[Turks and Caicos Islands] Salt Cay Airport to close for two months

[bimjim]

http://tcweeklynews.com/salt-cay-airpor ... 90-127.htm

Salt Cay Airport to close for two months
August 12, 2019
SALT Cay’s small airport is to close for 60 days to allow for $4.5 million in runway repairs and renovation works to take place.

Flights will cease on August 19 and the facility is expected to open again on November 18, according to an InterCaribbean Airways press release.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority (TCIAA) is carrying out the works.

The August 2 statement continued: "InterCaribbean will update the travelling public of any changes to the planned schedule of closure, whether earlier or later based on favourable conditions for the work to complete.”

A ferry service is available for anyone wishing to travel between Grand Turk and Salt Cay over the coming months.

Back in 2017, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stripped Salt Cay Airport of its licence after conducting a preliminary report in which it determined the airport was in dire need of repairs due to its rundown state.

During a town hall meeting in Salt Cay earlier this summer, Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson met with residents to discuss the airport rehabilitation plans.

She was joined by CEO of TCIAA John Smith, COO of TCIAA Floyd Ingham, and CEO of CAA Peter Forbes.

Cartwright Robinson, who holds the responsibility for the TCIAA, CAA and local government, explained that engineers had prepared the scope of works to be carried out.

Steps will now be taken to ensure the project is completed in a timely manner, she said.

The news of the impending start of the project dating back as early as 2007 was well received by residents.

In June, the TCIAA announced that a contract had been awarded and the airport rehabilitation project would get underway in late July or early August.

The scope of works will include re-carpeting and overlay work of the runway intersection, pavement line markings and airfield signage.

In addition, there will be definition of the runway’s longitudinal and transverse strips and safety ends, storm water drainage improvements, airfield electrical improvements and airfield perimeter fence relocation and installation.

The taxiway and apron underlying and pavement surfaces will be renovated and extensive work will be done to expand the apron.

Provision is being made for the installation of a temporary helipad to accommodate emergency operations for the duration of the project, the TCIAA said.

The massive upgrade works when completed will ensure that the airport is on par with standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 14 and as prescribed by the local CAA.

Last week JAGS McCartney Intentional Airport in Grand Turk reopened after extensive works to repair the terminal building following the 2017 hurricanes.