A stunning island that was named one of Lonely Planet’s Best Destinations to Travel for 2025 is set to open its airport this year following its impressive renovation. Estimated to have cost around $130 million (£100 million), the expansion includes a new terminal with space for three million passengers a year, three times the current airport capacity.
The popular holiday destination of Tobago, an island in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the southern Caribbean, ticks all the boxes for those on the hunt for their perfect island getaway, boasting beautiful beaches, a laid-back atmosphere and a diverse range of landscapes from waterfalls to historic towns. Tobago’s airport, ANR Robinson International Airport, currently operates direct UK flights with British Airways twice a week.
Larger retail outlets and restaurants, as well as improved airport security, are also part of the renovation. Spanning 25,500 square metres, the two-storey terminal has been designed to meet international standards, ensuring world-class safety, efficiency, and passenger comfort. New self-service kiosks and streamlined baggage handling processes will also produce faster, hassle-free check-ins.
On March 15, Tobago celebrated the practical competition of the terminal, an impressive feat considering the renovation had suffered from delays. Last September, Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram said: “The new airport terminal building and associated infrastructure works project is at this time 74% complete.
“The project has been delayed, bits and pieces with respect to amendments and adjustments. I think it was affected by Covid as well, but the bottom line is, we are well on schedule now.”
Tobago has become an increasingly popular destination for Brits, thanks to its direct flights with BA. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a 32% increase in British tourists visiting the island. Currently, the airline is the only one to offer international flights from the UK. Other airlines operating from the airport are Caribbean Airlines, with flights to Port of Spain, New York and Barbados, while Condor has seasonal routes to Frankfurt.
Tobago boasts some stunning beaches like Pigeon Point with its iconic jetty, Englishman’s Bay, and Castara Bay, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. Elsewhere on the island, holidaymakers have the chance to explore the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, hike to the Argyle Waterfall, or visit Little Tobago, also known as Bird of Paradise Island, for birdwatching.
Away from nature, the historic town of Scarborough gives an insight into the local culture, while you can also explore the vibrant nightlife in Crown Point.
Flights to ANR Robinson International (TAB) are available with Norse Atlantic Airways (UK) and Caribbean Airlines from Gatwick Airport for just £376 in early September, with two stops at Miami (MIA) and Port Of Spain (POS).
The news of Tobago’s airport expansion comes as one of the UK’s busiest airports has opened its own £100 million terminal expansion. The new 9,500-square-metre, three-storey build at Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) officially commenced operations on July 17, with more seats, new refreshment outlets, and runway views. Meanwhile, Portugal has made significant strides in its transport infrastructure, with a new multi-billion pound airport which looks set to revolutionise travel to the popular European country and boost its connectivity.