St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA) was set up as a statutory body in 1993 by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to provide co-ordinated and integrated airport and seaport services. Before then the maritime and aviation sectors were run separately as part of Government Ministries.  SCASPA is governed by a Port Act which sets out the scope of its jurisdiction, duties and responsibilities.

The Authority operates the air and sea ports by regulating and controlling navigation within the limits of the ports. It also provides ports and approaches with air traffic control services, beacons, buoys and other navigation aids.   All loading, unloading, landing and carrying of goods to and from all ships and aircraft are the responsibility of SCASPA. Four ports are under the control of SCASPA.  These are the modern, international airport; a deepwater cargo port that handles transshipment operations for a major Caribbean carrier; a ferry dock for inter-island travel and a cruise ship pier with two dedicated berths that can accommodate the largest vessels operating in the region.

Over the past ten years, the Airport has undergone a major transformation to offer a higher quality of service and boost tourism.  In 1998, the Terminal was renovated, the runway expanded and a second taxiway constructed.

 The modern Control Tower which houses the Air Traffic Control and Meteorology Departments was opened in 2003.    In 2007, the runway and pavements were resurfaced, a third taxiway built and a parking apron for six jets constructed, all at a cost of almost EC$44mil.  As a result of these expansions and upgrades, our Airport can now accommodate more and larger aircraft. The Authority also invested heavily in capital projects which have served to boost the cruise tourism industry.  In 2000 the cruise ship pier was repaired after being battered by Hurricanes Georges and Lenny. To minimize the risk of future hurricane damage to pier, Arrivals Buildings and reclaimed area, the Authority constructed a revetment - a structure made of stones which reduces the overtopping of waves.   Completed in 2007, the revetment and repairs to the Pier cost approximately EC$67million.

SCASPA employs over 400 persons and is a member of the Port Management Association of the Caribbean, the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (Platinum Member), the Airports Council International, the Caribbean Shipping Association and the International Maritime Pilots’ Association.