Countryaah.com

List of Airports in Puerto Rico

by · Published · Updated

As of 2024, there are 27 airports throughout the Puerto Rico according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Puerto Rico are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.

Airports in Puerto Rico

List of All Airports in Puerto Rico

# Airport Abbreviation Location Size
1 Arecibo Airport ARE Arecibo Small
2 Borinquen Airport BQN Aguadilla Medium
3 Culebra Airport CPX Culebra Small
4 Dorado Beach Airport DDP Dorado Small
5 Eugenio M De Hostos Airport MAZ Mayaguez Small
6 Fajardo Airport FAJ Fajardo Small
7 Humacao Airport HUC Humacao Small
8 Isla Grande Airport SIG San Juan Small
9 Luis Munoz Marin International Airport SJU San Juan Large
10 Mercedita Airport PSE Ponce Medium
11 Palmas Del Mar Airport PPD Humacao Small
12 Vieques Airport VQS Vieques Small

Major Airports in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory in the Caribbean, is served by several major airports that facilitate both domestic and international travel. These airports handle millions of passengers each year and are key gateways for travelers to and from the island. Below is a detailed overview of the major airports in Puerto Rico.

1. Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)

Airport Code: SJU

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Address: Terminal A, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, San Juan, PR 00937, USA

Nearby Cities:

  • San Juan (0 miles)
  • Bayamón (8 miles)
  • Carolina (6 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • American Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • United Airlines

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Approximately 4 million passengers per year

Airport Location and History

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the busiest and largest airport in Puerto Rico, located in the capital city, San Juan. It is named after Luis Muñoz Marín, the first elected Governor of Puerto Rico. Opened in 1955, the airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades to handle increasing traffic from both the U.S. mainland and international destinations.

The airport is strategically located near the San Juan metropolitan area, making it the primary gateway for both tourism and business travel. As the island’s hub for air travel, SJU connects Puerto Rico to major cities in North America, Latin America, and Europe. The airport is particularly important for Puerto Rico’s tourism industry, which is a significant part of the island’s economy.

Luis Muñoz Marín is a hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines and JetBlue, offering numerous flights throughout the Caribbean, the U.S., and beyond. It also serves as a critical point for cargo operations, especially given Puerto Rico’s role as a distribution center in the Caribbean.

In addition to its air travel services, the airport has also become an important symbol of Puerto Rican pride and international connectivity, hosting regular events and programs that highlight Puerto Rican culture and tourism opportunities.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport has two terminals: Terminal A (the main terminal) and Terminal B, which serves international flights.

  • Runways:
    • Runway 8/26: 3,200 meters (10,499 feet) – Asphalt
    • Runway 10/28: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) – Asphalt

Both runways are capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, enabling the airport to accommodate long-haul flights from major international carriers. The airport also has the infrastructure to support short-haul flights with regional jets and smaller aircraft.

The terminal facilities at SJU are comprehensive, featuring a wide range of services for passengers, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, baggage handling, and car rental agencies. The airport is equipped with modern security screening systems and customs facilities to facilitate smooth international travel. Additionally, there are cargo terminals to handle a variety of shipments, from consumer goods to pharmaceuticals.

Luis Muñoz Marín International has undergone continuous modernization projects, including expansions to its terminals, upgrades to baggage handling systems, and improvements to the general passenger experience.

2. Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN)

Airport Code: BQN

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Address: Rafael Hernández Airport, Aguadilla, PR 00603, USA

Nearby Cities:

  • Aguadilla (0 miles)
  • Isabela (8 miles)
  • Rincón (15 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • JetBlue Airways
  • Spirit Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Approximately 1.2 million passengers per year

Airport Location and History

Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) is located in Aguadilla, a city on Puerto Rico’s northwest coast. The airport is named after Rafael Hernández, a renowned Puerto Rican musician and composer. Originally built as a U.S. Air Force base during World War II, the airport transitioned to civilian use in the 1960s and has since become a major gateway for travelers visiting Puerto Rico’s western and northern regions.

BQN serves as an alternative to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, particularly for travelers heading to the west side of Puerto Rico. It is especially popular for tourists visiting popular destinations like Rincón, Isabela, and Aguadilla itself, known for their beautiful beaches and surfing spots. The airport is also a hub for flights connecting Puerto Rico with the U.S. mainland, primarily from cities such as New York, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando.

Rafael Hernández Airport has seen significant growth in recent years, with increased flights from low-cost carriers and seasonal flights to and from various U.S. cities. It also supports cargo operations, serving industries like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and general merchandise.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Rafael Hernández Airport has a single runway:

  • Runway 8/26: 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) – Asphalt

The runway at BQN is long enough to handle mid-sized commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 but is not equipped to handle the largest wide-body aircraft used for long-haul international flights. However, it can support a significant number of domestic flights and some international traffic from neighboring Caribbean islands.

