I just thought I would mention a factoid about the 1950s that T1 sadly missed.

Seaplanes and amphibian aircraft were quite common in that period. Actually many Caribbean islands were first served by planes landing on the sea near the port, and many continued to have that type for service for many years. (As did many places in Alaska.)

So it would not stretch the imagination very much to allow Tropico to have immediate air transport connection through its dock/port with a seaplane.

Perhaps some restriction might be made for the placement of the building to allow sufficient landing space on the water adjacent to the dock/port. Yes, that's a complication of the AI placement for "sand-box" games. Additionally, it might be desireable for gameplay purposes to require an upgrade of the dock/port before allowing such landings.

It would still be desireable to build a land airport because the seaplanes had a limited capacity as compared to land only capable aircraft.

Just a tid-bit from history which was not reflected in T1; and is also missing from T3.

I am not too familiar with the history of air transports in the Caribbean but it sounds like a very good idea! Personally I usually don't built the airport until much later on in the game since it is too expansive. Seas planes sounds like a great idea for mid-game tourist industry.