Island Updates
Southwest Airlines is Coming to St. Maarten
Sep 07, 2025
Quick Summary
Travel demand to Sint Maarten is about to soar thanks to the announcement of brand-new, direct air routes and expansions that are poised to dramatically enhance the island’s connectivity. These developments aren't just great news for travelers—local hoteliers, property investors, and real estate markets stand to benefit significantly too.
Southwest Airlines Comes to St. Maarten
According to AeroRoutes, Southwest Airlines will begin flying to St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) from April 2026 aboard its 737-700 aircraft. Two brand-new routes are scheduled:
- Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) → St. Maarten, starting on Saturday, April 11th, 2026 with one weekly Boeing 737-700 flight
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) → St. Maarten, launching even earlier on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 with daily Boeing 737-700 flights
This marks a milestone: Southwest Airlines, known for affordable fares and vast reach across the U.S., is delivering its first direct service into the island in years.
Why This Matters for St. Maarten's Real Estate Market
Surge in Tourist Arrivals & Accommodation Demand
- The daily Orlando flights open the Caribbean to millions of Florida-based leisure travelers seeking warm-weather escapes.
- Weekly BWI service taps into a Washington/Baltimore market that's typically less served by direct southern beach destinations.
These enhancements will likely fill hotel rooms and vacation rentals at a much higher rate year-round, especially during shoulder seasons when arrivals often dip.
Boost in Real Estate Interest & Property Values
- Greater access drives visibility. U.S. and European buyers can now view, purchase, or invest in St. Maarten properties with more ease and flexibility.
- Overseas second-home buyers will be more inclined to commit, knowing they can fly in conveniently.
- The sustained tourism uptick and renewed investor confidence tend to elevate real estate values and purchase activity, particularly in high-demand areas like beachfront condos, villas, and resort-adjacent communities.
The launch of Southwest's flights from Orlando and Baltimore/Washington together usher in a new era of accessibility for St. Maarten. These air connections are a boon for tourism, but they also spell rising demand for hotels, vacation rentals, and real estate. For property sellers, developers, and local investors, now is a promising time to capitalize on this wave of travel and market momentum. Enhancements in connectivity translate directly to economic opportunity—and St. Maarten is well-positioned to thrive.
Since 1999, St. Maarten Sotheby's International Realty has been a leading provider of luxury rentals and real estate services in St. Maarten and St. Martin. Be sure to contact our team of experts today to begin planning your next Caribbean vacation or to discuss buying or selling real estate on the island.