The terminal offers basic amenities including restaurants, a small duty-free area, and services such as car rentals, baggage handling, and customs for international travelers. Although the airport is smaller compared to Luis Muñoz Marín International, it is equipped to meet the needs of tourists visiting the western part of Puerto Rico. Additionally, there are plans for expansion to accommodate growing traffic and improve passenger experiences.

3. Mercedita Airport (PSE)

Airport Code: PSE

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Address: Mercedita Airport, Ponce, PR 00716, USA

Nearby Cities:

  • Ponce (0 miles)
  • Adjuntas (17 miles)
  • Guayanilla (20 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • JetBlue Airways
  • Spirit Airlines
  • American Airlines

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Approximately 200,000 passengers per year

Airport Location and History

Mercedita Airport (PSE) is located in Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second-largest city, on the southern coast of the island. Originally constructed in the 1950s, the airport has served as a secondary hub for domestic flights within Puerto Rico and to the U.S. mainland. It is named after a nearby area called Mercedita, which is known for its historical significance.

Ponce is a popular destination for Puerto Ricans and tourists alike, as it is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. The airport serves as a convenient entry point for visitors to Puerto Rico’s southern coast, providing access to attractions such as the historic Ponce Plaza, La Parguera, and the island’s beautiful beaches.

The airport primarily handles domestic flights, particularly from major carriers like American Airlines and JetBlue. It is also a critical point of entry for residents of the southern region of Puerto Rico who need to travel to the U.S. mainland or other parts of the island.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Mercedita Airport has a single runway:

  • Runway 8/26: 2,200 meters (7,217 feet) – Asphalt

The runway length is sufficient for handling smaller to medium-sized aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, but not wide-body jets. This limits its capacity to handle long-haul international flights, which are typically routed through larger airports such as SJU.

The terminal facilities at Mercedita are modest, featuring basic amenities for passengers, including waiting areas, car rental services, and food outlets. While the airport handles a smaller volume of passengers compared to others on the island, it remains a key airport for domestic flights to and from Puerto Rico’s southern region.

There are ongoing efforts to upgrade the airport’s infrastructure to accommodate growing demand and improve passenger services, particularly given the rise in tourism to southern Puerto Rico.

4. Vieques Airport (VQS)

Airport Code: VQS

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Address: Vieques Airport, Vieques, PR 00765, USA

Nearby Cities:

  • Vieques (0 miles)
  • Isla de Culebra (12 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • Seaborne Airlines
  • Cape Air

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Approximately 50,000 passengers per year

Airport Location and History

Vieques Airport (VQS) serves the small island of Vieques, located off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico. Vieques is known for its pristine beaches, bioluminescent bay, and rich cultural history, making the airport an essential gateway for tourists. The airport is small and handles primarily regional flights, with connections to San Juan and other nearby islands like Culebra.

Vieques was once a U.S. Navy base, and the airport was established to support military operations before being repurposed for civilian use after the closure of the Navy base. Over the years, Vieques Airport has evolved into a crucial part of the tourism infrastructure for the island, providing vital air links to Puerto Rico’s main island and other Caribbean destinations.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Vieques Airport has a single runway:

  • Runway 10/28: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) – Asphalt

Given the small size of the island and its airport, the runway is capable of accommodating smaller aircraft such as the Cessna Caravan and the Bombardier Dash 8, which are used by the airlines serving the airport. However, due to its short length, the airport cannot accommodate larger commercial jets or wide-body aircraft.

The terminal is basic, with limited passenger services such as a small waiting area, a café, and car rental services. Despite its size, Vieques Airport is vital for connecting the island to Puerto Rico and facilitating tourism to one of the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean.

5. Culebra Airport (CPX)

Airport Code: CPX

Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)

Address: Culebra Airport, Culebra, PR 00775, USA

Nearby Cities:

  • Culebra (0 miles)
  • Fajardo (15 miles)

Major Airlines Served:

  • Seaborne Airlines
  • Air Flamenco

Annual Passenger Traffic:

Approximately 30,000 passengers per year

Airport Location and History

Culebra Airport (CPX) is located on the small island of Culebra, which is part of Puerto Rico’s archipelago. The airport primarily serves travelers heading to the island, which is renowned for its beautiful beaches, wildlife refuges, and as a quiet getaway destination. The airport has a rich history, originally serving as a military airstrip during the 1940s, and later transitioning into a civilian airport.

Culebra Airport serves as the main transportation hub for visitors and locals alike, connecting the island with mainland Puerto Rico and facilitating short domestic flights from nearby cities such as Fajardo. While it handles fewer passengers compared to other airports in Puerto Rico, it remains crucial for maintaining access to the island, especially for the tourism industry.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Culebra Airport has a single runway:

  • Runway 7/25: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) – Asphalt

The runway is capable of handling small aircraft such as the Cessna Caravan and Piper Navajo, but not larger jets or wide-body aircraft. It is sufficient for the limited number of domestic flights serving the island, mainly from nearby Fajardo.

The terminal is basic, with limited amenities, but it provides essential services for travelers, including a small waiting area and flight check-in facilities. The airport’s role is critical for local connectivity and tourism to the island of Culebra.

Read more: