Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (7 February 2022) The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), which operates the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) on Grand Cayman and the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CKIA) on Cayman Brac, announced today that drivers approaching ORIA will be permitted curbside access for the purpose of dropping off or picking up passengers only, starting 14 February 2022. However, for the safety of all Airport customers, vehicles entering the approach road to the ORIA terminal will be subject to security screening at the Airport Security Checkpoint Booth prior to curbside access being granted.

In August 2021, the CIAA announced that as of 30 August only authorised public transportation and tour operators would be permitted to drop off or pick up passengers at curbside in front of the main terminal with all other vehicular traffic routed to the Short-Term or Long-Term parking lots. “We understand that these changes to vehicular traffic flows entering and exiting ORIA impacted our customers, but our goal has always been to ensure a safe and secure environment while maintaining a positive customer experience,” said Chief Airport Security Officer Chad Yates. “With curbside access now being reinstated, we have implemented new screening measures, such as security screening of unvetted/public vehicles, to help protect the traveling and general public, and will remain vigilant that curbside use is conducted in a timely manner.”

Commenting on the new system, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister for Tourism and Transport said, “I am very pleased that the CIAA has identified a cost-effective way to restore curbside access to the public, while remaining in compliance with international security requirements. Travelling is time sensitive and people need and expect a fast, efficient and convenient way to drop off or pick up travellers. This is a win-win solution that keeps safety as the top priority and delivers a better experience for the public.”  

Airport customers still have the option and are encouraged to use the drop-off zone in the Short-Term parking lot, located just before reaching the Airport Security Checkpoint Booth, which has been allocated for those persons dropping off departing passengers, or to park in the Short-Term parking lot to pick up arriving passengers. Parking is free for up to five minutes after which time the standard parking rates apply.

The standard parking rates at Owen Roberts International Airport are:

·         Short-Term Parking: 

o    0-5 minutes free

o    Over 5 minutes – CI$2.00 per hour (or part thereof)

o    Daily rate – CI$48.00

·         Long-Term Parking: CI$7.00 per day (or part thereof)

Airport customers exiting the Short-Term or Long-Term parking lots now have the added convenience of being able to pay their parking fees by credit or debit card at the exit machines. The exit machines accept Mastercard and Visa cards and are equipped with an intercom help button should customers require assistance from an Airport Ground Transportation Officer. Customers may also pay their parking fees by cash at any one of the pay stations located inside the main airport terminal.