Piarco International Airport

Piarco International Airport (POS) is not just the main air gateway to Trinidad and Tobago, but a true hub of the Caribbean region. Located in the town of Piarco, it serves as the primary base for the Caribbean's largest airline, Caribbean Airlines, connecting the islands with numerous destinations in North and South America, as well as Europe. This modern airport, with its main terminal opened in 2001, has repeatedly been recognised for its high level of service, including being named the "Best Airport in the Caribbean" by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Its strategic location makes it a vital transit point for travellers heading to the southern Caribbean.

Piarco Airport offers travellers comfortable conditions and modern infrastructure. The North Terminal, which handles all commercial passenger flights, is a spacious, fully air-conditioned building with 14 boarding gates. Inside, you will find a variety of shops, restaurants, and car rental services. For passenger convenience, the airport is equipped with a modern computerised check-in and immigration control system, allowing it to process up to 1,500 people during peak hours. In addition to serving passenger and cargo flights, the airport is also a base for helicopter flights to offshore oil platforms.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Piarco International Airport (POS). We recommend checking the official resources for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.tntairports.com — here you will find flight schedules, news, and detailed information about services.
• Helpline Phone: +1 (868) 669-4880
• Airport Address: Golden Grove Road, Piarco, Trinidad and Tobago
• Email: aatt@tntairports.com (Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago)
• Social Media: The airport has an official page on Facebook, where you can follow updates.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost, you must first contact your airline's Lost and Found service. If you have lost personal items within the terminal building, please contact the information desk or airport security.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general enquiries and assistance, you can use the airport's main telephone number or email address.

Getting to Piarco International Airport (POS) from Port of Spain and other parts of the island is quite simple, thanks to several modes of transport. The airport is located approximately 27 kilometres east of the capital. Without traffic, the journey takes about 30-45 minutes; however, during peak hours (morning and evening), travel time can increase significantly, so always plan your departure with time to spare.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way to get to the airport. Buses from the state-owned Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) operate on routes connecting the airport with Port of Spain and other key locations. This is a good option for travellers with light luggage, but it is worth checking the schedule in advance, as intervals between buses can be long, and the buses themselves can be crowded.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most convenient and popular options among tourists. Official airport taxis are easily recognisable by their number plates starting with the letter "H". It is recommended to agree on the fare in advance or ensure the driver turns on the meter to avoid misunderstandings. An even more comfortable method is to book a transfer in advance through your hotel or a specialised service. In this case, you will be met with a sign and taken directly to the terminal without any hassle.

If you prefer independence when moving around Trinidad and Tobago, car rental is an excellent solution. Most major international and local rental companies have counters at Piarco Airport, allowing you to pick up and drop off the car right before your flight. The airport grounds feature zones for short-term and long-term parking, where you can leave a personal or rented vehicle.

To summarise, the choice of transport depends on your budget and preferences. Taxis or pre-booked transfers ensure maximum comfort, buses offer savings, and a rented car provides freedom of movement. Piarco International Airport serves as the main gateway to the country, while for travel to the neighbouring island of Tobago, it is convenient to use the services of A.N.R. Robinson International Airport. For further flights within the Caribbean region, you might consider flights from nearby airports, such as Maurice Bishop International Airport in Grenada.

Piarco International Airport (POS), the main aviation hub of Trinidad and Tobago, is distinguished by a modern and clear structure. Technically, it consists of one large terminal complex divided into two main zones, often referred to as the North Terminal and South Terminal, making navigation extremely simple for passengers.

The main facility for most travellers is the modern North Terminal. It handles all international flights. The building is two storeys high: the upper level is dedicated to departures, and the lower level to arrivals. The layout is simple: after entering, you find yourself in a general hall with numerous check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the second floor for passport control and security screening, after which they enter a spacious secure zone with Duty-Free shops, cafes, and boarding gates.

The South Terminal is the old airport building, which is now used primarily for domestic flights, primarily to the island of Tobago, as well as for some regional Caribbean routes and cargo transport. Since both zones are in close proximity, moving between them is effortless and takes just a few minutes on foot. You will not require shuttles or buses, which is very convenient when planning connecting flights.

Procedures at Piarco Airport generally proceed quite efficiently. However, to avoid rushing, it is recommended to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure for international flights, especially during peak morning and evening hours. For domestic flights, arriving 1.5 hours in advance is sufficient. Navigation inside the terminal is intuitive thanks to clear signage in English. The airport staff are friendly and always ready to help you find your way.

