Lauriston Airport

Lauriston/Carriacou Airport sits on the island of Carriacou in the Grenada Grenadines, about four kilometres south of the main town of Hillsborough. It is one of the smallest commercial airports in the Caribbean, handling only domestic flights from Grenada's Maurice Bishop International Airport and nearby islands like Union Island. The airport's single runway is 2,600 feet long, suitable for small turboprop aircraft such as the Britten-Norman Islander or DHC-6 Twin Otter. With no customs facilities, it strictly serves domestic traffic, making it a quiet and straightforward entry point for visitors heading to Carriacou's beaches, diving spots, and sailing culture.

Getting There

Lauriston/Carriacou Airport is located in the village of Argyle, roughly 4 kilometres south of Hillsborough, the island's main commercial centre. Most visitors reach the airport via a brief car or taxi ride from Hillsborough, which takes about ten minutes along the island's main road. Taxis are readily available at the airport upon arrival; expect a fare of around 20–30 Eastern Caribbean dollars to Hillsborough. Alternatively, some hotels and guesthouses offer airport transfers if arranged in advance. For those staying on nearby Petit Martinique or other small cays, a boat ride to Hillsborough followed by a short land taxi is the typical route. Driving yourself is possible if you rent a car from agencies in Hillsborough, but roads are narrow and winding. There is no public bus service directly to the airport, but minibuses running between Hillsborough and the southern villages pass within a few hundred metres; drivers will drop you off at the turnoff near the terminal. For departing passengers, plan to arrive 45 minutes before the flight – the check-in process is fast, but flights can depart earlier than scheduled if all passengers are aboard. Parking at the airport is free and consists of a small lot directly in front of the terminal, with spaces available for wheelchair users.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building at Lauriston/Carriacou Airport is compact and functional, designed to process the small volume of daily passengers. On arrival, passengers walk directly from the aircraft across the tarmac to the terminal, entering a single room that serves as both baggage claim and waiting area. The confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible car park, a standard toilet, and a separate wheelchair-accessible toilet. There is no air conditioning in the pre-security waiting area – a notable weakness during hot, humid days. However, once passengers clear security and enter the departure lounge, air conditioning is available. Security consists of a basic metal detector and baggage X-ray, operated by friendly but thorough staff. Check-in counters are staffed by airline representatives who handle boarding passes and luggage tags with efficiency. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and informal, typical of a small island airport. Passengers often chat with staff and fellow travellers while waiting. One observation from repeated visits is that the pregnant server mentioned in some accounts delivered service with varying attitudes, but the majority of staff are courteous and helpful. The terminal has no commercial food or beverage outlets, so bring snacks and water if needed. There are no shops, duty-free, or vending machines. Once airside, the cool air conditioning is a welcome relief, and seating is adequate for the handful of passengers on each flight. Boarding is announced by staff or by the pilot walking into the lounge; passengers then walk across the tarmac to the aircraft. Departing passengers should be ready to board as soon as called, as turnaround times are short.

Lauriston/Carriacou Airport and Argyle

Argyle, the village that hosts the airport, is a small settlement of a few hundred people spread along the southeastern coast of Carriacou. The island itself is part of the nation of Grenada, distinct for its vibrant culture, quiet beaches, and strong maritime traditions. Carriacou is known as the sister island of Grenada, but it retains its own character – a slower pace, a local dialect influenced by French and African roots, and a calendar punctuated by boat regattas and festivals. The most famous of these is the Carriacou Regatta, held in early August, which coincides with the island's peak tourist season. During this time, the airport sees an uptick in flights as visitors from Grenada and other islands arrive for the sailing events.

Why travel to Argyle and Carriacou? The primary draw is the Caribbean's clear waters and uncrowded beaches. Sandy Island, a small cay just north of Hillsborough, is a popular day trip from the airport – a ten-minute boat ride from the mainland offers snorkelling and beachside dining. For divers, the surrounding waters contain healthy coral reefs and several wrecks, including the 150-foot wreck of the Bianca C off Grenada, but closer to Carriacou, the reefs around Kick-'em-Jenny reef (named after the active submarine volcano) provide advanced dive sites. On land, visitors explore the island's hillsides dotted with small villages like Bogles, where the annual Big Drum Dance festival celebrates African heritage with music and storytelling.

The airport itself plays a crucial role in making these experiences accessible. Without Lauriston/Carriacou Airport, reaching the island would require a longer ferry ride from Grenada (about three hours) or a private boat. For most travellers, the short flight from Grenada (roughly 30 minutes) is the preferred option, especially for weekend trips or day excursions. The airport's efficiency means that passengers can land and be at a beach or hotel within minutes. While it lacks the glossy facilities of larger hubs, it compensates with personality and speed. The staff's friendliness is a standout feature, despite occasional reports of rudeness. One traveller noted that the process is well organised – a statement that holds true for most visits. The airport's small size also means that lost luggage is rare, as baggage is unloaded directly onto the tarmac and handed to passengers.

Practical Information

The airport operates only on days with scheduled flights – it is not open daily. Confirm your flight's day and time with the airline (SVG Air or One Caribbean) as schedules can be seasonal. The phone number for the airport is +1 473-443-8762; call for flight status or general inquiries. Check-in opens about one hour before departure and closes 20 minutes before. The busiest times, based on flight schedules, are Monday at 5 am, Tuesday at 4 pm, Wednesday at 8 am, and Thursday at 10 pm. During these windows, expect slightly longer queues but still manageable. A concrete piece of advice: carry a small hand fan or a portable battery-operated fan for the pre-security waiting area – it can get uncomfortably hot. Once through security, you can cool down in the air-conditioned departure lounge. There are no ATMs or currency exchange inside the terminal; bring enough Eastern Caribbean cash (or use credit cards in Hillsborough). For passengers with mobility needs, the terminal is fully wheelchair accessible, and staff will assist with boarding via a portable ramp. Reserve wheelchair assistance in advance with your airline if needed.