Phase One of Advanced Baggage Scanners Now Operational at Owen Roberts International Airport

- The Ministry of Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing & Infrastructure (PLAHI), in partnership with the Cayman Islands Airports Authority (CIAA), is proud to announce the successful rollout of the first of three state-of-the-art baggage scanning machines at Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA). Minister Johany “Jay” Ebanks, Chief Officer Eric Bush, Adam Altman of the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Albert Anderson of the CIAA were on-site to witness this significant milestone in strengthening airport security and enhancing efficiency.

The Honourable Minister Jay Ebanks stated:

“This is a significant leap forward in improving our airport’s efficiency and enhancing the overall passenger experience. While this marks an important first step toward creating a more passenger-friendly environment, there is still a great deal of progress ahead. I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Mr. Altman and the TSA for their hard work and collaboration throughout this process. Together, we are committed to making the airport better for everyone who travels through it.”

In collaboration with the TSA, all CIAA security personnel and partner agencies are undergoing comprehensive hands-on training to operate the advanced scanners. This cutting-edge technology streamlines the screening process by eliminating the need for passengers to remove laptops and other items from their bags, significantly reducing wait times and delivering a smoother travel experience.

Chief Officer Eric Bush noted:

“We want every traveller—both local and international—to have the best possible experience at our airports. By making these enhancements, we’re not only streamlining the security process but also ensuring that Caymanian hospitality is matched by state-of-the-art technology. Our passengers travelling to and from our beautiful Islands will now enjoy a smoother, more efficient journey that reflects the welcoming spirit of the Cayman Islands.”

Minister Ebanks and Chief Officer Bush expressed their satisfaction with the progress, underscoring that this is only the first phase of a comprehensive airport security upgrade. The remaining two scanners are scheduled to be fully operational, with all three expected to be available for passengers by the end of October.

Chief Executive Officer of CIAA, Albert Anderson, added:

“The successful rollout of this first scanner represents a major milestone for the Airports Authority in our continued efforts to modernize and elevate the passenger experience at Owen Roberts International Airport. This new technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with our commitment to safety, security, and world-class service. We are proud to work alongside our Ministry partners and the TSA to bring this project to life for the people and visitors of the Cayman Islands.”