Airport Details

During the hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 the JAGS McCartney International Airport sustained severe damages to its facility. The contract was awarded to JamalCo, and major repairs had to be done therewere many setbacks to this project which saw restrictions being placed onthe Aerodrome.

The newly refurbished JAGS International Airport in Grand Turk on Tuesday, 30 July 2019 marked a great day for the people of the nation’s capital.

Domestic Flights

The vast majority of flights to this airport are domestic island hops by the local interCaribbean and Caicos Express airlines flying between Providenciales, South Caicos and Salt Cay.

Check-in Times

Check-in 30 minutes prior to domestic flight departure is typically sufficient, yet inquire and confirm with your airline when booking. There are security check points for domestic flights in the Turks and Caicos, yet there typically isn’t a significant wait.

Both the Grand Turk and Providenciales airports have seating in the general terminal and in the domestic departure lounges, yet this may not be sufficient when at peak travel times.

Airport Facilities

The Grand Turk is a small yet generally efficient airport. As the site only typically handles local flights and small planes, baggage and luggage handling is typically conducted in a timely manner.

The airport facilities include the Cockpit Lounge (a small cafe and restaurant) and restrooms.

Parking

Complimentary and ample parking is available directly outside the terminal. Rental car pick up is typically conducted here outside the terminal.

Ground Transportation

Taxis can typically be found waiting outside the airport terminal to take you to your destination. There is no public transport or bus service on Grand Turk.

The airport is located near the Grand Turk Cruise Center, and as such, it’s possible to arrange the pickup of rental cars and scooters at the site. This is especially useful for those visiting from Providenciales on a day trip to Grand Turk.

The airport is located by road about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the Grand Turk Cruise Center, and about 2 miles (3.2 km) to central Cockburn Town.

Private Planes and Flights

Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport welcomes private planes. See Getting to the Turks and Caicos by Private Plane and FBOs.

History of the Grand Turk Airport

After the salt industry began to decline in the Turks and Caicos at the beginnings of the 1900s, Grand Turk and the Turks and Caicos Islands in general saw a very quiet epoch in time until the United States recognized the tactical advantage of the location of the Turks and Caicos.

In the early 1950s, two United States military installations were constructed: the U.S. Navy NAVFAC 104 at the northwest point of the island near the Grand Turk Lighthouse, and the U.S. Air Force South Base, the runway of which became the Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport.

South Base was primarily a guided missile tracking station, and was completed in 1953. The site saw operations under a contract with Pan American Airways and the Radio Corporation of America. The base was decommissioned in 1983.