TRINIDAD AIRPORT | GUIDE TO TRINIDAD AIRPORT (POS)

Piarco International Airport (IATA: POS) is one of the two public international airports in Trinidad and Tobago. It is owned and operated by the Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT).

The airport is located 30 km or 19 miles east of Downtown Port of Spain, in the adjacent town of Piarco. It serves the island of Trinidad and has an elevation of 58 feet or 18 meters Above the Mean Sea Level (AMSL).

POS is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean regarding passengers served in the facility.

The airport is also one of the most active in the English-speaking portion of the Caribbean, next to the two well-known international airports of Sangster and Lynden.

It is the primary hub and operating base for the country's national airline and the Caribbean's largest airline, Caribbean Airlines.

Piarco International Airport is directly scheduled to service places in the United States, particularly in Central America, South America, Canada, and Europe. The airport is also an important transit hub for the Southern Caribbean and serves as the primary connection point for many passengers traveling from Guyana.

Piarco International Airport has two terminals; the North Terminal and the South Terminal.

The North Terminal is the main passenger building that handles all the commercial passenger airline traffic. It has twenty-nine parking posts with fourteen jetway gates spread among two concourses.

Gates o1 to 7 are on the western concourse serving all international airlines. It has a VIP lounge connected to the rest of the airport through the joint southern atrium.

Gates 8 to 14 from the eastern concourse serve all international Caribbean Airlines flights. It contains the Club Caribbean lounge. Both concourses include shopping and restaurants both in-concourse and in the common atrium point.

Both concourses are served by one security checkpoint outside the western concourse in the atrium.

The two concourses form the international departures section of the airport, with a duty-free shop and scenic views of the Northern Range airfield.

The North Terminal also consists of the check-in counters, public atrium, arrivals hall, food hubs, and the Tobago level, located just outside the check-in hall.

The Tobago concourse only serves domestic flights to Tobago. The check-in area contains 82 ticket counters. Caribbean Airlines occupies the easternmost and westernmost desks, and all other airlines occupy the remaining counters.

The arrivals hall has four baggage claim carousels, car rental counters, and restaurants. It is linked to the public atrium just as the check-in hall. The shared atrium is a social space consisting of fast food, shopping, and seating underneath the most extensive crystal dome in the Caribbean.

The dome connects the international departures hall, Tobago concourse, arrivals hall, and check-in hall.

The airport has twenty-nine parking positions, including fourteen jetway parking areas at the international departures hall, three others at the Tobago concourse, eight remote stands at the eastern end, and four at the western end.

Meanwhile, South Terminal was a passenger terminal; however, it has been renovated to become an executive terminal.

The South Terminal serves cargo flights, general aviation, and helicopter flights. It has fourteen parking posts as well as light aircraft parking. In addition, it shelters the Airports Administration Center, the head office of the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago.

The airport can also handle cargo traffic, general aviation services, military, and helicopter flights.

History of Piarco International Airport

On January 8, 1931, the Piarco International Airport opened to serve Venezuela's Compagnie Generale Aeropostale.

The original airfield was used in World War II to house the Royal Navy Observer School HMS Goshawk.

In 1942 it was also used by the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force and the United States Navy air squadrons. The airport was utilized as a transport airfield and for anti-submarine patrol flights over the southern Caribbean. It was then returned under control after the war ended.

In 2001, a significant change in the airport facility had been materialized. Airport expansion was completed, including constructing a new airport terminal and high-speed runways. Presently, the old airport terminal building is used for handling cargo. Also, Briko Air and Aerial World Services operate a flight school at the airport.

Piarco International Airport is also the central hub and operating base of Caribbean Airlines. The airport also used to be the central hub of the now inoperative BWIA West Indies Airways and Air Caribbean.

In 2006, the AATT, or the Airports Authority of Trinidad And Tobago, commissioned a study on land use planning and urban development planning. All-Inclusive Project Development Services Limited was authorized to conduct the survey, completed in October 2007 and approved by the Board.

In 2011, the construction of the North Aviation Business Park work began and was completed in 2013.

In December 2019, the European Union granted €1.5 million to the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, which will finance a large-scale solar panel system at the airport.

Ground-mounted solar panels will also be installed with an annual generation capacity of 1,443,830 kWh, potentially avoiding 1,010 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.

In 2021, Piarco International Airport was named the best airport in the Caribbean. They also received a regional award for the third best airport in the Caribbean and Latin American Regions.

In 2022, the airport was again named the best airport in the Caribbean.

Transfer Services at Piarco International Airport

Transportation in Piarco has been more accessible through transfer services such as Car rentals, taxis, shuttles, and buses.

However, those transport modes mentioned above are only allowed to pick up and drop off passengers at the ground transportation area of Piarco International Airport.

All passengers are always advised to check what items are allowed for hand-carry and check-in baggage. Also, securing personal belongings before and after boarding the aircraft is a must.

Rental Car Services at Piarco International Airport

Car Hire or Car Rental Counters are directly located at the exit of the Customs Hall of Piarco International Airport. See and compare all rental car companies at Piarco International Airport.

There are posted signages provided for renters leading to the Car Rental Counters.

Renting a car from Piarco Airport is just easy and quick. However, renters must comply with the requirements needed by their selected car rental agency.

Renters must provide a valid driver's license or an international driver's license permit and be credit and debit cardholders to pay the rental. They should complete the contract form before picking up their rented vehicle.

Renters are also encouraged to book rental cars online for the confirmation of their reservation before they arrive at the airport.

Online payment is convenient for both the agency and the customer.

