The extension of the runway of the Providenciales international airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands has been completed and was officially opened on August 2, 2011. The ceremony featured a ribbon cutting by Governor Gordon Wetherell with a number of officials in attendance.
The runway and apron extension was the first phase in a $100 million expansion planned to facilitate the growth of the tourism industry in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
In his speech, TCIAA CEO John Smith stated that the completed phase saw the lengthen of the ruunway by 1600 feet, the aircraft parking area increased to accommodate seven jetliners, improved drainage and 7.7 Km of new perimeter fencing. The project was completed three months ahead of schedule and also saw the involvement of locals to the tune of 94% of the workforce.
To facilitate the expansion, 138 acres of land was acquired and the privately held shares of the Providenciales Airport were bought back.
The second phase includes a greatly enlarged terminal building with air bridges and an expanded parking lot to accommodate up to 500 vehicles.
Ribbon cutting by Governor Gordon Wetherell
TCIAA CEO John Smith and Governor Gordon Wetherell
