List of Airports in Netherlands Antilles
As of 2024, there are 5 airports throughout the Netherlands Antilles according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Netherlands Antilles are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Netherlands Antilles
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aeropuerto Hato | CUR | Curaçao | Medium |
| 2 | Flamingo International Airport | BON | Bonaire | Medium |
| 3 | F D Roosevelt Airport | EUX | St Eustatius | Small |
| 4 | J. Yrausquin Airport | SAB | Saba Island | Small |
| 5 | Princess Juliana Airport | SXM | St Maarten | Large |
Major Airports in Netherlands Antilles
The Netherlands Antilles, once a Caribbean constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, consisted of several islands, including Curacao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and smaller islands like Bonaire and Saba. These islands have a significant role in regional air travel, connecting the Caribbean to North America, Europe, and other parts of the Caribbean. Although the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved in 2010, the airports on these islands continue to serve as major hubs for both international and domestic flights.
1. Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) – Aruba
Airport Code:
AUA
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC -4:00
Address:
Queen Beatrix International Airport, Oranjestad, Aruba
Nearby Cities:
- Oranjestad (2 miles)
- San Nicolas (9 miles)
- Noord (6 miles)
- Santa Cruz (7 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue Airways
- United Airlines
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Queen Beatrix International Airport handles approximately 2.5 million passengers annually, with fluctuations depending on the tourism season.
Airport Location and History
Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) is located just a few kilometers from Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. The airport is named after Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, who was the reigning monarch when it opened in 1985. The airport has been an integral part of Aruba’s economic development, particularly in supporting the island’s thriving tourism industry.
Historically, Aruba’s air traffic was handled at the Reina Beatrix Airport, but as international tourism grew, the need for a modern and larger airport arose. The airport’s construction was part of a broader initiative to boost Aruba’s profile as a prime vacation destination. Since its opening, Queen Beatrix has grown into one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, linking Aruba to various global destinations, especially the United States, Canada, and Europe.
In recent years, the airport has seen continuous improvements, including terminal expansions and modernizations aimed at improving passenger experience. The island’s reputation for luxury tourism, combined with its strategic location in the Caribbean, has led to consistent traffic, making it a key regional hub.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Queen Beatrix International Airport has one runway (11/29) with a length of 3,100 meters (10,171 feet). The runway is capable of handling large aircraft, including Boeing 747s and Airbus A330s, making it suitable for wide-body aircraft. This enables the airport to serve as a gateway for both international and long-haul flights.
The airport’s terminal is well-equipped with modern amenities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange services, and free Wi-Fi. Ground transportation options are abundant, with taxis, shuttle services, and car rentals readily available. The airport also offers cargo facilities, serving as a hub for both passenger and freight traffic to and from the Caribbean.
The airport has plans for further expansion as Aruba’s tourism continues to grow, with improvements to accommodate rising passenger numbers and more airlines serving the island.
2. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) – Sint Maarten
Airport Code:
SXM
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC -4:00
Address:
Princess Juliana International Airport, Sint Maarten, Caribbean Netherlands
Nearby Cities:
- Simpson Bay (1 mile)
- Philipsburg (5 miles)
- Cole Bay (4 miles)
- Maho (0.5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- American Airlines
- Air France
- Delta Air Lines
- Spirit Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Princess Juliana International Airport handles around 1.8 million passengers annually, with a substantial number of international visitors arriving for leisure and business.
Airport Location and History
Princess Juliana International Airport is located on the Dutch side of the island of Sint Maarten, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The airport is situated just outside the capital, Philipsburg, and is renowned for its proximity to the Maho Beach, where planes fly incredibly low over the beach as they approach the runway.
The airport was named in honor of Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, who opened the airport in 1943. Over the decades, it has grown significantly, becoming one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, particularly popular with tourists who arrive for the island’s stunning beaches, casinos, and vibrant nightlife. The airport was originally a small facility serving regional flights but grew into a major international gateway after the 1970s, due to the rapid expansion of tourism on the island.
In the early 2000s, Princess Juliana underwent major upgrades to handle increasing passenger traffic, including the extension of its runway and modernized terminal facilities. Despite facing challenges from hurricanes, such as Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused severe damage to the airport, it has since been restored and continues to serve as a key hub in the Caribbean.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Princess Juliana International Airport has one runway (10/28), which is 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) in length. This runway can accommodate medium to large aircraft, including Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s, which are commonly used for long-haul international flights. The runway’s proximity to Maho Beach gives it a distinctive characteristic, where aircraft can be seen flying extremely low over the beach during landing and takeoff.
