Times of the Islands Spring 2021
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
Presents the "soul of the Turks & Caicos Islands" with in-depth features about local people, culture, history, environment, real estate, businesses, resorts, restaurants and activities.
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emember when<br />
This 1967 photograph shows <strong>the</strong> original airstrip after it had been extended to 1,200 feet. The Kew Town roundabout is approximately where<br />
<strong>the</strong> 90º turn in <strong>the</strong> track road is. Walkin Marine’s current location is left <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> standing water at <strong>the</strong> top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> picture.<br />
The Birth <strong>of</strong> an Airport<br />
Providenciales’ international airport started out as a handmade runway.<br />
Story & Photos By Bengt Soderqvist<br />
Pre-COVID-19, <strong>the</strong> Providenciales International Airport was bustling with flights from around <strong>the</strong> world,<br />
especially on weekends during <strong>the</strong> busy winter/spring months. In 2019, nearly half a million visitors<br />
arrived on <strong>the</strong> 9,199-foot runway and passed through <strong>the</strong> singular terminal building. International airlines<br />
currently serving <strong>the</strong> Turks & Caicos include American Airlines, Delta, United, jetBlue, Air Canada, West<br />
Jet, British Airways and InterCaribbean Airways. Travel is slowly increasing as visitors crave <strong>the</strong> peaceful,<br />
natural beauty <strong>the</strong> country has to <strong>of</strong>fer. The TCI Assured program helps ensure <strong>the</strong> health and safety <strong>of</strong><br />
travellers and residents.<br />
But 60 years ago <strong>the</strong>re were no airports, no flight infrastructure and bush was cleared away to create<br />
an airstrip.<br />
<strong>Times</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Islands</strong> <strong>Spring</strong> <strong>2021</strong> 17
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