Isla Grande

Imagine your journey beginning not with long queues and the bustle of huge terminals, but with a light sea breeze and a panoramic view of Old San Juan right from the runway. Isla Grande Airport is a true "boutique" aviation hub of Puerto Rico, where the atmosphere resembles a private club more than a transport hub. Located in the very heart of the capital, it serves as the perfect starting point for those wishing to save time and enjoy a scenic flight to the paradise islands of Vieques or Culebra.

Airport Features and Advantages

Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (the official name) possesses a unique set of advantages that make it a secret weapon for experienced travellers:

• Exceptional Location: The airport is situated in the Miramar district, just a few minutes' drive from the convention centre and the historic streets of Old San Juan. This allows you to be in the centre of the action almost immediately after landing.
• Speed of Service: Thanks to the compact size of the terminal, check-in and security screening processes take mere minutes. There are no endless corridors here, making departure as comfortable and quick as possible.
• Scenic Views: Take-off and landing at Isla Grande is an experience in itself. Aircraft fly low over San Juan Bay, revealing breathtaking views of cruise liners, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and the coastline.
• Specialisation in "Island Hopping": This is the main base for small aircraft operating regular flights to neighbouring resort islands. Travelling to Vieques from here is often more convenient and faster than through the main international airport.

Below is the contact information for Isla Grande Airport (SIG), which may be useful when planning your trip to San Juan.

• Official Website: Isla Grande Airport is managed by the Puerto Rico Ports Authority. Current information can be found on their official portal: www.prpa.pr.gov.
• Help Desk Phone: For general questions regarding airport operations, you can contact the administration at: +1 (787) 729-8715. For flight-related queries, it is best to contact the airline directly.
• Airport Address: Airport Dr, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico. The airport is conveniently located in the Miramar district, close to major tourist zones.
• Email: A public email address for general inquiries is usually not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone or the contact form on the management company's official website.
• Social Media: News and updates from the Puerto Rico Ports Authority can be tracked on their official social media pages (e.g., Facebook) by searching for "Autoridad de los Puertos de Puerto Rico".
• Lost Luggage Information: Important: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's support service directly. If you have left personal items in the terminal building, contact the airport administration via the general phone number.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support regarding booking, flight check-in, special on-board services, and schedules is provided directly by the airlines operating flights from Isla Grande Airport.

Isla Grande Airport (SIG), located in immediate proximity to the historic centre of San Juan and the business district of Miramar, serves as an important hub for regional flights, primarily to the islands of Vieques and Culebra. Thanks to its convenient location, it can be reached in several ways, each with its own features.

Taxis and Transfers. This is the most convenient and fastest way to get to the airport. A trip by taxi or via services like Uber from Old San Juan or the Condado and Miramar districts will take just 10-15 minutes depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the trip is usually between $15–25. A pre-booked transfer can be an excellent solution if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or wish to avoid waiting for a car.

Public Transport. The most budget-friendly option is the AMA (Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses) city buses. Although there may not be a direct route to the terminal entrance, several bus stops are within walking distance. This method is suitable for light travellers willing to spend more time. The fare is minimal (usually less than a dollar), but be prepared that the journey, including waiting and walking, may take up to 45 minutes. Check routes and schedules in advance, as they may change.

Car Rental. If you plan to actively explore Puerto Rico, renting a car is a great choice. There are representatives of several rental companies in the vicinity of Isla Grande Airport. You can pick up a car upon arrival or return it right before departure. The airport itself has parking for both short-term and long-term stays. Parking costs vary, so it is recommended to check current rates on the official airport website.

It is important to remember that Isla Grande is a small airport for local flights. For international travel, travellers more often use the island's main airport — Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), which is located approximately 10 km to the east. Other key airports for travel around the region include Mercedita Airport in Ponce and Ceiba (José Aponte de la Torre).

Isla Grande Airport, also known as Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport, is a small and convenient regional airport serving mainly domestic flights, charters, and private aviation. Its structure is significantly simpler than that of large international hubs, making it particularly convenient for quick transfers.

Structure and Terminals

In fact, Isla Grande Airport has one small passenger terminal that handles all flights — both departures and arrivals. There is no division into multiple buildings or complex walkways here. All infrastructure is compactly located in one place, making navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The departure and arrival process is organised as simply as possible. Inside the terminal, you will find:

• Check-in Counters: Several counters for airlines operating flights from SIG.
• Security Screening Area: One small security control point.
• Waiting Hall: A compact area for passengers awaiting boarding.

The arrival zone is essentially an exit from the airfield into the terminal building, where passengers can collect their luggage and exit into the city. Everything is within walking distance of each other.

Time and Navigation

One of the main advantages of Isla Grande Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. Due to low passenger traffic, check-in and screening rarely take much time. Typically, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 60-90 minutes before departure, which is quite sufficient for a calm passage through all procedures. It is practically impossible to get lost here: all important zones — from the entrance to the boarding gate — are within direct line of sight.

