NO More Domestic Departure Lounge At Piarco Airport From 24th April, 2026
UPDATE (24/04/26): The Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago announced this morning (Friday 24th April, 2026) that the relocation of domestic operations, scheduled to begin from today, has been postponed until further notice.
According to the Authority, “The planned redirection of domestic passengers through international checkpoints will not take effect at this time. We appreciate the continued co-operation of our stakeholders and the public as preparations continue.”
All domestic passengers will therefore continue to be processed through the Domestic Departures area on the ground floor of the Piarco International Airport, with standard check-in and security procedures remaining in place.
Authorities have not provided a new timeline for implementation but indicated that work toward the transition is ongoing. Stakeholders and the travelling public are being asked to maintain patience as adjustments continue.
The planned overhaul forms part of a wider effort to modernize operations at the country’s main Airport and align its systems with international standards. For now, however, that transformation remains on hold.
The Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago is advising of upcoming changes to the domestic passenger journey at Piarco International Airport, aimed at improving efficiency and aligning operations with international standards.
In a Media Release today (Saturday 18th April, 2026), the Authority said from Friday 24th April, 2026, domestic passengers will no longer utilize the Domestic Departure Lounge on the ground floor. “All departing passengers will instead be permanently redirected to access a unified gate system, as the existing international gates will be reconfigured into ‘All Gates.’ This approach streamlines passenger processing and supports a more seamless travel experience.”
The Airports Authority did a video on the new procedure. Basically the same thing in the release just in video form https://t.co/erzlYUokHe pic.twitter.com/DEseNiFP5y
— Kejan Haynes (@KejanHaynes) April 18, 2026
According to the Authority, “Domestic passengers can look forward to accessing a wider and more diverse range of retail and dining options. Travelers will enjoy the convenience of exploring an expanded mix of stores, restaurants, and duty-paid shopping, with full access to concessionaire offerings across both the Eastern and Western wings, Gates 1 through 14. All passengers will benefit from a more efficient security experience, as the centralized Security Checkpoint has been expanded with additional lanes and advanced screening equipment to ease congestion and improve flow. Travelers are advised to take note of the 3-1-1 rule when approaching the Security Checkpoint. This involves limiting liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on baggage to containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less, all of which must fit within a single, clear, quart-sized, re-sealable plastic bag. These guidelines apply to items such as water, toiletries, and certain foods, anything that can be spread, sprayed, or poured, while exemptions remain in place for medication and baby food.”
The Authority notes that this transformation “forms part of a series of forthcoming changes at the Piarco International Airport, which will enhance the passenger experience while still ensuring continuing compliance with international civil aviation standards and recommended practices.”
The Authority is also working together with the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) as the operator of the domestic air bridge, and all other key stakeholders to “enhance the Airport travel experience for all. Meetings will be held with critical stakeholders during the upcoming week to effect a smooth transition.”
The Media Release concluded by saying, “The redesigned passenger flow introduces a more intuitive and efficient process from arrival to departure, reinforcing the Authority's commitment to operational excellence and customer-focused service delivery.”
For further information, please contact the Authority at customerservice@tntairports.com or call 669-AATT (669-2288). Additional updates on this initiative will be shared on their social media pages.
Please be guided accordingly.


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