by Kevon Browne
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN)—During the October 01, 2026, Ministry of Tourism press conference, Adeola Moore, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), detailed critical infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, operational efficiency, and guest experience ahead of the upcoming travel and cruise seasons.
The specific upgrades outlined by the CEO include RLB International Airport upgrades in security & navigation.
“We would have procured a modern X-ray machine for screening at the airport. I am pleased to report that the authority is currently undertaking the necessary works to facilitate the installation of the new body scanner. Now this machine came in two parts. We are currently awaiting the actual X-ray machine, but the body scanner is here, so we are working on getting that installed. The work is targeted for completion by the end of October 2026, and that’s ahead of the first quarter 2027 deadline that we previously communicated. Now, the installation of the new X-ray machine also remains on schedule for completion by the first quarter of 2027. These upgrades will further modernise the airport’s passenger screening capabilities, improve efficiency, and enhance the overall passenger experience. The upgrade of the PAPI lights, or the precision approach path indicator lights, remains on track, with the works targeted for completion by the end of November 2026. This will further ensure reliable approach guidance for pilots and support the continued safe operation of the airport as Airlift expands.”
The SCASPA CEO also outlined upgrades targeted at passengers to include terminal comfort and amenities.
“To further enhance passenger comfort in the departure lounge, SCASPA has engaged the local service provider to install a ducted central cooling system as an interim measure. At the same time, the authority is advancing the longer-term improvements identified through a recent assessment of the chilled water system by Mitsubishi specialists from Trinidad. The assessment was completed approximately two weeks ago and the recommendations have been received and are now being reviewed for action for actioning.
“The first phase of the departure lounge upgrade has been completed, including the build-out of vendor spaces and the addition of an elevated storage area for the restaurant. Now the old VIP lounge was also demolished last evening, and an elevated space was created atop the vendor spaces to continue serving that purpose. The relocation of the restaurant is progressing, with the bar at Gate 5 targeted for completion by the end of October. The remaining works are on track for completion by the end of November 2026. On the land side, we have some enhancements as well. A centralised food court is also being developed using two modified shipping containers.
“This will provide four commercial spaces on the outside. The food court will include covered space. There will be public restrooms and an airport announcement speaker system. Construction is expected to begin in November following completion of the current in-terminal renovations that I just spoke about. The existing temporary wooden vendor structures will subsequently be removed to create space for potential growth.”
At the seaports, pier infrastructure and homeporting readiness are the focus.
“SCASPA is conducting a detailed assessment of Pier 1 to determine its suitability and readiness for future cruise turnaround operations. The assessment will identify any structural upgrades or strengthening works required to support increased operational demands, forming part of SCASPA’s broader preparations to enhance the port’s capacity and infrastructure for future homeporting and the turnaround activities we have upcoming in November of 2027.
“Port maintenance activities are being finalised during the current period of reduced activity to ensure the facility is fully prepared for the upcoming cruise season that really starts in November, even though we have a few ships, about 10, for October. So we have an early start. But to date, one of our vendors has been identified and repaired. The restroom facilities are currently being upgraded, including the installation of new partition stalls and replacement of the door and consideration for an air conditioning unit in that restroom. Beautification works are also underway and undertaken to enhance the overall appearance and presentation of the port ahead of the new cruise season.”
Moore reported that the homeporting project remains on track for November 2027.
“SCASPA intends to have some staff training that will focus on the screening of the passengers and baggage and the operational requirements of a turnaround terminal. Staff will be prepared to manage the increased passenger flow and specialised processes associated with home porting and turnaround operations. Emphasis will be placed on efficient, secure and coordinated terminal operations to support the successful launch of home porting as well as the customer or passenger experience.” – Adeola Moore, the Chief Executive Officer of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA).
