A runway extension, new apron, and partial parallel taxiway, will increase safety and efficiency in Grand Cayman

Owen Roberts International Airport Runway Rehabilitation and Upgrades

The Cayman Islands are a popular tourist destination. With post-pandemic tourism expected to increase activity at its Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA) airport, the Cayman Islands Airport Authority retained our expertise to complete a detailed design, and provide construction administration services, to facilitate needed airfield improvements.

Our work included designing a runway extension, new apron, and partial parallel taxiway. These improvements will make the airfield more efficient, while enhancing safety at the same time. The existing runway was extended by 875 feet (267 metres), and the terminal apron was expanded to accommodate parking two code E or four code C sized aircraft. A partial parallel taxiway and new perimeter road were constructed, and ground lighting for the runway was also upgraded to LED. Due to the hot, breezy climate, special attention was paid to the concrete curing process to reduce shrinkage cracks.

The airport’s topography is low lying, and parts of the airport flood frequently. We recommended filling the existing ponds along the proposed runway extension with structural stone to support the extension. In other areas of flooding, we designed underground detention systems along with drainage deep-wells to dissipate the water. Our client has shared that since beginning operations, the east end storm water system has been excellent and that the airport has had no flooding on the west end of the runway. With this success, our stormwater data is going to be used as the baseline for their future designs.

In lieu of construction to be completed during scheduled nightly closures, airport restrictions due to COVID-19 allowed the contractor to work unencumbered, allowing for more efficient project phasing, which benefited construction operations as well as the overall final product.

Completed in 2021, these efficiency and safety upgrades will support lasting economic and community benefits for the Cayman Islands.