Plans to extend the runway at Grand Cayman’s airport into the North Sound are moving forward, Infrastructure Minister Jay Ebanks told business leaders.
The minister also indicated ‘jetways’ – mobile connector bridges that allow passengers to step off the plane and walk right into the terminal – will be part of the multi-million-dollar upgrade at Owen Roberts International Airport.
Speaking at the Chamber of Commerce Economic Forum on 23 Jan., Ebanks highlighted the airport as a ‘critical national asset’.
“A comprehensive programme of infrastructure expansion and modernisation is progressing, focused on capacity, safety, resilience and passenger experience,” Ebanks said.
This includes the expansion and upgrades to the terminal facilities at Owen Roberts International Airport and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport to improve comfort, efficiency and passenger flow, he said.
“Key elements of the programme include the introduction of jetways, runway expansion or taxiway extension at Owen Roberts International Airport, and the development of a dedicated general aviation terminal,” Ebanks added.
Jetways were omitted from the earlier redevelopment of the airport in 2015, despite public pressure. Officials told the ‘Cayman Compass’ at that time that the feature would have added $20 million to the overall cost of the redevelopment, which tripled the capacity of the terminal.
Former Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan had indicated in 2023 that they were not an immediate priority in the latest development masterplan, though that appears to have changed under the new administration.
Ebanks said, “These investments support larger aircraft operations, improve aircraft movements on the ground, strengthen resilience and enhance Cayman’s role as an international business and financial centre.”
The minister did not give details or timelines on different elements of the project or specific costs. An Airports Masterplan published in 2023 outlined needed works across all three airports with an overall price tag of around $660 million.
There was no specific funding from central government in the 2025 and 2026 budget plan for development at the airport. The Cayman Islands Airports Authority does generate significant revenue itself, however, and previous developments have been funded through its own income.
Albert Anderson, CEO of the Cayman Islands Airports Authority was not available this week to answer questions on the timeline of the airports project.
The terms of reference for an Environmental Impact Assessment on the runway extension plan went out last year. An ad published by the Cayman Islands Airports Authority last year also outlined plans for a second-floor departure lounge with additional shops and restaurants and improvements to the infrastructure for private aircraft. A new general aviation terminal is also part of the plans.
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Runway expansion is a good idea.
Not so sure about the jetways, which have a habit of jamming sometimes.
Our current system of movable slopes so one can roll one’s wheelie bag onto the planes, rather than the more usual steps, seems perfectly fine.
Astronomical increases in the driving licences largely affecting the poor, and hitting the financial sector yet again, is a drop in the ocean compared with Government’s latest spending plans. The airport does need improvements,but extending the runway to allow larger jets is a bad idea, has Govt sought advice from the airlines?, there is no real demand for jumbo jets coming here. Judging by the 2023 master plan, by the time this grandiose plan is completed the cost will be close to a billion dollars. I suggest our politicians come back down to earth and at the very least abandon the runway extension and avoid saddling our country with a debt that will endure for generations.
The runway extension is the single biggest opportunity to make new money our Country has. It comes down to bigger planes being able to leave here with a full tank of gas and fully loaded, with safety margin. We get the British 777 now, but she can not safely leave here with a full fuel and full load of passengers and cargo, hence the Nassau stop. There are lots of airplanes and cold weather Countries jonesing for a new route to fly but our runway (as impressive as it looks) is simply not sufficient to safely handle HEAVY aircraft. Build that runway Ministers, and the jetways play for themselves.
Good bye sensitive habitat
This is good news and will help welcome more long-stay visitors.
Cruise passengers spend a little $$, those here by plane for weeks spend much more.
Jetways, way overdue. I’ve written so many times, about this most important feature at ORIA . How many handicapped, and those needing some extra help, have had to navigate their way down the stairs leaving the aircraft only to perhaps stumble or fall.
Even those carrying children, extra bags, will finally be able to begin their trip without worrying about exiting the plane.
I completely agree with everything stated by Louisebarron B. The absence of jetways is an indication of a third-world mentality. To have reached the 2nd quarter of this century putting up with rain and sleet whilst trying to negotiate slippery steps/ramps is an appalling way to greet arriving passengers. What a dreadful first impression it creates. No timescale is reported, and, for the CIAA not to be available to answer questions, is very disappointing. It should be a top priority and, in the grand scale of things, a tiny additional cost outlay. Let’s hope it doesn’t become one of those expendable items when financial pressures become intolerable.
I don’t think we have any sleet.
What don’t you understand. This is a great benefit for those who can’t navigate the stairs, handicapped, those needing assistance, and those carrying kids, bags, and if it is raining, windy, hot, it just makes the start of a vacation that much more enjoyable. Capice
Loads of armchair airport experts it seems…..including the Hon. Minister!
Loads of comedians too! Jetways “pay for themselves”?? Ha!
I beg your pardon. Commonsense will win out. When the day comes that you are handicapped, you will get it then. Auf Wiedersehen.
What we need is vastly increased public parking. Being able to park in the short term area when long term lot is full is helpful, except when that is also full and there is no where else to park!