While a majority of Caribbean travelers who have visited the island are familiar with the Dutch side's Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), there is also a smaller international airport on the French side of Saint Martin to consider. Comparing flights to and from each of these two airports may offer greater choice, better pricing, more convenient scheduling, or even just closer proximity to your accommodations on the island. Here's everything travelers need to know before booking their flights to and from Sint Maarten and Saint Martin...
Located on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten, Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is the most widely known airport on the island as well as home to the most photographed plane landings in the world at Maho beach. Offering access to commercial airlines as well as charter planes, helicopters, and private jets, Princess Juliana International Airport is the largest airport on the island.
Major airlines flying to and from SXM airport include American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United, Air France, KLM, and more. Private jets looking to land and refuel at SXM airport should contact ExecuJet or Signature Aviation for FBO services. Destinations and connectivity to and from SXM airport include Atlanta, Boston, New York, Orlando, Miami, Paris, Amsterdam, and many more.
With planes landing and taking off just a few feet from Maho beach, SXM airport is a hotspot for aviation photography and social media.
Located on the French side of Saint Martin, Grand Case L'Espérance Airport (SFG) is a lesser known airport on the island that is used for both commercial and private aviation as well as helicopter charters.
Airlines and charter companies flying in and out of SFG airport include Air Antilles, Air Caraïbes, St. Bath Commuter, West Indies Helicopters, and more. Private jets looking to land and refuel at SFG airport must contact EDEIS FBO Services. Destinations and connectivity to and from SFG airport include Paris, Miami, and St. Barth to name a few.
While plane landings at Princess Juliana International Airport over Maho beach are world famous, plane landings at Grand Case L'Espérance Airport are also photo worthy, as aircraft approaching SFG fly directly over the bay of Grand Case beach and Petite Plage.
While SXM is the closest airport to accommodations and vacation rentals in Terres Basses, Cupecoy, Indigo Bay, Pelican Key, and Simpson Bay, SFG is much closer to villa rentals in Grand Case, Happy Bay, Orient Bay, and more. Contact our experienced vacation rentals team for assistance booking your upcoming Caribbean vacation to St. Maarten and St. Martin.