News
Norman B. Saunders Airport ready for flights, TCIAA issues statement to explain delay in AA launch
Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
Turks and Caicos, February 16, 2025 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority said, despite a media report to the contrary, it is ready to take on international flights in South Caicos.
“The TCIAA is excited about the potential for expanded air service to South Caicos and is actively working with airlines to facilitate this growth. We are confident that Norman B. Saunders International Airport is prepared to welcome all international flights authorised by their respective state regulators,” said a statement obtained by Magnetic Media.
It followed widespread concern about the reported set back which could hinder the buoyancy of the South Caicos economy and stymie its potential as a leading regional vacation destination.
The online report focused on the delay in the start of international flights into the country’s fishing capital, it would have been the first regular direct flights for the islands in decades.
American Airlines informed the Miami Herald that the flight – originally set to start on Valentine’s Weekend – was pushed back, now due to launch in March instead. The TCIAA corroborated the timeline but said the reason was due to a lack of approvals.
“The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) has noted a recent media report with wide circulation regarding American Airlines’ rescheduled inaugural flight between Miami and South Caicos, now tentatively set for 29th March 2025.
This report incorrectly suggests that the Norman B. Saunders International Airport is not approved for international commercial service.
The TCIAA wishes to clarify that the Norman B. Saunders International Airport in South Caicos holds approvals from both UK and local
regulators for Tier 1 Operations. This designation authorizes the airport to accommodate international commercial flights.”
The inspection still has to happen, even as South Caicos is on the cusp of an incredible season.
In 2021, Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson, former TCI premier heralded a re-birth for South Caicos during a groundbreaking of the airport. The terminal, completed, officially opened and renamed in May 2024 by Washington Misick, successive (and current) premier of the British overseas territory echoed a similar sentiment.
Both leaders had forecast that the expanded capacity for South Caicos would revive a once held distinction as being an economic mecca for the Turks and Caicos.
Two months later, in July 2024, the announcement came from Experience Turks and Caicos that American Airlines would operate two flights per week from Miami to the Norman B. Saunders airport, (XSC) beginning February 15, 2025.
“This new service aligns perfectly with our policy vision to diversify the tourism offering and ensure that each island within the Turks and Caicos Islands benefits from the tourism industry,” said Alvin Hegner, Chairman of Experience Turks and Caicos.
“South Caicos is our fishing capital but it is also full of history. From the Salinas, a reminder of the sea salt industry that the Turks and Caicos once depended on to Cockburn Town where Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited on the Royal Yacht Britannia, visitors can take day tours to learn about the history or take in sights such as the Boiling Hole, an underwater passage that connects the ocean to the main salina pond. There are countless marine activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, bone-fishing and a range of activities year-round such as the highly anticipated South Caicos Regatta. We recently appointed a local representative to South Caicos to assist in the enhancement and development of the Big South and I am certain the community will benefit from all of these new developments,” he said.
The TCIAA said they have done everything needed to ensure this vision for South Caicos does not fall flat, and beyond their international approvals, there are airline standards which still have to be met.
“While the airport is fully capable of supporting such operations, some airlines, including U.S.-based carriers, require an inspection and certification by their respective national regulatory bodies before commending service to a new destination.
This regulatory process is specific to the airline, their national regulator and the time within which their national regulator can complete their inspection and certification process, and is separate from the airport’s existing international operating approvals and should not be misconstrued as a limitation on the airport’s ability to welcome international flights.”
The two-hour twenty minute flights, twice weekly, are now tentatively set for take off on March 29, 2025.
News
The Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (February 25th, 2026) – The Turks and Caicos Islands began 2026 on a positive note, with stayover arrivals in January surpassing the same period in 2025.
Preliminary figures indicate that 56,830 stayover visitors arrived in January 2026, representing a two percent increase year-on-year. The steady growth continues the positive momentum experienced at the close of 2025.
