With a third new airline set to begin service in Trinidad and Tobago next month, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation is moving to strengthen its aviation capabilities with the creation of a dedicated aviation unit.
Minister Eli Zakour says the move comes after years without specialized aviation expertise within the ministry.
Despite aviation being one of the ministry’s core responsibilities, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Eli Zakour says the ministry has operated for years without a dedicated aviation unit.
He made the revelation while contributing to the Senate debate on the Finance (Supplementation and Variation of Appropriation) Bill, 2026.
Minister Zakour said on assuming office, he met no aviation specialists or in-house capacity to manage and advance the country’s broader air transport agenda, something he believes is key if the country’s aviation sector is to continue growing.
“Since assuming office, Cabinet has approved the finalization of air service agreements with the Dominican Republic, which was signed a few weeks ago, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ghana, Panama, Rwanda, which was recently signed, and the accession by the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the air transport agreements among the member states and associated member states of the Caribbean states. Demonstrating the growing scope and complexity of the Ministry’s aviation responsibilities. And the need for dedicated in-house house aviation expertise.”
Minister Zakour also revealed that discussions are also advancing with several other countries and airlines to expand the aviation sector.
“The aviation sector continues to show positive signs of growth under this government. Over the past few months, two new airlines, WinAir and Inter Caribbean, commenced operations to Trinidad, with a third airline scheduled to begin next month, and that will be announced soon. These additions strengthen connectivity, increase competition within the market, provide greater choice for travelers, and reflect going confidence in Trinidad and Tobago as a designation and aviation partner.”
The Minister emphasised the establishment of the new aviation unit will provide the ministry with the technical expertise needed to support the country’s expanding aviation agenda.