Arrivals terminal demolition begins

Thursday 27 February 2020

Construction has begun on the ‘Future Airport’ project, with contractors on site today preparing to demolish the historic 1937 Arrivals’ Terminal.

The project will see the modernisation of the island’s terminal buildings, concourse and runways.

Ports of Jersey have adjusted plans to decrease disruption on air passengers whilst works are ongoing.

Pictured: Contractors are on site today to begin work on the project.

Now, most of the arrivals’ terminal and facilities will be retained during the redevelopment – including the passenger exit doors from baggage reclaim into the existing meet and greet concourse, children’s play area, existing seating and tour operator desks. 

The first phase of development will see the right-hand side of the Arrivals’ Terminal demolished to allow contractors to set up an on-site works compound and allow ease of access to the passenger pier.

The offices above the terminal will also be stripped out in preparation for demolition.

As planned, the café facility will be closed on Saturday (29 February) and shortly replaced with vending machines offering hot beverages and snacks.

Pictured: The Ports of Jersey have released artistic impressions of how the final airport will look. (Ports of Jersey)

The gentlemen’s toilets in the arrivals’ hall will also be removed as part of the demolition process and unisex toilet facilities will be located in the current ladies’ loos.

The three hire car operators, Europcar, Hertz and Avis will also be temporarily relocated to dedicated desks in the Departures’ Terminal until such time as a new hire car facility is created for them as part of the Forecourt project.

The car hire operators are scheduled to be relocated to the temporary site over the weekend of 21-22 March 2020. 

Ports of Jersey say there will be no change to the provision of taxis, booked cabs, coaches and public buses, which will remain in their current location.

Pictured: Construction has now begun on the major redevelopment project.

As for departures, they say that impact on passengers “will be minimal”, but there will be some changes to the check-in desks to make room for the new car hire desks.

The car park in front of the Air Traffic Control Tower is now closed and enabling works are currently taking place for the installation of temporary accommodation for contractors and project management teams.

At the same time, portacabins are being installed in the grounds of the former air cargo centre, which will accommodate the teams who will have to relocate from the Arrivals’ Terminal.