By the Caribbean Journal staff

The increasingly popular Caribbean destination of Martinique is looking to expand and upgrade its airport.

The Aime Cesaire Airport Authority has presented plans for its new airport extension project, which will nearly double the size of the airport.

The new security area.

The airport aims to “redefine the passenger’s airport experience and offer travelers a satisfying and safe encounter,” with plans for completion by 2020.

The extension will come on the western and eastern ends of the airport;

The western phase will see the addition of new check-in counters, a new boarding lounge for regional flights, an increase in security checkpoints to reduce waiting time and a repositioning of car rental facilities.

The new international departure area.

On the east side of the airport, the project will involve the creation of a new boarding lounge with almost 11,000 square feet of new space, the creation of two new loading bridges, a new departure lounge and a new baggage sorting area.

The new regional lounge.

As Martinique’s tourism arrivals have surged, the island’s airport has been among the fastest-growing in the Caribbean, with 1.86 million passengers served last year. The airport is now targeting 2 million passengers by 2020.