? We drove past it this February and were shocked to see how enormous it is for such a small island as Tobago. It could easily be the largest airport/terminal in the whole Caribbean region.

[PaulMakin]

indeed.

behind schedule and over budget but being commissioned on Saturday regardless. teams still working on it day and night and the shuttering has now been taken down so you can see the full extent of the development.

the reported pax capacity per annum is huge but no real talk about which, if any, "new" airlines are interested. Previous link-ups with SAmerican carriers died on the vine, rumours of Scandanavian flights circulating for years but not materialised etc. Canada and the US would seem to be the obvious target market although (again) talk of improving links with Europe, Germany being the oft cited "hub" country.

Absolutely no information in the public domain about landing licences/slots though. AATT issue these out of Trinidad and have historically been a little reluctant.

Concerns about the rest of the infrastructure widely discussed - accommodation (quantity and quality), communications, transport, dining, service sector etc have all been flagged up again.

For sure though the financiers will demand a return on their investments so hoping that someone, somewhere has a plan. oh, wait...

[Kurt.Halfyard]

The next time we go to Tobago (2028 maybe), it will certainly be surreal, given the grand upscale from the previous aging terminal.

[Robert T]

Well it looks like the Sandals thing is back on the cards again but to be honest I think that's the very last thing that island needs...

[PaulMakin]

the media have added a touch of spin to this one.

at the recent meet with the Sandals management team the government/THA/etc have agreed to invite them back for talks and Sandals have agreed that they would attend to discuss the possibility of reconsidering Tobago. it's touted as a start over with no site or other details being slated for discussion although it is reported that Sandals would be funding the project should it decide to proceed.

in other news - no updates on the marriott project and no takers (that we know of) for the magdalena.

[PaulMakin]

From yesterday's Guardian

"Although the new building was commissioned in March, it has not yet been put into use. While most of the work on the terminal is finished, several key steps remain. These include paving the runway, improving fire safety systems, and securing final approval from international agencies."

Erm....

[Kurt.Halfyard]

Any news on the Airport before we close out 2025?

[PaulMakin]

other than the US radar installation and its associated support infrastructure seems to be little change.

the landscaping is settling nicely though

[PaulMakin]

Latest press reporting tells that there was no refuelling facility included in the build - another TT$50 million to extend from the old terminal apparently.

[PaulMakin]

Good to go apparently, the relevant certifications and permissions handed over on Sunday.

[Guillaume09]

I share your surprise. During my visit to Tobago, I was also amazed by the size of the new terminal. For an island of this size, the project seems particularly ambitious. I suppose the authorities are counting on an increase in tourism and air travel in the future. It remains to be seen whether the expected influx of visitors will materialize and whether the facilities will be used to their full potential. In any case, the building is remarkable and radically changes the experience of arriving on the island.

[PaulMakin]

i shall miss the sauna-like experience as the crew open the doors on arrival and also the opportunity to cross the baked tarmac, broiling in what remains of the day's sun as i head to the arrivals hall.