List of Airports in Turks and Caicos Islands
As of 2024, there are 7 airports throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Turks and Caicos Islands are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Turks and Caicos Islands
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grand Turk Is Airport | GDT | Grand Turk Is | Medium |
| 2 | Middle Caicos Airport | MDS | Middle Caicos | Small |
| 3 | North Caicos Airport | NCA | North Caicos | Small |
| 4 | Pine Cay Airport | PIC | Pine Cay | Small |
| 5 | Providenciales International Airport | PLS | Providenciales | Large |
| 6 | Salt Cay Airport | SLX | Salt Cay | Small |
| 7 | South Caicos International Airport | XSC | South Caicos | Small |
Major Airports in Turks and Caicos Islands
1. Providenciales International Airport
Airport Code: PLS
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) / UTC-5
Address: Providenciales International Airport, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Grace Bay (6 miles)
- Blue Hills (7 miles)
- Leeward (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue Airways
- United Airlines
- Air Canada
- British Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 1.5 million passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Providenciales International Airport (PLS) is the primary international gateway to the Turks and Caicos Islands, located on the island of Providenciales, the most populous and developed island in the archipelago. Situated around 6 miles from Grace Bay, one of the islands’ most popular tourist destinations, the airport has played a vital role in supporting tourism, which is the backbone of the local economy.
The airport opened in 1984, and since then, it has undergone numerous upgrades to keep up with the growing demand for international flights, particularly from North America and Europe. Providenciales International has become a hub for visitors to the islands, serving as a gateway for both leisure and business travelers. The expansion of the airport’s terminals and infrastructure over the years has allowed it to accommodate an increasing number of international flights, with major airlines offering direct connections to Providenciales from cities in the United States, Canada, and the UK.
In recent years, Providenciales International Airport has been recognized as one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, largely due to the steady growth in the tourism sector, and it continues to invest in infrastructure improvements.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Providenciales International Airport boasts modern facilities, with a single terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. The airport features one main runway:
- Runway: 3,050 meters
The runway at PLS is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, making it suitable for long-haul international flights. The terminal offers a wide range of services including duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, VIP lounges, and car rental services. Ground transportation is easily accessible via taxis, shuttle buses, and rental cars. In addition, the airport is equipped with customs and immigration facilities, making it a convenient entry point for travelers. The airport has plans for further expansion to meet the growing demand for services.
2. Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport
Airport Code: GDT
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) / UTC-5
Address: Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Cockburn Town (1 mile)
- Bight (3 miles)
- Gibbs Cay (7 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- American Airlines
- InterCaribbean Airways
- Bahamasair
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 60,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) is the second-largest airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands and serves the island of Grand Turk, the capital of the islands. Located about 1 mile from Cockburn Town, the airport is the main entry point for travelers visiting Grand Turk, the most historic island in the archipelago. The airport is named after JAGS McCartney, a former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, who played a key role in the development of the country.
The airport opened in the 1960s but was extensively renovated in 2005 to accommodate larger aircraft and support the growing number of tourists visiting Grand Turk. Grand Turk’s proximity to major cruise ship routes also contributes to the airport’s significance as a transportation hub, with many visitors arriving via cruises and then using the airport for onward travel. While the airport does not handle the same volume of traffic as Providenciales International, it is vital for domestic and regional flights, particularly to and from Providenciales and the Bahamas.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport is relatively small, with a single terminal and one runway:
- Runway: 2,500 meters
The runway is capable of handling smaller and medium-sized aircraft, such as regional jets, but it is not equipped to accommodate wide-body aircraft. The airport terminal offers basic amenities including check-in counters, baggage claim, and small retail outlets. The airport also has facilities for customs and immigration processing. Ground transportation options are available, including taxis and shuttles that provide connections to hotels and other parts of the island.
3. South Caicos Airport
Airport Code: XSC
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) / UTC-5
Address: South Caicos Airport, South Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
Nearby Cities:
- South Caicos (0 miles)
- Long Bay (9 miles)
- The Bight (18 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- InterCaribbean Airways
- Caicos Express Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 30,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
South Caicos Airport (XSC) serves the island of South Caicos, located in the southeastern part of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This airport is essential for providing air service to one of the less developed islands, which is known for its unspoiled beaches and as a popular destination for divers and nature enthusiasts. South Caicos is also home to a small population and a growing number of tourism-related businesses.
The airport, though modest in size, plays a crucial role in connecting South Caicos with Providenciales and other islands in the Turks and Caicos chain. It was first developed in the early 20th century to serve the needs of the island’s fishing industry. Today, it facilitates travel for both local residents and tourists, with flights linking it to the main island of Providenciales. South Caicos is a quiet, scenic island that appeals to travelers looking to escape more crowded tourist hotspots, and the airport plays a significant role in supporting this eco-tourism industry.
Facilities and Infrastructure
South Caicos Airport features a single terminal and one runway:
- Runway: 1,200 meters
The runway is suitable for smaller aircraft, such as turboprops and regional jets, but it cannot accommodate large or wide-body aircraft. The airport offers basic facilities, including check-in counters and a small waiting area for passengers. Ground transportation options are limited to taxis and private shuttles, which provide convenient links to local accommodations and attractions.
4. North Caicos Airport
Airport Code: NCA
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) / UTC-5
Address: North Caicos Airport, North Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Bottle Creek (4 miles)
- Whitby (7 miles)
- Kew (12 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- InterCaribbean Airways
- Caicos Express Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 15,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
North Caicos Airport (NCA) serves the island of North Caicos, which is the third-largest island in the Turks and Caicos chain. North Caicos is known for its tranquil environment, nature reserves, and beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful getaway. The airport is located near Bottle Creek, the island’s largest settlement.
North Caicos Airport is a small regional airport and was initially established to support the local population and the agricultural industry on the island. Over time, it has become an important gateway for tourists traveling to North Caicos and its neighboring island, Middle Caicos. Although the airport does not handle international flights, it provides crucial air links to Providenciales and is an essential part of the island’s transportation infrastructure.
Facilities and Infrastructure
North Caicos Airport has one runway:
- Runway: 1,200 meters
The runway is suitable for smaller aircraft such as turboprops and small regional jets. It cannot accommodate larger, wide-body aircraft. The terminal at North Caicos Airport is basic, with minimal facilities for passengers, including check-in counters and a small waiting area. Ground transportation is available via taxis and private shuttles that connect the airport to local hotels, resorts, and attractions on the island.
5. Middle Caicos Airport
Airport Code: MDS
Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST) / UTC-5
Address: Middle Caicos Airport, Middle Caicos, Turks and Caicos Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Conch Bar (4 miles)
- Lorimers (6 miles)
- Sandy Point (9 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Caicos Express Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 5,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Middle Caicos Airport (MDS) serves the island of Middle Caicos, the largest island in the Turks and Caicos Islands chain. Middle Caicos is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine beaches, limestone caves, and wetlands. The airport, located near the village of Conch Bar, was built to provide access for both the local population and tourists visiting this less-developed island.
The airport is relatively new, having been constructed in recent years to improve access to Middle Caicos and its neighboring island of North Caicos. While Middle Caicos is not as heavily developed as Providenciales or Grand Turk, it is increasingly popular with eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts. The airport primarily handles flights to and from Providenciales, linking the island to the larger tourism and service hubs in the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Middle Caicos Airport has a single runway:
- Runway: 1,200 meters
The runway is designed to accommodate small aircraft, such as turboprops and regional jets, but it is not large enough to handle wide-body aircraft. The airport offers minimal facilities, including basic check-in counters and a small waiting area for passengers. Ground transportation is available via taxis and private transport services.