Isla Grande Airport, officially known as Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport, is the second most important airport in San Juan and possesses a rich and multifaceted history. Located on the peninsula of the same name, it played a key role in the establishment and development of aviation in Puerto Rico.

The history of the airport began at the height of World War II. It was opened in 1941 as a US Naval Air Station named Naval Air Station Isla Grande. During the war years, the base served as a strategically important centre for anti-submarine patrols in the Caribbean Sea, making a substantial contribution to the protection of maritime convoys in the Battle of the Atlantic.

After the war ended, Isla Grande experienced its "golden age," becoming the main international airport of Puerto Rico. It was from here that the first regular commercial flights departed, connecting the island with the United States and other Caribbean nations. This period lasted until 1955, when the new, more modern Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport was opened.

With the appearance of the new major aviation hub, the role of Isla Grande changed. It was repurposed to become a centre for general aviation and charter transport, as well as a base for flight schools and small regional airlines. This specialisation continues to this day, making it an important hub for private aircraft and flights to neighbouring islands.

A significant event in the airport's history was its renaming. It received its current official name in honour of US Air Force Major Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci, a native of Puerto Rico, who heroically died during a military operation in Libya in 1986. This immortalised the memory of a national hero and highlighted the airport's deep connection with military history.

One interesting fact about the airport is its unique location. During take-off and landing, breathtaking panoramic views open up over historic Old San Juan and the cruise liners moored at the piers. Despite Isla Grande conceding the status of the main airport, it remains not only an active aviation facility but also a living monument to the history of Puerto Rican aviation.

Isla Grande Airport (SIG), being a secondary airport for San Juan serving mainly regional and private flights, offers passengers a basic but functional set of services for a comfortable wait before departure.

Dining and Shopping at the airport are modestly represented. Here you will find small cafés and vending machines with snacks and drinks where you can have a quick bite before your flight. Opportunities for shopping are limited, so it is better to plan major purchases in the city in advance.

Waiting areas are provided in the terminal. Although there are no specialised VIP lounges here like in large international hubs, passengers can use the general halls. For the convenience of travellers, Wi-Fi is available, and there are charging stations for electronic devices so you can stay connected.

Financial services include ATMs where you can withdraw cash. Currency exchange points may be absent in this small airport, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance. In case of necessity, basic first aid can be provided to passengers.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility, offering ramps and specially equipped restrooms. Families with children will also find necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Although there are no special business centres or conference halls on the premises, nearby hotels in San Juan are ready to provide such services. There are no hotels directly within the airport building, however, numerous accommodation options to suit any taste and budget are located just a few minutes' drive away.

For passengers departing from Isla Grande Airport (SIG), it is important to know that this is a small regional airport serving mainly domestic flights. Due to its compact size and specific nature, the choice of catering establishments directly in the terminal is extremely limited or may be absent altogether. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to plan your meals in advance and eat before arriving at the airport.

Inside the terminal building, you are unlikely to find full-service restaurants, cafés, or dining halls. Vending machines with drinks and light snacks may be available, but one should not rely on them as a source of a full lunch or dinner. Specialised dietary dishes (such as vegetarian, gluten-free, Halal, etc.) are not represented at the airport.

If you have time before your flight, the best option is to visit one of the numerous cafés or restaurants in the nearby districts of San Juan, such as Miramar or Condado. There you can find establishments to suit any taste and budget: from fast-food outlets to restaurants serving authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy local gastronomy before your flight. For a quick snack, you can also stop by a nearby supermarket or coffee shop on the way to the airport.

Isla Grande Airport (SIG) is a compact and convenient aviation hub serving primarily regional flights. To ensure your journey from San Juan goes smoothly, make use of these tips. Generally, it is sufficient to arrive here 1.5–2 hours before departure. Registration and screening processes here are significantly faster than at large international airports, but it is always better to have a time buffer.

When preparing for your flight, pay attention to luggage regulations. Security standards in Puerto Rico comply with US regulations, so a restriction on liquids applies to hand luggage (no more than 100 ml in one container). However, many flights from Isla Grande are operated on small aircraft, so airlines may set stricter limits on the weight and size of hand luggage. Be sure to check this information on your carrier's website to avoid extra charges at the airport.

To save time, check in for your flight online and save your boarding pass in advance. Saving money is possible by booking tickets early and travelling light. To avoid overpaying for food, bring light snacks and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security. For unforgettable impressions when choosing a seat on the plane, give preference to a window seat — stunning views of the coastline and the Caribbean Sea will open up to you.

Since most flights from Isla Grande head to destinations within the US and its territories, you will not need to pass through customs or immigration control upon arrival. The airport is rarely used for connecting flights, but if you have a transfer planned, its compact size will allow you to easily and quickly get to the required boarding gate.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for current information. Isla Grande Airport has a limited number of amenities, so in case of a long wait, it is worth having a book, a charged power bank, or pre-downloaded movies with you. Thanks to the airport's location, during a long delay, you might consider a short trip to nearby districts, but do not forget to keep an eye on the time.