โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Pine Cay Airport (PIC), also known as Cowles Field, is a private domestic aviation facility located on the secluded island of Pine Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The airport functions as a basic regional landing ground and does not feature a formal commercial passenger terminal building or staffed administrative offices. It serves as a vital infrastructure link for the exclusive Pine Cay Resort and private villa owners, situated approximately 15 miles northeast of Providenciales.
Facilities at the airstrip are extremely minimal, reflecting its status as a private, eco-friendly landing ground on an island with a strict 'no-car' policy. There are no on-site commercial amenities such as retail shops, restaurants, or public restrooms, and the area lacks standard passenger lounges or Wi-Fi services. Travelers and pilots are advised to be completely self-sufficient and to handle all logistical needs through the Pine Cay Resort management prior to arrival. Due to the lack of fencing, pilots are encouraged to conduct a low-pass flyby to ensure the runway is clear of wildlife before landing.
The airfield features a single 2,500-foot paved runway and operates strictly during daylight hours under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). It is not an official international Airport of Entry, meaning all international arrivals must first clear customs and immigration at a major hub like Providenciales International Airport (PLS) before proceeding to Pine Cay. Ground transportation on the island is unique, with visitors typically utilizing electric golf carts or bicycles provided by the resort to reach their final destination, as conventional motor vehicles are not permitted on the island's sandy trails.
๐ Connection Tips
Pine Cay Airport (PIC) is a strictly PRIVATE aviation facility serving the exclusive Pine Cay island in the Turks and Caicos. It handles NO scheduled commercial airline flights. Access is limited to guests of the Meridian Club and private homeowners Pine Cay works as a private-island arrival only when the resort is already expecting you, because the strip has no public ground-transport market at all.
Ground transport on the island is unique: there are NO cars or taxis. Most visitors are met at the aircraft by a member of the Meridian Club staff in an electric golf cart for the 5-minute transfer to the lodge. A unique connection tip: many travelers arrive via the resort's private passenger ferry from Providenciales (PLS), using the airfield primarily for a faster (10 min) private hop.
The facility consists of a simple paved runway with zero public amenities. Arrive self-sufficient. Ensure you have confirmed your landing permission and resort booking weeks in advance The best arrivals are the ones that move straight from aircraft to staff pickup, since there is nothing on the island that behaves like a normal airport terminal. A resort staff pickup should already be confirmed, because Pine Cay has no public ground transport.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Middle Caicos Airport (MDS) serves the island of Middle Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands, providing a quiet and scenic gateway to the archipelago's largest and most sparsely populated island. The terminal is a small, functional facility designed to support regional domestic flights and private charters that connect the island with major hubs like Providenciales. Its single-story architecture is intended to provide essential services for travelers while reflecting the tranquil and natural character of the island, which is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and extensive cave systems.
The terminal experience at Middle Caicos is informal and characterized by its relaxed, island atmosphere. Inside, the passenger waiting area is modest, featuring basic seating and administrative offices for the airport's management. There are no formal security checkpoints or modern baggage carousels; instead, passengers arrive at the unpaved or semi-paved airstrip and are often greeted by local residents or pre-arranged transport providers. The layout is designed for simplicity, allowing travelers to quickly transition from the aircraft to the natural beauty of the island.
Amenities within the MDS terminal are minimal, typically including small local vendors offering basic refreshments and travel information. While the airport does not feature extensive commercial retail or dining, its location near the settlements of Conch Bar and Bambarra provides access to local services and guesthouses. Ground transport is usually pre-arranged or available through local services, providing reliable connections to the island's various natural attractions, including the Mudjin Harbour and the Indian Cave. Travelers are advised to coordinate all logistics in advance, as the pace of life on Middle Caicos is delightfully slow and services can be limited.
๐ Connection Tips
Middle Caicos Airport (MDS) is a unique and charming general aviation facility serving the island of Middle Caicos in the Turks and Caicos Islands. However, be aware that these small turboprop aircraft have strict weight limits for luggage; typically, you are allowed only 30 pounds per person. It is mandatory to coordinate your rental in advance, as on-spot availability is non-existent on Middle Caicos. The terminal building is welcoming and minimalist, featuring basic passenger amenities including a waiting area and a small refreshment kiosk serving traditional Caribbean snacks. MDS provide a professional and remarkably personal arrival experience, reflecting the tranquil and exclusive character of 'the Wild Caicos.
For travelers, the most critical tip is understanding that MDS primarily handles domestic flights operated by regional carriers like interCaribbean Airways and specialized air taxis, connecting the island to the major hub at Providenciales (PLS). Ground transportation is uniquely coordinated; there are no public buses or on-demand ride-sharing services on the island. A unique tip for visitors is utilizing the airport as a technical stop before heading directly into the spectacular Conch Bar Caves or the world-famous Mudjin Harbour; several specialized transfer companies provide pickup services directly from the terminal exit. The regional climate is tropical maritime and pleasant year-round, but localized strong winds and afternoon thunderstorms can occasionally lead to minor flight delays. ' Always check your flight status via the airline app 24 hours before departure.
Because the terminal is compact and processing is exceptionally fast, arriving 45 to 60 minutes before your departure is typically sufficient to navigate the thorough but generally fast security screening. Instead, most visitors utilize pre-booked Jeep rentals or local taxis, which are the primary modes of transport. Arriving at least 45 minutes before departures is standard for these regional hops. When connecting back to a long-haul international flight from Providenciales, always allow for a minimum 4-hour buffer to account for potential regional delays and the inter-island transfer.
โ Back to Pine Cay Airport