Flights to the Turks & Caicos Islands

Two interCaribbean Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia planes parked at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).

All international flights to the Turks and Caicos Islands arrive at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS).

The Turks and Caicos welcomes arrivals from over ten countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, Antigua, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands.

For arrivals from other destinations, travelers will typically connect through a major United States east coast city such as Miami, New York, or Charlotte.

Direct flights are offered from 11 North American cities, including Washington DC, New York, Miami, and Toronto.

Flights to neighboring Caribbean countries have historically been expensive due to limited demand, yet prices have fallen in recent years and additional routes have been added. Frequent flights are now offered to the Bahamas, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

Transatlantic Flights to Providenciales

British Airways operates the only trans-Atlantic flights, with a Thursday and Sunday service from London Heathrow (LHW), which has a one-hour layover in Antigua. This was previously a stop via Nassau instead of Antigua.

The Turks and Caicos Islands Government runway expansion project for the Providenciales International Airport was completed in 2012 in a bid to attract new transatlantic flights from the United Kingdom and Europe, however, the only additional route added was a second British Airways flight to London.

Connecting to the Family Islands

Airliner approaching Providenciales International Airport.

All international flights arrive on Providenciales, and if you’re staying on one of our outer islands, it will be necessary to take a domestic flight or ferry for the final connection to your island destination.

North and Middle Caicos

If you’re staying on the islands of North and Middle Caicos, the passenger ferry service (30 minutes) is the only regular service, and operates several times per day. If you’d prefer to fly, it’s easy to arrange a charter flight with our local airlines, yet be aware that the cost may be prohibitive for small groups.

South Caicos

For South Caicos, both flights (15 minutes) and a ferry service (90 minutes) are available. Be aware that there isn’t much of a cost difference between the two options, so the flight may be the better choice for those without large amounts of luggage.

Grand Turk and Salt Cay

For Grand Turk and Salt Cay, the only option is a domestic flight which is subsidized by the Government. There are several flights between Providenciales and Grand Turk daily. The schedule to and from Salt Cay is more limited.

Searching for Flights to Turks and Caicos

Use the airport code PLS when searching (no need to select nearby airports). Only the Providenciales International Airport (PLS) has direct flights. Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) is a designated international airport, but there are no scheduled passenger flights. South Caicos Airport (XSC) and Salt Cay Airport (SLX) are domestic flights only.

Generally, JetBlue offers some of the cheapest flights from the United States, on their Fort Lauderdale to Providenciales route.

Aircraft, Seats, and Airline Classes

American Airlines uses a range of aircraft, although it’s typically an Airbus A319 or Boeing 738. Power sockets and features vary by aircraft used. Many American flights have only Economy and Business Class (and not their new Premium Economy and First Class). JetBlue typically uses an Embraer E190 for flights to the east coast in the United States.

British Airways on the London–Providenciales route uses a three-class Boeing 777 aircraft.

Most flights feature business class, and the American and British Airways flights also include first class.

How to Get the Best Deals on Airfare

Other than watching for specials and promotions from the airlines, there are a few other ways to get cheap flights and save on your trip price.

The top method is to book your vacation and flights to Turks and Caicos when there’s less demand and more availability. Like many tourism destinations, the Turks and Caicos experiences normal fluctuations in visitor arrivals. The winter months are the “high season”, and the late summer and autumn is the “low season”, seeing the lowest activity. You’ll typically save a significant amount on accommodation, flights, and car rental if you book outside of the peak tourism times. See Best Times to Visit Turks and Caicos.

Another way to find flight deals is to connect through and make the final leg of the journey from the smaller US cities such as Fort Lauderdale, where lower airport costs reduce the airfare.

It’s possible to find deals on both your flight and hotel or resort with vacation packages. If what’s included in the deal is what you’re looking for, they may make sense. Keep in mind that with a bit of online research, you may be able to match or do better by booking separately.

As is usual for most destinations, round-trip fares can be almost the same cost as a one-way fare.

Onward Transportation from the Airport

Some of the resorts include a complimentary airport shuttle, although this is typically not the case. Taxis are available right outside the arrivals hall, although we recommend that visitors consider renting a car for their stay.

Useful Links

Best Times to Visit

Customs Allowances

Passports, Visas & Entry