South Caicos Airport (XSC)

South Caicos Airport (XSC) is a small, single 6000-foot (1829 m) runway and one terminal domestic airport. The complex welcomes about 30 scheduled flights per week from Providenciales and Grand Turk.

The South Caicos airport is located in the center of the island, and less than a five-minute drive from the main settlement of Cockburn Harbour.

Currently, all scheduled international flights to the Turks and Caicos land at the Providenciales International Airport (PLS). There is no immigration or customs personnel stationed at the South Caicos Airport, so private planes are required to initially clear immigration and customs at the Providenciales airport, at one of the Providenciales FBOs, or at the Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) before continuing on to South Caicos.

The airport has been nominally renamed as the Norman B. Saunders Sr. International Airport, after a former Chief Minister, however, the name South Caicos International Airport remains the dominant name used.

Airlines Flying to South Caicos

The small terminal building at the South Caicos Airport (XSC).

Both local Turks and Caicos airlines, interCaribbean and Caicos Express Airways, offer regularly-scheduled flights to South Caicos. Both airlines fly small twin-engine prop planes, such as the Beechcraft King Air or the de Havilland Twin Otter. There are several flights per day, every day of the week.

interCaribbean provides flights from Providenciales International Airport and Grand Turk Airport, with at least one flight per day.

Caicos Express Airways provides charter flights, which may be worthwhile for larger groups. Providenciales to South Caicos flights connect through Grand Turk.

Both airlines are able to arrange charter flights if required.

Due to the small size of the aircraft flown to South Caicos, there are baggage restrictions both for carry-on and check-in luggage. Generally, the local airlines make an effort to accommodate exceptions when possible, yet there is only a certain amount of available stowage space. There may be additional fees for excess or oversize items, or items may be delayed to another flight in some cases.

Ground Transportation

InterCaribbean de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter. The scheduled flights to South Caicos fly small twin-turboprop aircraft.

There is no public transportation on South Caicos, and there is no taxi stand at the airport. The airport is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the center of Cockburn Harbour.

The primary form of transport for visitors to South Caicos is by rental car. Availability is quite limited, and we advise reserving well in advance of your planned visit.

Several of the resorts on South Caicos provide complimentary airport transport. You are advised to contact your hotel or villa to arrange pick-up.

Shops and Restaurants

There is a small shop inside the South Caicos Airport that offers cold drinks and packaged snacks. Opening times generally coincide with flight arrivals and departures.

New Airport Expansion

In 2016, the Turks and Caicos Government commenced new expansion works at the airport, which includes a new control tower, terminal, and additional airside works. This project was stalled due to Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, but progress is ongoing.