TCI News

Fear that Horrible Airport Reviews damaging TCI Tourism

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2024

Shanieka

Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

Gorgeous beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, warm locals and the beautiful culture of the Turks and Caicos all pale in comparison to the horror show of the Providenciales/Howard Hamilton International Airport and that opinion is coming directly from visitors.

“Because of the way this experience was handled? Not coming back,” a visitor who was stuck in the airport overnight in March told us, while holding his tired three year old daughter.

Dozens of similar reviews have been shared with the Magnetic Media news team directly as well as online. On some occasions the posts are riddled with expletives as tourists express their frustration.

That a day at the airport can overshadow the Turks and Caicos’ extensive and luxurious offerings is a serious concern for stakeholders.

“There is no way this can continue for another 3-5 years. Too many tourists are saying never again.”

That timeline is supposed to be the cutoff point for a redevelopment of the airport.

But the question that operator put to our news team is if the pristine reputation of the country can continue to take the beating that the airport is giving it. Weekends are usually the worst. The problem, well documented over the years, is that too many aircraft come in too short a time frame bogging down arrivals and departures and concentrating thousands of guests in the airport at the same time.

It’s clearly the major issue, as on weekdays which usually have low traffic travelers report being in and out in minutes.

On the worst days though it results in a crush of people with barely standing room in the terminal while others wait in long lines in the blazing sun. The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) which oversees all government owned international airports in the country has begun to divert flights to private airfields nearby.

Godfrey Stewart, TCIAA CEO told the news team it was ‘simply an innovation to facilitate and maximize time and minimize diversion anywhere.’

“The option to use private ramps is not new. It’s situational as and [used] when needed. The TCIAA operations team understood the need to improvise and did so,” Smith told us

It comes at no charge to the TCIAA and is ‘ according to the CEO who described it as ‘most helpful.’

FBO operators aren’t as convinced, and they say a permanent solution is needed

“It’s not ideal but it’s better than forcing them to circle for extended periods or have to divert because they need to land and there is no room. That the airport thinks this is a better idea than spreading out the flights and continues to try to accept 50 flights in too short a window is really unfortunate,” one told us.

The FBO’s aren’t the only ones who think this way, islanders and visitors have been calling for a drastic change in scheduling as well to spread out the flights allowing less congestion and smoother operations. For the government though that is a no-can-do for the Turks and Caicos.

“Slot management is program scheduling of flights to control volume and timing of flights. It works best in large airports rather than secondary airports like HHIA.

Airlines build their flight schedule around its hub and connection demands at major hubs,” Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration and Border Security, told the news team months prior when we had asked about the issue in the midst of another flare up of congestion.

Already visitors who have experienced the airport are warning others to pick a trip elsewhere

‘It obviously is outdated and in need of a huge renovation. I really can’t see myself coming back here. For a place to be expensive and the first thing you go through,” a traveler said in a January 4 post on Yelp where the airport has a two-star rating.

On March 25th another customer posted his detailed experience

“I’ve travelled to many small countries/airports in my life, but have never experienced anything even close to as bad as the Providenciales airport in Turks and Caicos. For our departure, we waited 1 hour just to check our bags, then another 2.5 hours in a jam-packed, dirty, 85 degree line to get to security. Once in the gate area, another 2 hours before they announced that the flight was canceled. We had to spend $1200 for one-night hotel accommodations, then went back the next day for more of the same: delays, waiting in long lines in high heat. Turks and Caicos has nice beaches and clear water, but this airport experience, along with the high costs, bad roads, water restrictions, and mosquitos do not make it worth the visit. Never again.”

It was similar to a February review, ”Utter and complete disaster. No staff, poor line management and extremely, extremely long lines— Not sure I want to experience this again. Go elsewhere.”

“Worst airport, I would not recommend going to Turks and Caicos because the airport is so terrible. It is hell on earth, maybe worse,” said another. And possibly one of the most damning came from a seasoned traveler

“This is the worst organized airport I’ve ever been to, and I’m an airline pilot so I’ve been to a lot of them,” a traveler said on March 9.

