International Airports
Airport Name | City/Island | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
---|---|---|---|
Maurice Bishop International Airport | St. George’s, Grenada | GND | TGPY |
Domestic Airports
Airport Name | City/Island | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
---|---|---|---|
Lauriston Airport | Carriacou | CRU | TGPZ |
Notes:
- Maurice Bishop International Airport (GND) is Grenada’s main airport, serving international flights from North America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
- Lauriston Airport (CRU) on Carriacou island serves domestic flights and inter-island travel.
Grenada Airports: Key Gateways to the Spice Isle
Grenada, a stunning Caribbean island nation, boasts several airports that serve as gateways for travellers. The country’s main air hub is the Maurice Bishop International Airport, located near St. George’s, the capital city. This airport handles most of Grenada’s international flights and plays a crucial role in connecting the island to the rest of the world.
The Grenada Airports Authority oversees the operation of the country’s aviation facilities. They ensure smooth travel experiences for visitors and locals alike. Grenada’s airports offer a range of amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafeterias.
For those interested in exploring more of Grenada’s territory, smaller airports serve the outlying islands. These include facilities on Carriacou and other parts of the Grenadines. Together, Grenada’s network of airports supports the nation’s tourism industry and helps maintain connections between its scattered landmasses.
Maurice Bishop International Airport
Maurice Bishop International Airport serves as Grenada’s main gateway for air travel. It offers modern facilities, connections to major cities, and convenient transport options for visitors.
Facilities and Services
The airport features a spacious terminal building with essential amenities for travellers. Check-in counters and baggage claim areas are efficiently organised. Duty-free shops offer local souvenirs and international brands.
An executive lounge provides a comfortable space for premium passengers. It opens daily from 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM on the upper floor of the departure hall.
Security checkpoints use up-to-date screening technology to ensure passenger safety. Immigration and customs areas process arrivals swiftly.
Free Wi-Fi keeps travellers connected throughout the terminal. Currency exchange services and ATMs are available for financial needs.
Airlines and Destinations
Several major airlines operate routes to and from Maurice Bishop International Airport. These include:
- Air Canada: Flights to Toronto
- American Airlines: Service to Miami
- British Airways: Connections to London
- Virgin Atlantic: Routes to the UK
Direct flights link Grenada to key cities in North America and Europe. Caribbean destinations are also well-served with regional connections.
Flight schedules vary by season, with more options available during peak tourist periods. Some routes operate only on specific days of the week.
Transport and Accessibility
The airport sits about 8 kilometres south of St. George’s, Grenada’s capital city. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area for quick transfers to hotels and resorts.
Car hire desks offer vehicles for those who prefer to drive. Local buses provide a budget-friendly option for reaching St. George’s and other parts of the island.
Some hotels arrange shuttle services for guests. It’s wise to confirm pickup details in advance.
Parking facilities cater to both short-term and long-term needs. A drop-off zone near the terminal allows for easy passenger unloading.
Other Airports in Grenada
Grenada has several airports beyond its main international hub. These facilities serve different parts of the island nation and have unique histories and roles in the country’s air transport system.
Pearls Airport
Pearls Airport, located in Saint Andrew parish, was Grenada’s primary airport until 1984. The facility sits on the northeast coast of the main island. Its single runway stretched 1,700 metres, allowing it to handle medium-sized aircraft.
The airport closed when the larger Point Salines International Airport (now Maurice Bishop International) opened. The old terminal building and runway remain, though they’re no longer in use. Some locals and visitors use the abandoned runway for activities like running or cycling.
Today, the site offers a glimpse into Grenada’s aviation past. The government has discussed potential redevelopment plans, but no concrete projects have moved forward yet.
Lauriston Airport
Lauriston Airport serves the island of Carriacou, Grenada’s largest dependency. It’s also known as Carriacou Island Airport. The facility has a single 762-metre runway suitable for small aircraft and regional flights.
SVG Air and Grenada’s own GrenAir operate regular services between Lauriston and Maurice Bishop International Airport. These flights are vital for connecting Carriacou to the main island and beyond.
The airport plays a crucial role in Carriacou’s tourism industry. It allows visitors to reach the island quickly, bypassing longer ferry journeys. Lauriston Airport also supports emergency medical evacuations when needed.
Former and Future Developments
Grenada’s airport landscape has seen changes over the years. The shift from Pearls to Maurice Bishop International marked a major upgrade in the country’s air transport capabilities.
There have been discussions about potential new airports or expansions. One proposal suggested building a new facility on Carriacou to replace Lauriston Airport. This would allow for larger aircraft and more international flights.
The government has also explored options for revitalising Pearls Airport. Ideas have included turning it into a cargo hub or developing it for general aviation use. However, no firm plans have been announced.
As tourism grows, Grenada may need to expand its airport capacity. This could involve improvements to existing facilities or new construction projects in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Travellers planning a trip to Grenada often have questions about the airport and travel logistics. Here are answers to some common queries about flying to and from this Caribbean island.
What are the operating hours of the main airport in Grenada?
Maurice Bishop International Airport operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The busiest times are typically Saturday afternoons and evenings when multiple international flights arrive.
Can you list the airlines that fly to and from Grenada?
Ten airlines currently offer scheduled passenger flights to and from Grenada. These include American Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic.
What facilities are available at Grenada’s international airport?
The airport offers basic amenities for travellers. These include duty-free shops, eateries, and currency exchange services. Wi-Fi is available in certain areas of the terminal.
How do I get from the airport to the centre of St. George’s?
Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. The journey to St. George’s takes about 15 minutes. Pre-booking is not necessary, and hailing a taxi at the airport is often more cost-effective.
What are the visa requirements for travellers flying into Grenada?
Visa requirements vary based on nationality and length of stay. Many visitors can enter Grenada visa-free for up to 90 days. It’s best to check with the Grenadian embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.
Are there any direct flights to Grenada from the UK or Europe?
Yes, there are direct flights from the UK to Grenada. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer non-stop services from London. However, direct flights from other European countries are limited, and most routes involve a connection.