A blast of tropical air hits you as you step onto the tarmac. Welcome to A.N.R. Robinson International Airport.
This isn’t just any airport. It’s Tobago’s gateway to the world. Once known as Crown Point International Airport it was renamed in 2011. The name honors Arthur Napoleon Raymond Robinson a pivotal figure in Trinidad and Tobago’s history. He served as both Prime Minister and President.
The airport’s history stretches back to December 1940. A simple 670-meter landing strip was laid then. This humble beginning transformed over the decades. Upgrades in the mid-1980s brought a new terminal. Further expansions in the 1990s allowed larger planes like the Boeing 747 to land. Imagine those colossal jets touching down on this once small strip.
But the airport’s journey hasn’t been without its bumps. There were incidents. A Tobago Express plane made an emergency landing in 2005 due to a nose wheel malfunction. In 2007 a labor dispute closed both Crown Point and Piarco airports for two days. A fuel contamination incident caused widespread disruption in 2009. A Virgin Atlantic 747 damaged a taxiway in 2011 temporarily closing the airport again.
Despite these challenges A.N.R. Robinson International Airport continues to thrive. It serves as a vital link for Tobago’s booming tourism sector. It handles around 700000 passengers annually. The airport boasts modern amenities. There are restaurants shops and even car rental services. You’ll find a tourist information desk right outside arrivals too.
Free parking is available for those arriving by car. Regular bus service connects the airport to Scarborough. Taxis are readily available for a quicker journey. Caribbean Airlines provides frequent flights to Trinidad. Other airlines offer international connections. British Airways for example flies to London and St Lucia. Condor offers seasonal flights from Frankfurt.
A.N.R. Robinson International Airport is more than just a transit point. It’s a reflection of Tobago’s resilient spirit and its vibrant connection to the wider world. It’s a testament to the island’s growth its history and its future. As you prepare to depart remember the stories etched into this airport’s history. They are a part of Tobago’s vibrant soul.