That was only some of the 2024 reviews and almost all advise travelers to avoid the country completely.

With the growing popularity of the Turks and Caicos the government is expecting to hit a million stay over guests soon the bulk of which will likely have to be funneled through the Providenciales International Airport.

With no slowdown in sight some industry professionals are already worried that if the country doesn’t find a permanent solution to the crisis it will start to pay for that with lower arrival numbers.

TCI News

HURRICANE MELISSA: NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS

Published

3 days ago

October 28, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 28, 2025 – We are closely monitoring the impact of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica, and our thoughts and prayers are with our regional neighbours for their safety and well-being

We are now entering a critical period as Hurricane Melissa advances towards the Turks and Caicos Islands. Current projections indicate that Hurricane Melissa will begin to impact the Turks and Caicos Islands around midday tomorrow, Wednesday, 29th October.

This morning, Her Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Premier chaired a State of Preparedness Meeting. All Government agencies and critical services are mobilised. The safety and protection of every person across our Islands remains our highest priority. Our emergency response teams are prepared and the TCI Regiment is deployed across each of our Islands to support community readiness and immediate response. The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force are on active duty, with additional officers in North Caicos, Salt Cay, South Caicos and Grand Turk.

At this time, the hurricane is moving north-northeast. The country is expected to experience tropical storm conditions, heavy rainfall and significant storm surge. The storm surge poses a serious concern for low-lying coastal areas especially along our western and southern coastlines, which may result in coastal flooding. Based on the most current weather projections and anticipated impacts for the Turks and Caicos Islands, the National Executive have agreed the following actions:

1. Evacuation Advisories

Residents in specific low-lying and flood-prone coastal areas are likely to experience significant storm surge of 2-4 feet with accompanying rainfall. Strong advice is now place for residents in these areas to relocate to designated shelters which will be open from 4pm this afternoon. These areas include:

Middle Caicos

Conch Bar Nearest Shelter: The Community Centre

North Caicos

Sandy Point Nearest Shelter : Sandy Point Community Centre
Whitby Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School
Bottle Creek Nearest Shelter: Adelaide Oemler Primary School

Providenciales

- - Chalk Sound Nearest Shelter Enid Capron Primary School
  - Five Cays Nearest Shelter: Enid Capron Primary School
  - Discovery Bay Nearest Shelter: All Saints Church, Leeward Highway
  - Juba Sound Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School
  - Long Bay Nearest Shelter: A. Louise Garland High School

South Caicos

Cockburn Harbour Nearest Shelter: Community Centre
Old Airport Road Nearest Shelter: Community Centre

Should an evacuation order become necessary, it will be issued following the 6:00 PM Advisory this evening from the TCI National Weather Service.

2. Activation of Emergency Operations Centre

The National Emergency Operations Centre in Providenciales and all Islands Emergency Operations Centres will be activated at 4:00 PM today.

3. Shelters Access
Shelters across all Islands will open today at 4:00 PM to receive members of the public.

4. Shelter-in-Place

A Strong Shelter-in-Place Advisory is in place for all islands, commencing at 10:00 PM tonight. This will be in place until the all clear has been issued.

This means that from 10:00 PM tonight, all residents should be off the road, in a safe location, either at home or a designated shelter.

Please note that this position may be revised following the 6:00 PM Advisory from the TCI National Weather Service, depending on updated storm projections.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has confirmed that all airports remain fully operational for today. They will advise the public about ongoing operations dependent on the weather impacts.

In times such as this, the role of commercial entities extends beyond business – it becomes a vital part of the community’s resilience. All retailers and service providers are urged to uphold their humanitarian responsibilities by maintaining fair pricing and ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to all.

Residents and visitors are reminded to adhere strictly to all official advisories and evacuation orders as they are issued. Avoid unnecessary movement, secure your property, and ensure that you and your family are prepared with essential supplies. Stay prepared and stay safe.

