The new terminal building at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago has officially entered its operational phase, following a formal handover of certifications, warranties and operating manuals by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure on Sunday.
Minister of Works and Infrastructure Jearlean John met with key stakeholders to commence the transition process, marking the final bridge between the terminal’s partial completion in March 2025 and full operational readiness.
Documentation was handed over to Senator the Honourable Eli Zakour, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation; Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly, Farley Augustine; and representatives of the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT).
The package includes two LEED Certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council, along with compliance certifications under IATA, ICAO and FAA frameworks — the legal foundation upon which the facility is licensed to operate. Contractor and manufacturer warranties covering all principal building systems, as well as a complete set of technical operating manuals, were also included.
“What is transferred today is a certified, commissioned and fully documented terminal building. The certifications are its legal authority to operate, the warranties protect the public’s investment, and the operating manuals must guide every maintenance decision from this day forward,” Minister John said.
In the period between partial completion and Sunday’s handover, the National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) carried out an extensive programme of works to bring the facility to full readiness. This included completion of taxiway asphalt pavement, installation and commissioning of the airfield lighting system, integration of the Constant Current Regulator with the Air Traffic Control Tower, MEP systems testing and commissioning, and baggage handling and security inspection equipment commissioning.
A key component of the readiness process was the Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) programme, facilitated by Munich Airport International. The programme brought together a wide range of operational stakeholders — including Immigration, Customs, the TTPS, the Fire Service, Port Health, Swissport, Caribbean Airlines and Plant Quarantine — to develop standard operating procedures, conduct staff training and carry out functional trials ahead of the terminal’s opening.
The terminal now passes to the stewardship of the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority, with the government describing the milestone as a significant step toward the activation of a modern international aviation facility in support of Tobago’s long-term economic development.