Cayman Islands Airport Guide
The Cayman Islands are served primarily by Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman, the main point of entry for international visitors. With modernized terminals, efficient passenger services and a convenient location close to hotels and beaches, the airport makes arriving on the islands quick and stress-free.
Two additional airports—Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CYB) on Cayman Brac and Edward Bodden Airfield (LYB) on Little Cayman—handle inter-island flights and limited regional operations. Together, these three airports connect the islands to major destinations across North America and the Caribbean.
If you're still learning about the islands, you may want to explore the Cayman Islands Map for a sense of distance and navigation before diving further into flight logistics.
1. Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) – Grand Cayman
Located just 10–15 minutes from Seven Mile Beach and central George Town, GCM is the primary airport in the Cayman Islands. The airport recently underwent upgrades including improved security lanes, expanded check-in areas and more comfortable passenger waiting zones.
- Airport Code: GCM
- Location: George Town, Grand Cayman
- Distance to hotels: 10 minutes to Seven Mile Beach
- Main carriers: Cayman Airways, American Airlines, Delta, United, Air Canada, British Airways
2. Arrivals & Immigration
The arrivals process at GCM is straightforward and well-organized. Passport control typically moves quickly, especially during morning arrivals. Visitors should have return tickets, accommodation details and passport validity of at least six months.
Luggage collection is efficient, and staff are available to assist travelers. After exiting customs, transportation services—taxis, shuttles and rental cars—are easily accessible just outside the terminal.
3. Departures & Security
The departure hall includes multiple check-in counters, self-service kiosks and comfortable seating areas. Security screening is modern and typically faster than at major international airports. Passengers are encouraged to arrive:
- 2 hours before flights to North America
- 3 hours before long-haul flights (e.g., to London)
Shops, cafés and duty-free stores offer snacks, travel essentials and souvenirs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
4. Transportation from GCM Airport
Grand Cayman is compact, making transportation from the airport simple. Most hotels and beaches are located within a short drive.
- Taxis: Readily available; fixed-zone fare system.
- Rental cars: Ideal for exploring East End, North Side and Rum Point.
- Hotel shuttles: Offered by select resorts.
- Public buses: Budget-friendly option; routes cover most populated areas.
For a complete overview of how to move around the islands, visit the Cayman Islands Transportation Guide .
5. Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CYB) – Cayman Brac
The second-largest airport in the Cayman Islands, CYB, connects Cayman Brac with Grand Cayman and limited regional destinations. Facilities are smaller but efficient, offering quick boarding and fast luggage handling. The airport is also close to several diving resorts and nature trails.
6. Edward Bodden Airfield (LYB) – Little Cayman
LYB is a small airfield that handles primarily inter-island flights operated by Cayman Airways Express. This airport serves divers, nature travelers and guests staying at boutique resorts on Little Cayman. Flights between CYB and LYB are short—often less than 10 minutes—and offer scenic views of the islands.
7. Airlines Flying to the Cayman Islands
The islands are well connected to North America and the Caribbean. Major airlines operating to GCM include:
- Cayman Airways
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Air Canada
- WestJet
- British Airways (London direct flight)
Seasonal flights are also common during peak tourism months.
8. Connecting Between Islands
Cayman Airways Express operates frequent flights between the three islands. Typical travel times:
- Grand Cayman → Cayman Brac: 40 minutes
- Grand Cayman → Little Cayman: 35 minutes
- Cayman Brac → Little Cayman: 10 minutes
Flights are short, scenic and reliable, allowing travel between islands even for day trips.
9. Airport Services & Facilities
Depending on the airport, available services include:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Duty-free shopping
- Currency exchange
- Cafés and snack bars
- Car rental desks
- Tour and excursion counters
Travel Tip
If your itinerary includes multiple islands, book flights early—aircraft on inter-island routes are small, and seats fill up quickly during peak months.
10. Continue Planning Your Trip
After learning about the airports, you may want to explore:
