After years of anticipation and months of post-construction preparation, Trinidad and Tobago is preparing to welcome the official opening of its $1.2 billion new terminal at ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago this Tuesday. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will lead the opening ceremony, joined by Tobago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Farley Augustine and a wide cohort of senior government and industry dignitaries, marking the end of a years-long development journey for the critical infrastructure project.
Leading up to the historic launch, Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John led an on-site inspection of the terminal early Saturday to confirm all logistics and final preparations are in place. In an interview with local outlet Express, John confirmed that the new eastern terminal will be fully operational for passenger service starting with the first scheduled flight on Wednesday morning.
John explained her pre-ceremony site visit was part of a final check ahead of five back-to-back events hosted by the prime minister, including the terminal opening and additional sod-turning ceremonies for future projects. As the lead official coordinating pre-launch readiness, John oversaw a full walk-through of the terminal Saturday morning, with key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors joining the inspection.
Stakeholders on-site included the chairman of the Port Authority, the acting chief executive officer of Caribbean Airlines, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Senator Eli Zakour, as well as representatives from aviation regulatory bodies, customs, immigration, port health authorities and THA personnel. John confirmed all teams have completed their pre-launch checks and are ready to support the opening and transition to operations.
The timing of the official opening is strategically aligned with Tobago’s annual October Carnival celebrations, which draw thousands of visitors to the island each year. John emphasized that the modern terminal is a landmark achievement for the people of Tobago, and for the entire nation of Trinidad and Tobago, crediting the collaborative effort between the THA and the national government to deliver the long-promised infrastructure.
In addition to the airport terminal, three new community-based mobile police posts will also open Tuesday in the Tobago communities of Plymouth, Goodwood and Signal Hill. John noted that the posts, which will be staffed by local officers, represent a key investment in community public safety and will strengthen national efforts to reduce crime across the island. After inspecting two of the three completed posts, John confirmed all facilities are ready for operation.
The new terminal has passed multiple key milestones on its path to opening. On June 14, lead developers the National Infrastructure Development Company and the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure formally handed the facility over to the Airports Authority. A preliminary soft opening was conducted in March 2025 under former prime minister Dr Keith Rowley, but the terminal was not cleared for full passenger operations at that time.