Mr. Paul Pennicook, Interim CEO Consultant, attributed the encouraging performance to new collaboration with tour operator partners as well as increased airlift from key source markets.
“We anticipated a strong January performance following the growth recorded in November and December. The winter season has traditionally been a robust period for the Turks and Caicos Islands, and this year that strength has been further supported by enhanced collaboration with partners and expanded airlift from Canada and the United States We are cautiously optimistic about maintaining this upward trajectory in the weeks and months ahead.
Cruise Sector
In cruise, preliminary figures show 122,935 cruise passenger arrivals in January, reflecting a 15 percent decrease compared to January 2025.
The decline is attributed to a reduction in cruise calls during the month. A total of 33 vessels called on Grand Turk in January, seven fewer than during the corresponding period last year.
Marketing Shows
As part of its ongoing efforts to position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier luxury destination, Experience Turks and Caicos has been actively participating in the Travel & Adventure Shows across several major cities in the United States.
The destination has already been showcased in Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, with Fort Lauderdale and Denver scheduled in the coming weeks.
Public Relations Manager Laura Dowrich represented the Turks and Caicos Islands alongside the destination’s U.S. marketing agency, ABA Global.
Beaches Turks & Caicos – Stone Creek Travels
“One of the most encouraging takeaways from these shows is that the Turks and Caicos Islands is indeed on travellers’ radar. We met many visitors who shared fond memories of their time here, others who already have trips booked and were seeking recommendations on activities and dining, and many more who aspire to visit. It was a pleasure highlighting our multi-island destination and sharing the many experiences that make the Turks and Caicos Islands truly special,” said Ms. Dowrich.
Awards & Recognition
Building on a stellar year of accolades in 2025, the Turks and Caicos Islands has begun 2026 with additional international recognition.
The destination earned a Gold Badge in the U.S. News & World Report rankings, placing #5 in Best Family Vacations in the Caribbean and #5 in Best Beaches in the World. In the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, Grand Turk was ranked #10 among the Best Caribbean Islands to Visit.
About Experience Turks and Caicos
Middle Caicos Dragon Cay Resort
Experience Turks and Caicos is the official destination marketing and management organisation (DMMO) for the Turks and Caicos Islands. The organisation is committed to positioning the destination as a premier, sustainable luxury tourism hub. By leveraging smart tools, data-driven strategies, and stakeholder collaboration, Experience Turks and Caicos focuses on enhancing the visitor experience and fostering long-term industry success.
About the Turks and Caicos Islands
The Turks and Caicos Islands consist of two island groups in the Lucayan Archipelago—the larger Caicos Islands and the smaller Turks Islands. Home to some of the world’s most pristine beaches, including the award-winning Grace Bay Beach, the destination is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, luxury accommodations, and rich cultural heritage. Each island and cay offer a unique experience:
- Providenciales boasts world-class resorts, fine dining, and high-end tourism offerings.
- Grand Turk serves as the vibrant hub for cruise tourism and historical exploration.
- The sister islands provide a gateway to nature, adventure, and authentic local culture.
Recognised as the world’s best-kept secret, the Turks and Caicos Islands offer effortless luxury, with seamless connectivity via direct flights from major cities in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Photo Captions:
Grand Turk – slow travel with us
North Caicos – Correy Forbes
South Caicos Sail Rock
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 25 February 2026: Staff of the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies (DDME) participated in a one‑day Professional Staff Development Workshop on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The session was facilitated by former DDME Director (2011–2021) and current Permanent Secretary of the Governor’s Office, Dr. Virginia Clerveaux.
The in-house workshop was organised by the DDME Training Unit, to focus on the National Disaster Management Framework, strengthening staff understanding of their roles and responsibilities within disaster management. The session also aimed to enhance the effectiveness of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and reinforce inter‑agency coordination.