Car Rental Rates may differ depending upon the car agency and the selected vehicle.

Ride Shares at Piarco International Airport

Rideshare vehicles are unavailable at Piarco International Airport.

Taxis at Piarco International Airport

To get a taxi, passengers may proceed to the ground transportation center of the airport located outside the Baggage Claim Area.

There will be a taxi dispatcher in the area that will assist passengers with taxi bookings.

The airport is approximately 24km or about 30 minutes drive to and from the downtown area of Trinidad and Tobago via Churchill Roosevelt Highway. See more information about taxis at Piarco International Airport.

The standard taxi rate from Piarco International Airport to the downtown and vice versa ranges from $50.00 to $65.00.

Taxi rates may differ depending upon the traffic condition in the metro.

Buses at Piarco International Airport

Piarco International Airport provides daily bus service for passengers bound to the capital area of Trinidad and Tobago, Port of Spain.

Bus services are available outside the main terminal building at the ground transportation center. More information about buses to and from Piarco International Airport.

Tickets for the one-way bus service are sold for $4.00. They can be purchased at Newspaper Stands inside the airport's atrium or the video arcade across from Ali's candy shop.

Trains at Piarco International Airport

Train transit is unavailable in Trinidad and Tobago. More information about train services near Piarco International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Piarco International Airport

Trinidad and Tobago has hotel accommodations that offer hotel shuttle transfers to and from Piarco International Airport.

Therefore, it is recommended for inbound travelers to contact their local hotels for shuttle reservations and confirmations.

Shuttle services can only pick up and drop passengers outside the terminal building at the ground transportation center.

Parking at Piarco International Airport

Piarco International Airport has four Car Park areas, each for a specific purpose; The Public Car Park- North Terminal, The Monthly Parking, The Local Food Court Car Park, and The Temporary North Car Park.

The airport's parking fee starts at $10.00 per hour. However, parking rates may vary without notice. See more information about short and long term parking at Piarco International Airport.

Other Services at Piarco International Airport

WiFi at Piarco International Airport

Complimentary WiFi service is provided for passengers and employees of Piarco International Airport.

Internet access is available throughout the airport terminal.

ATMs at Piarco International Airport

An Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) is functional and available on the first level of the North Terminal, landside area.

Currency exchange at Piarco International Airport

Two foreign currency exchange services are available within Piarco International Airport; First Citizens' Bureau de Change and Millenium Finance- Cambio.

The First Citizens' Bureau de Change is located at the Customs exit, while Millenium Finance- Cambio is at the departures hall near the Duty-Free Shop.

Nursing Stations at Piarco International Airport

No designated areas are allotted for nursing mothers, and no family rooms are available within the terminal.

Nursing mothers who need further assistance may approach airport staff or the information desk.

Restrooms at Piarco International Airport

Restrooms are accessible throughout the airport terminal.

Food and Beverages at Piarco International Airport

Local and foreign food hubs are available inside the airport terminal.

Smoking at Piarco International Airport

Smoking is only allowed outside the terminal, and there are designated areas for smokers. However, they should follow smoking regulations at all times.

Pet-Relief Area at Piarco International Airport

Pet-Relief Areas for fur friends are unavailable at Piarco International Airport.

Lost and Found Section at Piarco International Airport

Passengers who have lost their items within the premises of Piarco International Airport, including the security areas and inside shuttle buses, may contact the Lost and Found Office directly at +1 868-669-2288.

Passengers may contact their respective airline provider for missing items inside the aircraft or the gate area.

All lost items will be stored and kept by the Lost and Found Facility for 30 days. After the said period, things will be considered abandoned.

Airport Communication Center at Piarco International Airport

Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) are stationed at strategic areas within the airport terminal. Its purpose is to render the utmost service to Piarco International Airport's inbound and outbound passengers.

CSRs help provides flight information, process travel documentation, and assist those who need wheelchair services. They are also trained and proficient translators of French and Spanish.

Meanwhile, the airport's Communication Center or its Information desk is in the lobby. Overhead signages are provided for passengers to locate the area quickly.

Ticketing Services at Piarco International Airport

Ticketing counters are located at the Pre-Departure Section of Piarco International Airport. Look for overhead signage that will lead you to the correct location.

Typically, airline companies open their ticketing counter two hours before the scheduled departure time. However, each airline has varying operating hours.

Passengers may directly contact their airline for ticket purchases and flight details.

The airport also offers fast and convenient ticketing services through its Self-Service check-in kiosks.

Baggage Claim at Piarco International Airport

Passengers may retrieve their baggage at the Baggage Claim Area on the airport terminal's ground floor. Carts are also available for those who need assistance with heavy luggage.

In case of lost or damaged luggage, please get in touch with your specific airline provider or ask for assistance from the Lost and Found Office.

Disabled Passengers at Piarco International Airport

Passengers with special needs are provided with necessary facilities at Piarco International Airport.

For travelers who need medical assistance and may have further inquiries about the policies and procedures at security checkpoints, please get in touch with the airport at +1 868-669-4880.

Passengers are advised to inform their airline carrier or the airport ahead of time for the assistance they need to prepare the necessary facilities before their arrival.

Piarco International Airport Contacts

Address: Golden Grove Rd, Piarco, Trinidad & Tobago

General Phone: +1 868-669-4880

Email: customerservice@tntairports.com

Lost and Found Phone: +1 868-669-2288

Official website: http://www.tntairports.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Left

Electricity: 115V/60Hz

Plug: A, B

Currency: Trinidad & Tobago Dollar, $, TT$

WiFi at Airport: The airport provides complimentary WiFi access to all passengers and employees.