TCI News

Frontier Airlines’ Arrival to Turks & Caicos Marks a Game-Changing Connection

Published

6 days ago

October 25, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 25, 2025 – Budget-friendly skies are opening over the Turks and Caicos Islands as Frontier Airlines prepares to launch its first-ever nonstop flights between Providenciales International Airport (PLS) and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) — the world’s busiest air hub.

Starting December 20, 2025, the twice-weekly service will offer residents and tourists a direct, affordable gateway to and from the U.S. mainland. The new route marks Frontier’s debut in the Turks and Caicos, part of a major regional expansion that includes 22 new routes across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

“We couldn’t be more excited to begin operations in Providenciales,” said Josh Flyr, Frontier’s Vice President of Network and Operations Design. “With our nonstop service to Atlanta, we’re making travel easier, more affordable, and unlocking connections to countless destinations across the U.S. and beyond. It’s not just about tourism — it’s about opportunity.”

Big Win for Providenciales and the Region

The move positions Howard Hamilton International Airport as a growing Caribbean hub. Frontier’s low-fare model is expected to stimulate visitor arrivals, particularly from Atlanta — a key U.S. tourism feeder city — while giving Turks and Caicos residents new, cost-effective travel options for business, education, and leisure.

Industry observers note that the timing couldn’t be better. Turks and Caicos tourism remains on an upward trajectory in 2025, with hotel occupancy and airlift both climbing following the pandemic rebound. Frontier’s entry adds competitive pricing to an air market long dominated by legacy carriers, expanding the reach of the destination to more budget-minded travelers.

A Wider Growth Strategy

The Atlanta–Providenciales launch is part of Frontier’s aggressive Caribbean push this winter, which also includes new flights to Nassau, St. Maarten, Puerto Vallarta, and San José del Cabo. Introductory fares to select destinations are as low as US $69 one-way.

For Turks and Caicos, the connection to Atlanta — one of Frontier’s strategic bases — means instant access to hundreds of onward destinations in North America and beyond.

As Frontier joins the expanding roster of carriers serving the islands, tourism officials are calling it a “win-win for accessibility and affordability.” And for travelers? It’s a golden ticket to paradise — at a fraction of the cost.

TCI News

Turks & Caicos Police Commissioner Urges Students to “Awaken Their Sleeping Giants”

Published

1 week ago

October 24, 2025

Deandrea Hamilton

Turks and Caicos, October 24, 2025 – Commissioner of Police Fitz Bailey delivered an impassioned address to male students at Clement Howell High School, calling on them to recognize their power, seize their potential, and “awaken the sleeping giants” within.

In a message that blended humility, faith, and personal experience, the Commissioner reminded the boys that the decisions they make today will shape their future.“The choices you make today determine who you become tomorrow,” he said.

Bailey, who revealed he was the first in his family to attend high school, urged the students to embrace education and discipline as tools of transformation.“Knowledge is power. If you want to be a real man, you need to read,” he told them. “Remember your potential — if others can do it, so can you. Some of you are sleeping giants waiting to be awakened.”

He emphasized that circumstances of birth do not dictate destiny, challenging the young men to carry self-respect, faith, and moral conviction wherever they go. “Self-respect is key; respect yourself, respect others, and respect God,” he said. “The circumstances you were born into do not define who you are.”

The Commissioner also spoke about resilience, advising that true strength often lies in restraint.

“There will be challenges, and people may try to impede your development — but rise above negativity. Sometimes, strength means walking away,” he said. “Some of you are sleeping lions; it’s time to awaken that instinct and rediscover your true potential.”

In closing, Commissioner Bailey delivered a stirring challenge:

“Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself that you were created by God and are capable of great exploits. You are a possibility with potential. Step forward with confidence — this is your country, your islands. Be the best version of yourself.”

Following his speech, the Commissioner engaged the students in open dialogue, answering questions and listening to their perspectives on issues affecting young men in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Developed by Deandrea Hamilton • with ChatGPT (AI) • edited by Magnetic Media.