News
Airport Congestion slammed by Residents who say Authorities must do better
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, March 21, 2022 – The overwhelming feeling is the TCI Airports Authority must figure out a way to end the miserable time residents and visitors spend trying to enter and exit the Turks and Caicos Islands. The destination cannot wait on a brand new airport, it needs mitigation now.
Residents, speaking to our news organization were appalled by the video which gave visual confirmation to the frustrating lines, lengthy wait times and uncomfortable conditions at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and their concern was not just for the guests who visit but also for residents.
“For a high end destination, our airport is sure pop down! They really need to get it together,” said a resident who was on Saturday trying to take a flight out of Providenciales.
“I’m here and the Airport and I think only hell hotter than here,” she said about the temperature, which at the time was a real feel of 86°F.
One frequent traveler and resident of Provo said, at this stage, she just avoids the flying on weekends adding that the consistent waits and lines are bound to have a negative impact on tourism.
“Coming to Provo is also horrible. They kept us on the plane for 25 minutes, letting groups of 20 out at a time. As a tourist, I would rethink my next visit.”
She also questioned the previous expansion, which she believes was an expensive failure.
“Not sure why the airport is like that after all that money they spent on it a few years ago. Someone was sleeping at the wheel. They need to take a page out of The Bahamas airport plans. Bahamas has loads of visitors and you never see this mess.
I refuse to travel on weekends.”
In 2010, a three phased expansion of the PLS was announced. It did open up the arrivals terminal and boost the count on restrooms. It also lengthened the runway and created a new parking apron. What it did not do was adequately address the limited space at the facility.
About the lines, which extended to outside of the terminal area, there were these labels:
“Ridiculous!” and “Horrendous!”
The TCIAA informed in a statement on Saturday night that with over 4000 travellers, 27 flights and several flight delays it was difficult mitigating the overwhelming circumstances which led to hundreds of passengers being crammed into the arrivals area, and spilling out into the ground transportation parking lot as they queued up to check in and pass the security check point.
The exhaustion and frustration was palpable. Staff also looked worn out. It is said this is what has been happening every weekend.
Services one expects to be available or operable at an airport are not.
“Can you believe you go through all of this and no internet? Only in the café.”
To the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority statement on the unprecedented congestion, there was this
“I thank you for your proactive approach, but we have to do better, keeping the passengers on the aircraft leads to ramp congestion, a terrible arrival experience and it delays every departure.
It also leads to the over congestion in the departure area plus the air condition unit is unable to support the passenger numbers.”
A most compelling statement came from an air industry professional who said, “If this is not considered a real emergency, I don’t know what is. It’s total chaos and we’re risking our reputation. How much longer will our top end clients put up with this? Or will they choose next time to go somewhere with a better airport?”
The TCIAA said it is working with stakeholders on ways to alleviate the problems, however, there was no naming of those partners and no announcement about what will be done to improve conditions at the PLS on weekends.