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
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.