The airport offers a variety of passenger services, including restaurants, duty-free shops, lounges, and a number of car rental options. The airport’s terminal is well-designed to handle high volumes of traffic and is a major point of entry for tourists heading to Sint Maarten and the surrounding islands. Ground transport from the airport is readily available, including taxis and shuttle services to popular tourist destinations.
The airport’s facilities were upgraded after damage from Hurricane Irma, with significant investments in rebuilding and enhancing the passenger experience. The airport continues to play a critical role in the economy of Sint Maarten, driven primarily by tourism.
3. Flamingo International Airport (BON) – Bonaire
Airport Code:
BON
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC -4:00
Address:
Flamingo International Airport, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands
Nearby Cities:
- Kralendijk (3 miles)
- Rincon (5 miles)
- Antriol (2 miles)
- Tera Kora (7 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- TUI Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- InselAir
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Flamingo International Airport handles around 300,000 to 400,000 passengers annually, with an increasing number of flights from Europe and North America as the island becomes a more popular dive tourism destination.
Airport Location and History
Flamingo International Airport is located in Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, which is one of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) in the Caribbean. Bonaire is famous for its pristine coral reefs, making it a prime destination for diving and eco-tourism.
The airport opened in 1976 and was named after the Flamingo bird species, which are abundant on the island. It initially catered to regional flights but has expanded over the years to accommodate growing international traffic. The airport has seen steady growth in passenger numbers, especially with the rise in eco-tourism and diving-related tourism. The airport’s relatively small size and proximity to the island’s attractions make it a popular arrival point for tourists.
Recent investments have focused on expanding the terminal and improving passenger services to enhance the travel experience. The airport’s growth has been crucial in supporting Bonaire’s tourism-driven economy.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Flamingo International Airport has one runway (10/28), which is 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) long. This runway is capable of accommodating medium-sized aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, but it is not designed for wide-body aircraft. Despite its smaller size, the airport efficiently serves the needs of regional and international travelers.
The terminal has a range of basic services, including duty-free shopping, car rental, and a few restaurants. There are also shuttle and taxi services available to transport passengers to hotels and popular tourist destinations around Bonaire. The airport’s modernized terminal, along with the island’s increasing popularity among tourists, positions it as a key regional hub.
4. Curacao International Airport (CUR) – Curacao
Airport Code:
CUR
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC -4:00
Address:
Curacao International Airport, Willemstad, Curacao
Nearby Cities:
- Willemstad (6 miles)
- Santa Maria (4 miles)
- Otrabanda (7 miles)
- Jan Thiel (6 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Avianca
- Copa Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Curacao International Airport handles approximately 1 million passengers annually, with a mix of international and regional traffic.
Airport Location and History
Curacao International Airport (CUR) serves the island of Curacao, one of the largest islands in the Caribbean Netherlands. Located near the capital city of Willemstad, the airport plays a vital role in connecting the island to the Caribbean, North America, and Europe.
The airport opened in 1955 as Hato Airport, serving primarily regional flights. Over the years, as Curacao’s tourism and trade grew, the airport expanded to accommodate larger international flights. The airport was renamed Curacao International Airport to reflect its increasing international significance.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Curacao International Airport has one runway (11/29), which is 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) long, capable of handling large aircraft such as Boeing 747s and Airbus A330s. The airport continues to upgrade its facilities to cater to increasing passenger demand, with modernized terminals and enhanced passenger services.
The airport offers various amenities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and car rental services. It serves as a critical gateway for both business and leisure travelers, connecting Curacao to regional and international markets.
5. Saba Airport (SAB) – Saba
Airport Code:
SAB
Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time (AST) – UTC -4:00
Address:
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba, Caribbean Netherlands
Nearby Cities:
- The Bottom (2 miles)
- Hell’s Gate (4 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Winair
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Saba’s Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport handles fewer than 10,000 passengers annually, primarily serving regional flights within the Caribbean.
Airport Location and History
Saba’s airport is located in the island’s capital, The Bottom, and is unique for having the shortest commercial runway in the world for commercial flights. The airport is named after Juancho E. Yrausquin, a prominent local figure, and has been operational since 1963.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The airport has one runway, 400 meters (1,312 feet) long, and is capable of handling small aircraft, typically Twin Otter planes. The airport’s limited infrastructure reflects the island’s small population and tourism focus.
