Little Cayman Airport

Little Cayman Airport, officially named Edward Bodden Airfield, is perhaps one of the most atmospheric and unusual air harbours in the Caribbean. Here, aviation becomes truly "homely": the terminal building resembles a cosy cottage, pilots personally greet passengers, and luggage is handed over literally hand-to-hand without conveyor belts. The main local attraction, for which tourists often take out their cameras even before disembarking, is the runway that intersects a regular road, where traffic is stopped for every takeoff and landing. This is a place where time slows down, and your tropical adventure begins as soon as the landing gear touches the ground.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Little Cayman Airport is unique in its simplicity and integration into the island's landscape. Its main advantage is the absence of stress. Thanks to the tiny size of the terminal (effectively a single room), all procedures, from check-in to boarding, take mere minutes. It is impossible to get lost here or be late due to security queues.

Flying here is a separate sightseeing attraction. Flights are operated by small turboprop aircraft (most often the De Havilland Twin Otter), which fly at a low altitude. This allows passengers to enjoy stunning panoramic views of turquoise lagoons and coral reefs whilst still on approach. Furthermore, the airfield is located within walking distance of the centre of Blossom Village and several hotels, making logistics incredibly convenient.

An interesting feature is the operating hours: the airfield is not equipped with a lighting system for night flights, so it only accepts flights during daylight hours. This guarantees silence at night and emphasises the measured rhythm of life on Little Cayman.

• Official Website: The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), which operates Little Cayman Airport, provides all up-to-date information on its portal: www.caymanairports.com.
• Help Desk Phone: For enquiries related to airport operations on Little Cayman, you may call: +1 (345) 948-0023. General CIAA contact number: +1 (345) 943-7070.
• Airport Address: Edward Bodden Airfield is located at: Blossom Village, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands.
• Email: For general questions and enquiries, the Airport Authority email is available: ciaa@caymanairports.com.
• Social Media: Official accounts are maintained by the Cayman Islands Airports Authority. Search for "Cayman Islands Airports Authority" on major social networks to follow the news.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage, you must first contact your airline's representative. If the issue cannot be resolved, please contact airport security.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passengers may use the telephone numbers listed above for consultations and assistance.

Getting to Little Cayman Airport (LYB) is effortless, as Little Cayman island itself is very compact. Most hotels and resorts are located just a few minutes' drive from the terminal. Due to the small size of the island and the low population, there is no conventional public transport system, but other convenient modes of transport are available.

The most common and reliable way to get to the airport is a pre-arranged transfer. Almost all hotels and dive resorts on the island offer guest pick-up and drop-off services. This service is often included in the accommodation package or provided for a small additional fee. You can also order a taxi, however, their number on the island is limited, so it is better to book a car in advance, for example, through your hotel reception. A trip from any point on the island will take no more than 10–15 minutes.

For those who value independence, transport rental is an excellent solution. On the island, you can rent a car, a moped, or even a bicycle — the latter option is particularly popular due to the flat landscape and short distances. Several local companies provide such services. Renting your own transport will allow you not only to reach the airport comfortably but also to explore all the hidden corners of this paradise. It is important to remember that the Cayman Islands follows left-hand traffic rules.

If you arrive at the airport in a rented car, a small car park is at your disposal, located directly by the terminal building. Given the modest size of the airport and low traffic, finding a free space will not be difficult. Parking here is generally free of charge.

It is worth noting that Little Cayman has a complete absence of public transport in the classical sense. There are no regular bus routes, nor are there trains or a metro. The entire transport infrastructure is oriented towards individual transport, which fully corresponds to the secluded and peaceful atmosphere of the island.

Little Cayman Airport (LYB) is a model of compactness and simplicity, perfectly matching the relaxed atmosphere of the island. There is only one passenger terminal here, which serves all domestic flights connecting Little Cayman with other islands of the archipelago. Thanks to its small size and the absence of international flights, the environment in the airport is very calm and almost home-like.

The airport layout is extremely simple. The terminal is a single-storey building where all necessary services are located under one roof: check-in counters, a security screening area, a small waiting lounge, and a baggage claim area. Everything is located within a few steps of each other, so navigation will not cause any difficulties. Naturally, transfers between terminals are not required.

Departure and arrival zones here are somewhat nominal and are located in the same space. After landing, passengers walk to the building where they collect their luggage. For those departing, the procedure is just as simple: check-in at the Cayman Airways Express counter, a quick security check, and entry into the cosy waiting lounge. The main feature of the terminal is the absence of the bustle, long queues, and stress inherent in major aviation hubs.

Completing all pre-flight formalities typically takes no more than 15-20 minutes. Despite this, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately one hour before departure to check in luggage without haste. It is practically impossible to get lost in Little Cayman Airport — its intuitive layout and friendly staff will make your journey as comfortable as possible from the very first minutes.

The history of the airport in Little Cayman, officially known as Edward Bodden Airfield, is a story of how a small community changed its destiny. It all began in the 1950s, when there was no proper runway on the island. Local residents, striving to overcome isolation, cleared the first grass strip for small aircraft with their own efforts. This key step laid the foundation for future air communication and the island's development.

