Work steps up on airport expansion
(CNS Business): Officials at Owen Roberts International Airport’s (ORIA) are warning passengers that work is stepping up at the facility on the renovation and expansion project. This means that travellers will see construction at both ends of the existing terminal over the next few weeks that will impact the normal flow of foot traffic around the terminal building. Work is also going to begin inside the terminal in the immigration area and departure lounge. Cayman Islands Airports Authority CEO Albert Anderson said, “There will be times when it will be very challenging for passengers to navigate through the busy airport, however, we ask that the public be patient with us as we continue to strive towards developing a world class facility.”
Outlining what the travelling public can expect, officials explained that from Monday, 26 September, construction fencing will be installed near the entrance of the check-in hall to facilitate the demolition of the large departure canopy.
ORIA expansion – Map of Departure areas that will be closed to the public
“Pedestrian access to the rental car agencies will be diverted around the construction zone by a temporary walkway. The drop off curb access in this area and access to check in hall doors 1, 2 and 3 will be closed until the scope of work is finished. Motorists who need to drop off passengers are being encouraged to use the short term parking lot,” officials explained.
Construction work is being carried out in several phases so the terminal can remain in operation, safe and secure as the work proceeds. Work will soon start on the expansion of the new departure lounge and check-in lobby as well as a new immigration and baggage claim area. Officials added that these two phases of the project are expected to be complete by September 2017.
The CIAA said it would do its best to minimise the impact on passengers but asked for the public’s cooperation and encouraged people to allow plenty of lead-time for their journeys.
Signage will be in place and customer service officers will also be on hand to help direct passengers.
Information on the airport expansion project will be updated regularly on the CIAA website.
Category: Construction, Local Business, Stay-over tourism, Tourism
No way will I PAY to drop off a passenger by using the short-term lot, which often doesn’t even have functioning gates! Find another way! It is already too expensive and inconvenient to travel as it is.
Wouldn’t it make better sense to do this work at night when the airport isn’t being utilised? Use a little common sense people. I can see this thing dragging on forever and becoming another PPM building fiasco.