Plans To Merge Domestic And International Security Lines At Piarco Scrapped

Less than a week after announcing plans to have domestic passenger traffic use the international security screening point at Piarco International Airport, the Airports Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT) has scrapped these plans until further notice.

First announced on April 18, 2026, the AATT announced that starting April 24, 2026, passengers flying from Trinidad (POS) to Tobago (TAB) would be routed through the international security checkpoint, giving them access to a wider selection of duty free (paid) stores and restaurants.

The announcement was met with severe backlash from various stakeholders, claiming that merging domestic and international traffic would result in much longer lines at the security checkpoint, as well as adding unnecessary complexity for those traveling to Tobago.

Even though the change was supposed to take place on April 24, the AATT announced today that these plans have been paused with immediate effect until further notice, and said customers flying to Tobago will continue to be screened via the regular domestic departure area. In a brief statement, they said:

“The relocation of domestic operations has been postponed until further notice.

“The planned redirection of domestic passengers through international checkpoints will not take effect at this time.

“We appreciate the continued cooperation of our stakeholders and the public as preparations continue.”

Caribbean Airlines, the sole domestic air operator, also issued a statement saying:

“Caribbean Airlines has been advised that the planned relocation of domestic departures has been paused until further notice. At this time, there is no change to the current process.”

No reason has been given for the airport’s decision to reverse these plans.  

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