The next important stage was the conversion of the grass strip into an asphalt one in the 1970s. This modernisation allowed aircraft to be received in any weather and established regular flights with other islands of the archipelago — Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. It was this event that opened Little Cayman to divers and tourists from all over the world, turning it into one of the best places for scuba diving in the Caribbean. The operator of these vital flights became a subsidiary of the national carrier — Cayman Airways Express.

The airport acquired its modern appearance in 1995, when a new terminal was opened. Today it is a modest but functional building that fully meets the needs of the small island. There is no bustle of large aviation hubs here, and therein lies its special charm. The airport cannot boast passenger traffic records, but its main achievement is the stable provision of a link to the outside world for residents and support for the unique tourism ecosystem of the Cayman Islands.

Little Cayman Airport (LYB) is a small and compact air harbour, serving mainly local flights. The infrastructure here provides basic amenities necessary for a comfortable arrival on the island and departure from it. It is important to understand that this is not a major international hub, but rather a gateway to a secluded paradise, so the range of services corresponds to its size and purpose.

Dining, Shopping, and Lounges. At the airport, you will find a very limited selection of snacks and drinks, typically in a small snack bar or vending machine. There are no large restaurants or Duty-Free shops here. A general waiting lounge is available to passengers. VIP or business lounges are absent, which corresponds to the intimate atmosphere of the island.

Technical Amenities. The possibility of connecting to Wi-Fi may be limited or unavailable, so it is better to rely on mobile data. Charging points for electronic devices may also be in short supply — it is recommended to carry a portable power bank. There are no banks, ATMs, or currency exchange points at the airport; all financial operations are best completed in advance on Grand Cayman or at your hotel.

Special Services. There is no specialised medical point in the terminal building, but staff will be able to provide basic first aid. Special mother and child rooms or play areas for children are not provided. Passengers with reduced mobility are advised to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for assistance, and airport staff will facilitate movement around the terminal, boarding, and disembarking.

Accommodation and Business. There are no hotels within the airport territory or in its immediate vicinity. All accommodation options, including resorts and villas, are a few minutes' taxi ride away. Conference rooms or business centres are also absent at the airport, highlighting its orientation towards tourists seeking rest away from business bustle.

When planning a departure from Little Cayman Airport (LYB), it is important to consider that this is a very compact regional airport serving mainly local flights. Infrastructure here is minimal, which is reflected in the available dining options. The airport consists of one small terminal, so all amenities are located in a single zone accessible to both departing and arriving passengers.

A small snack bar operates on the airport premises, which is the main and only place where one can have a bite to eat. Here, travellers are offered a basic assortment: soft drinks, water, coffee, tea, as well as light snacks such as crisps, sandwiches, and pastries. This is quite sufficient to satisfy hunger whilst waiting for a flight, but one should not count on a full lunch or dinner. The bar's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before the arrival and departure of aircraft.

Due to the modest size of the establishment, the selection of dishes for passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal) is extremely limited or non-existent. If you follow a strict diet, the best solution would be to take care of food in advance. To experience the authentic cuisine of the Cayman Islands or for a full meal, it is recommended to visit one of the restaurants or cafes on the island itself before travelling to the airport.

Travelling through the airport on Little Cayman is more of a relaxed start to an island adventure than the hectic routine of a large transport hub. To make your experience as pleasant as possible, make use of these tips. The airport serves mainly inter-island flights operated by small aircraft, which defines its cosy and informal atmosphere. It is part of island life on the Cayman Islands, where everything happens without haste.

For domestic flights between islands, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure. This time is more than enough to check in for the flight and drop off luggage without fuss. Check-in and security control procedures here proceed very quickly and in a friendly environment. Do not expect to see huge halls and long queues — everything is compact and homely.

When choosing a seat on the plane, bear in mind that flights are operated on small propeller aircraft. The best views of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea open up, of course, from the window seats. Sometimes seating may be free, so by taking a seat among the first, you will be able to choose the best angle for photos. Regarding hand luggage, remember that overhead bins in such aircraft are smaller than standard ones. Try to take only the essentials with you. Standard security rules apply here too: liquids up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited.

If you are flying in transit, your connection will most likely be at the main airport of Grand Cayman (GCM). Upon check-in, clarify whether your luggage will be transferred automatically. You will pass customs and immigration control at the first airport of arrival in the Cayman Islands. Flights between islands are considered domestic, so no additional customs checks need to be passed.

To save time and money, book tickets in advance, especially during the high tourist season. Also, try to travel light, as strict baggage weight restrictions apply on small aircraft, and surcharges for excess weight can be substantial. In case of a flight delay (which sometimes happens due to weather conditions), be prepared for the fact that amenities at the airport are minimal. Bring a book, a charged power bank, and a bottle of water. However, waiting here passes in a calm island atmosphere, which in itself is part of the local colour.