Local and international air passengers may only have to wait one more month before the new ANR Robinson airport terminal is officially opened.
The announcement was made by Chief Secretary Farley Augustine while speaking to the media at the Tobago Youth Awards Ceremony 2026 on Wednesday.
Although the final decision rests with the Cabinet, Mr Augustine confirmed that the airport is nearing operational readiness.
“It is very possible it can be before September. Yes, that is very possible. In fact, I say it will happen within the space of a month from today, within the space of a month from today.”
A practical opening of the terminal was held on March 15th, 2025. However, upon further inspection, it was discovered that a lot more work needed to be done for its full completion, including acquiring the necessary certifications for operations and constructing access roads.
The terminal was officially handed over to the Airports Authority in June 2026, and the Central Government, in conjunction with the THA, is spending $10 million to outfit arrival and departure lounges and concessionary areas for Tobago’s vendors.
Despite the Chief Secretary’s estimation that the terminal could open within a month, he noted that the final decision rests with the Cabinet.
“We have completed the first phase of works on the inside of the terminal, and we are starting the second phase. The second phase set of works, those works can actually happen while the terminal is operational, so I believe we have everything we need now to go operational.”
He said the next phase involves Customs and Immigration finalising the necessary arrangements for operations.
“I know Customs must place in the Gazette that this terminal is going to be used. That will allow for things like duty-free access and operations that Customs have by law and, of course, some other teething issues.”
When the teething issues are settled, the THA Chief Secretary said the new terminal will be ready for its official opening and its first passengers.
“There will be a simulation exercise and a commissioning because we did not have a commissioning. What we had previously was an unveiling at the point of practical completion, so we will have a commissioning, and perhaps within a week thereafter, we’ll be ready for full operations.”
Despite being unable to confirm a date for the terminal’s opening, Mr Augustine assured the public that it would be operational in time to welcome visitors for Tobago Carnival in October.