The history of Piarco International Airport (POS) dates back to the Second World War. It was founded in 1941 as a US Air Force military airfield named Waller Field. Its strategic mission was to patrol the Caribbean to protect Allied naval convoys from submarines. This military phase laid the foundation for the island's future aviation infrastructure.

After the war ended, the airfield was demilitarised and transferred to local authorities. From this moment, its civilian history began. It was renamed Piarco Airport and became the main aviation hub serving the capital, Port of Spain, and the entire country of Trinidad and Tobago. For decades, it was the home base for BWIA (British West Indian Airways), which played a key role in the development of air travel in the Caribbean region.

A significant step in the airport's modernisation was the construction and opening of the new North Terminal in 2001. This modern complex was designed to meet growing passenger traffic and comply with international standards. The old terminal, now known as the South Terminal, was repurposed to handle cargo transport, business aviation, and helicopter operations, allowing for the effective separation of traffic flows and increased overall productivity.

Throughout its modern history, Piarco Airport has repeatedly received high ratings. It has been honoured several times with the prestigious World Travel Awards as the "Caribbean's Leading Airport", which is a testament to the high quality of service and infrastructure. These achievements confirm its status as one of the best and most efficient airports in the region.

Piarco International Airport offers passengers a full range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find various restaurants and cafes where you can have a snack before your flight — from fast food establishments to places offering local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores, including Duty-Free, where you can purchase souvenirs, perfumes, beverages, and other goods at competitive prices.

For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges and business lounges operate at the airport. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks, and also work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to stay connected. Financial matters are easily resolved thanks to the presence of ATMs and currency exchange points.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. Facilities for mothers and children are equipped for passengers with little ones. Travellers with reduced mobility can count on special assistance and an accessible environment with ramps and equipped restrooms. If necessary, you can visit the medical post for first aid. Conference rooms are provided for business people, and those needing a longer rest can stay at the hotel located right on the airport grounds, which is especially convenient during long layovers or early departures.

Piarco International Airport (POS) offers passengers diverse dining options capable of satisfying any taste and budget. Whether you are looking for a quick snack before departure or a full lunch, you will find a suitable establishment both in the public area and after passing through security control.

In the public area of the airport (landside), accessible to all visitors, there is a food court. Here you can find popular international fast-food chains, such as KFC, which are particularly loved by locals, as well as other cafes offering sandwiches, pastries, and drinks. This is a great place to eat before checking in for a flight or to meet arriving passengers.

After passing through passport and customs control (airside), in the departure zone, the choice becomes even wider. Local chains dominate here, among which Rituals Coffee House stands out — a Trinidadian counterpart to popular coffee chains, where you can enjoy quality coffee, smoothies, and light snacks. Also in the departure zone, there are several lounges offering local and imported beverages, including famous local specialties, and à la carte restaurants where you can have a leisurely lunch while waiting for your flight.

While at the airport, it is worth paying attention to local cuisine. Although classic street food like "doubles" may be hard to find, some establishments offer adapted versions of Caribbean dishes. Be sure to try pastries with chicken or beef fillings, as well as local non-alcoholic drinks. For those with special dietary needs, many cafes offer vegetarian sandwiches and salads. It is recommended to check the availability of gluten-free or Halal options directly with the establishment's staff.

Prices at the airport vary from budget-friendly in fast-food chains to moderate in cafes and restaurants. Most establishments operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft, ensuring the availability of food and drinks at almost any time.

Travelling through Piarco International Airport (POS) will be easier and more pleasant if you prepare in advance. To avoid rushing, arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities, especially during peak seasons.

To save time, use the online check-in offered by most airlines. Security services at the airport work thoroughly, so be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronic devices, as well as containers with liquids, from your hand luggage in advance. The standard rule for liquids in hand luggage applies: the volume of each container must not exceed 100 ml, and all of them must be packed in a single transparent resealable bag. It is also prohibited to carry sharp objects and flammable substances.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will give you the opportunity to admire picturesque views of the island during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and allows you to stand up freely during the flight. If you are flying to Port of Spain, try to occupy a seat on the side that offers a view of the coast.

Passengers with connections should pay attention to "Connecting Flights" or "Transit" signs. Check with your airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. In most cases during international transit, luggage is transferred automatically. Customs control upon arrival in Trinidad and Tobago is standard: you will need to fill out an immigration and customs declaration. Declare honestly all imported goods to avoid misunderstandings.

To save money, take an empty reusable water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing through security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high. Also, consider pre-booking a transfer from the airport, which is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot.

In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for up-to-date information. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for meals or even hotel accommodation. Piarco Airport has shops, cafes, and rest areas where you can comfortably spend time while waiting for your flight.