Community Invited to Share Feedback on Key Airport Development Projects
The Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA) invites the public to participate in the consultation process for three major projects outlined in the 2041 Airports Master Plan, each requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the provisions of the National Conservation Act (2013). This initiative sets the foundation for the long-term, sustainable development of Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman, Edward Bodden Airfield on Little Cayman and Charles Kirkconnell International Airport on Cayman Brac.
Projects Under Review
The draft Terms of Reference currently open for public consultation in accordance with the EIA directive include:
• Runway Extension at Owen Roberts International Airport (Grand Cayman)
• Relocation of Edward Bodden Airfield (Little Cayman)
• Runway Strip Widening at Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (Cayman Brac)
To ensure these projects align with environmental sustainability and community interests, the CIAA, in partnership with the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB), has developed draft Terms of Reference (ToR). These documents will guide the Environmental Impact Assessments for each project.
Have Your Say: Public Consultation Period Open Until 6 June 2025
Residents are encouraged to review the draft ToR and share feedback during the 21-day consultation period, running from 16 May 2025 to 6 June 2025. The draft ToR documents are available for review:
• Online: At www.caymanairports.com and www.conservation.ky/eia-reports/
• Hard Copy: For review at Department of Environment, Environmental Centre, 580 North Sound Road, George Town, Grand Cayman
Feedback can be submitted to the Department of Environment (DoE) in writing via email, direct mail, or by hand delivery. Additionally, public outreach meetings will be held on each island, providing an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and voice opinions.
Public Outreach Meetings
Residents can meet with representatives from the CIAA, consultants Royal HaskoningDHV, and the EAB at the following sessions on each of the three islands, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.:
• Grand Cayman: 27 May 2025 – Owen Roberts International Airport, 2nd Floor Conference Rooms
• Cayman Brac: 28 May 2025 – Alexander Hotel
• Little Cayman: 29 May 2025 – Little Cayman Beach Resort
How It Works
The CIAA, in collaboration with the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB) and industry experts, has developed the draft ToR to establish guidelines for the Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for all three projects. These EIAs will evaluate potential environmental, social, and economic effects of the proposed projects. The EAB is comprised of representatives from key government agencies, including the Department of Environment, Civil Aviation Authority Cayman Islands, Fire Service, Coast Guard, Hazard Management, National Roads Authority, Department of Planning, and Water Authority.
How to Submit Feedback
Residents can submit feedback through various channels:
• Email: doe@gov.ky
• Mail: Department of Environment, P.O. Box 10202, Grand Cayman KY1-1002
• By Hand: Drop off written comments at the Department of Environment, Environmental Centre, 580 North Sound Road, George Town, Grand Cayman
Why Your Input Matters
“These projects will shape the future of Cayman’s airports for generations to come,” said CIAA CEO Albert Anderson. “We are committed to sustainable development that balances environmental responsibility with service excellence, and community input is essential to developing solutions that best serve the Cayman Islands now and in the future.”
Public feedback gathered during the consultation period will be used to refine the ToR, ensuring that community concerns and environmental safeguards are properly integrated into the assessments. Once finalised, the EIAs will be conducted, leading to the development of an Environmental Statement (ES) for each project. This ES will undergo an additional round of public consultation before final decisions are made on project implementation.
For more information, visit: www.caymanairports.com or www.conservation.ky/eia-reports/
Comments (0)
We appreciate your feedback. You can comment here with your pseudonym or real name. You can leave a comment with or without entering an email address. All comments will be reviewed before they are published.