Cyril E. King Airport Unveils New Passenger Pick-Up Location Amidst Enhancements

The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) has unveiled a strategic update concerning the passenger pick-up zone at Cyril E. King Airport (CEKA) on the bustling island of St. Thomas. Effective from Tuesday, February 27, travelers will be welcomed to a newly designated pick-up area located at the forefront sidewalk of the state-of-the-art Parking and Transportation Center.

To ensure a seamless and secure transition from the terminal to this temporary pick-up point, VIPA is set to introduce a pedestrian crosswalk alongside ADA-compliant ramps. To further enhance safety and facilitate smooth traffic flow during the airport’s busiest hours, VIPA’s dedicated police force will be on hand to guide traffic and assist passengers across the designated areas.

This initiative stems from the need to demolish the existing pick-up section adjacent to the terminal’s baggage claim to pave the way for the construction of two additional exit lanes, a move aimed at optimizing vehicular movement within the airport’s vicinity.

VIPA has issued guidance to travelers, urging them to expedite passenger drop-offs at the CEKA Terminal to mitigate congestion risks. It has been explicitly stated that parking next to the terminal is forbidden, and the public parking facility at CEKA will be temporarily closed until further notice.

Passengers are encouraged to plan their airport arrivals and departures with these adjustments in mind. For convenience, complimentary public parking has been made available near the former Island Beachcomber Hotel by Lindbergh Bay Beach, catering to the needs of travelers during this transitional phase.

Additionally, VIPA has allocated a parking zone for delivery truck operators servicing the CEKA, positioned along the terminal’s brick wall near Gate 11. The authority calls on the public to heed parking signage and the instructions of VIPA police officers, who will be actively managing traffic and ensuring public safety amidst the ongoing developments.

Looking ahead, the Parking and Transportation Center at CEKA is on track to partially open its doors for public parking in April 2024. This is part of VIPA’s comprehensive plan to elevate the airport’s infrastructure and service offerings, marking a significant milestone in the enhancement of St. Thomas’s aviation facilities.