Drawing on her extensive experience in disaster management in the Turks and Caicos Islands, as well as several deployments to CDEMA member states including Haiti, The Bahamas, and Jamaica, Dr. Clerveaux provided practical insights that reinforced key concepts and clarified operational expectations. Staff members actively participated in discussions and shared recommendations to improve sub‑committee performance and overall departmental efficiency.
To support learning retention, the workshop incorporated pre‑ and post‑assessments, enabling participants to evaluate their understanding and track improvements.
Acting Director of DDME, Mr. Kevaun Lucas stated: “Investing in the continued development of our team is essential to strengthening national resilience. This and future planned workshops will help to reinforce our commitment to building a highly skilled, well‑coordinated workforce capable of leading and supporting disaster management efforts across the Turks and Caicos Islands. I am proud of the team’s engagement and encouraged by the meaningful contributions they made throughout the session.”
This Professional Staff Development Workshop forms part of DDME’s ongoing commitment to enhancing internal capacity, strengthening operational coordination and improving overall departmental synergy as the agency continues to advance national preparedness and response capabilities.
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Caribbean News
Liberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
Port of Spain, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (February 24, 2026) — Liberty Caribbean, the operators of Flow, Liberty Business and BTC, recently served as Gold-Level Partner of the two-day Trinidad and Tobago Internet Governance Forum (TTIGF), themed “The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience”.
The Digital Divide is of particular interest to Liberty Caribbean and is being addressed through its Charitable Foundation across the region. Low broadband penetration in the Caribbean contributes to diminished opportunities for individuals, communities, and local economies, but with the support of funding partners, this gap can be addressed through a comprehensive programme – JUMP – that focuses on providing access, devices, and digital skills.
“Liberty Caribbean was proud to serve as Gold-Level Partner of the TTIGF because the conversations taking place here shape key digital
policies for multiple stakeholders,” said Simone Martin-Sulgan, Vice President and General Manager, Flow Trinidad.
“As technology accelerates at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that innovation strengthens our societies rather than fragments them. The theme, ‘The Innovation Paradox – Balancing Progress with Responsibility and Resilience,’ speaks directly to the work we do every day: building networks that are not only fast and reliable, but secure, inclusive and future-ready.”
Across the Caribbean, the digital divide remains one of the most pressing barriers to equitable growth. Low broadband penetration limits access to education, entrepreneurship and essential services, and that is why we are deeply committed to closing this gap.
Through the Liberty Caribbean Charitable Foundation and initiatives like the JUMP Programme, the company is expanding access to technology, affordable connectivity and digital skills training so that individuals and communities are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy.
Martin-Sulgan further stated “at Liberty Caribbean, we believe progress and responsibility must move in lock step. By investing in resilient networks, inclusive programmes and trusted partnerships, we are helping to build a Caribbean that is innovative, secure and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”
Topics covered during the Forum, with over 140 participants, included “Securing Critical Infrastructure”, Integrating AI into Digital Transformation”, “The Digital Divide”, The Human Cost of Innovation – Mental Health and Well-being in the Digital Age’, and AI, Cyber Resilience and Regional Innovation”.
Focused on the underlying mandate of the Conference theme thought leaders, innovators, policymakers, technologists, researchers, and community stakeholders were invited to explore how countries can evolve boldly without compromising values or long-term stability.
Photo Caption:
TTIGF – l-r Darren Campo, Regulatory & Compliance Officer; Yolande Agard-Simmons, Senior Manager Communications; and Kevon Swift, Senior Manager Government and Regulatory Affairs of Flow Trinidad in attendance at the Post Event Mixer at Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s Head Office in St Clair, Port of Spain
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News5 days agoDDME Staff Strengthen Disaster Management Capacity Through Professional Development Workshop
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Caribbean News6 days agoLiberty Caribbean Supports Regional Forum on AI, Cyber Resilience and Digital Inclusion
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News5 days agoThe Turks and Caicos Islands Set Positive Start to 2026 with Increase in January Stayover Arrivals