A big new airport project in Grand Cayman 

By Alexander Britell

GRAND CAYMAN — The Cayman Islands will soon have a major new airport terminal in Grand Cayman.

The Cayman Islands officially broke ground Thursday on a $55 million terminal expansion project that will create a modern, state-of-the-art terminal outside George Town.

Thursday marked the start of phase one at Owen Roberts International Airport, the first of four phases of the project; the second phase is slated to begin early next year.

The project will ultimately expand the size of the airport from 77,000 square feet to 207,000 square feet.

Above: the groundbreaking ceremony (CJ Photo)

It will include larger ticketing, arrival and departure areas, better baggage screening, a new VIP area, new concession areas in the departure and main entrance areas, nine departure gates and a large greeting hall, among other features.

The new design by RS&H Group is based on the profile of the territory’s native green sea turtle.

“For Cayman to flourish it must have modern infrastructure that helps its people and businesses,” Cayman Premier Alden McLaughlin told attendees at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Cayman Premier Alden McLaughlin addresses the ceremony (CJ Photo)

Cayman Tourism Minister Moses Kirkconnell pointed to the significant impact of tourism “on the ground in our communities and to the man and woman on the street” in the British Overseas Territory.

He said the expansion would be crucial to help provide a “first-rate travel experience” for visitors to the island.

“When people are satisfied and have a good experience, they simply come back, and this is where we need to focus our energy — on encouraging our friends and our visitors to return, return, and return,” he said.

The airport will remain in operation throughout all four phases.

It is scheduled for completion in early 2018.