SABA–The renovation and expansion project of Saba’s Juancho Yrausquin Airport has been completed, apart from the installation screening equipment which will be done at a later time.

The bulk of the airport project, paid for by the Dutch Government, took place in September 2018, and started with the paving of the runway with concrete. For this purpose, the airport was temporarily closed. Contractors Saba Roads and Den Ouden started paving the runway on September 10, 2018 and completed the job four weeks later. A new helipad was also constructed. The works on the terminal building, carried out by Hassell Enterprises Saba (HES), started early September 2018. This was done at the same time the runway.

The airport terminal renovations included the tearing down apart of the building and some interior walls removed to facilitate the extensions. The Public Entity Saba was in charge of the project management, with the supervision carried out by the Planning Bureau. Airport Manager Maegan Hassell explained that the majority of the project is completed. The major improvements included: an enclosed arrival area, central air conditioning system, more seating facilities for passengers, the enclosed inside luggage area, the new air conditioned bar, more space in the front at the entrance, an additional airline office in case it is needed in the future, and installation of the automatic sliding doors, a first on Saba. Especially the central air conditioning is a big plus because the temperature at Flat Point can get high, said Hassell.

The Immigration Department and Customs Department used to share one space, now they each have a separate room. Another change to the airport’s visual structure is the moving of the flagpoles to the entrance of the building, instead of on the side of the apron. Besides the placing of the flagpoles, the name of the airport was engraved in the stone structure on the planter that serves as a roundabout. Hassell, who has been airport manager since November 2015, said the renovation and expansion was long overdue with the last major changes made to the building in 1999-2000. She said the 2018-2019 project had a positive effect on the airport operations, safety and the working environment for the 15 persons who work at the airport.

Commissioner in charge of Aviation Affairs, Tourism and Economic Affairs Bruce Zagers said he was happy with the result of the airport project. “It is now a more modern airport facility with more space for passengers and the people working there. The building is air conditioned, but people can still sit outside to enjoy the Caribbean breeze.” Zagers said a priority in this project was the accommodating of arriving passengers who no longer have to stand outside, exposed to the elements. Having an enclosed arrival area also improves safety. The Commissioner complimented Saba’s contractor HES for doing “a great job.” “The work is of high quality,” he said. The Juancho Yrausquin Airport generally handles four Winair flights per day. Flights are added in busy periods, for example, the medical school students leave the island or come back and also three flights per week to transport patients on behalf of the Caribbean Netherlands Health Insurance Office ZVK, carried out by SXM Airways.