List of Airports in Saint Lucia
As of 2024, there are 2 airports throughout the Saint Lucia according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Saint Lucia are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Saint Lucia
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hewanorra Airport | UVF | St Lucia | Large |
| 2 | Vigie Airport | SLU | St Lucia | Medium |
Major Airports in Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia, a beautiful island nation in the Eastern Caribbean, is known for its lush landscapes, stunning beaches, and vibrant tourism sector. The island is served by two major airports, facilitating both international and regional flights. Below is an overview of the key airports in Saint Lucia, including their history, facilities, and infrastructure.
1. Hewanorra International Airport (UVF)
Airport Code: UVF
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) UTC-4
Address: Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia
Nearby Cities:
- Vieux Fort (2 miles)
- Dennery (12 miles)
- Soufrière (20 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Delta Air Lines
- Air Canada
- JetBlue Airways
- Caribbean Airlines
- United Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 450,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is located on the southern tip of Saint Lucia, near the town of Vieux Fort. It is the larger of the two international airports on the island and serves as the main gateway for travelers flying into Saint Lucia. The airport was originally opened in 1950 as a small airstrip and has since been expanded and modernized to accommodate the growing tourism industry.
The airport’s significant expansion in the 1990s and 2000s, including the construction of a new terminal and upgraded runway, helped solidify its role as a key international hub. Today, Hewanorra International Airport handles the majority of Saint Lucia’s international flights, including direct flights from major North American, European, and Caribbean cities. The airport is strategically located to serve not just Saint Lucia but also as a hub for neighboring Caribbean islands, making it a critical piece of the island’s tourism infrastructure.
The development of the airport aligns with Saint Lucia’s broader efforts to bolster its economy through tourism. Over the years, the airport has become an integral part of the island’s tourism strategy, helping bring in hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Hewanorra International Airport is a modern and well-equipped facility, offering a range of services for both international and regional travelers. The terminal includes duty-free shops, restaurants, a VIP lounge, and currency exchange services. It also provides various ground transportation options, including taxis and shuttle services to nearby hotels.
The airport has one runway:
- Runway 10/28: 3,050 meters (10,010 feet) – Asphalt
This long runway allows the airport to handle large international flights, including wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A330. The runway is fully capable of accommodating the largest passenger jets operating in the Caribbean. Additionally, the airport is equipped with modern air traffic control systems and navigational aids, ensuring smooth and safe operations. Hewanorra International also serves as a hub for regional carriers, with flights to other Caribbean destinations like Barbados, Trinidad, and Antigua.
The airport’s facilities are continually being upgraded to meet the growing demand for air travel, with future plans to expand the terminal further and improve amenities.
2. George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU)
Airport Code: SLU
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) UTC-4
Address: Castries, Saint Lucia
Nearby Cities:
- Castries (1 mile)
- Gros Islet (5 miles)
- Rodney Bay (7 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- LIAT
- Caribbean Airlines
- Air Canada Rouge
- American Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 400,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU) is located in the capital city of Castries, on the northern side of Saint Lucia. Originally known as Vigie Airport, it was renamed in 1994 in honor of George Frederick Lawrence Charles, a prominent figure in Saint Lucia’s political and social history. The airport is the second-largest on the island and primarily serves regional flights, offering connections to various Caribbean destinations and occasional international flights.
Historically, George F. L. Charles Airport was the main international gateway to Saint Lucia before the expansion of Hewanorra International Airport. Today, it is primarily used for smaller aircraft and regional travel. The airport’s location close to Castries and the popular resort areas of Rodney Bay and Gros Islet makes it a convenient choice for travelers visiting the northern parts of the island.
The airport is also a crucial hub for local transportation, with frequent flights to neighboring islands. It plays an important role in providing connectivity for business and tourism, helping to support the northern part of the island’s economy, which relies heavily on the tourism industry.
Facilities and Infrastructure
George F. L. Charles Airport is smaller and more basic than Hewanorra International Airport but offers essential services for regional travelers. The terminal includes check-in counters, a small café, and gift shops. While there are fewer amenities compared to larger airports, the airport is efficient and well-organized for handling short-haul flights.
The airport has one runway:
- Runway 09/27: 1,524 meters (5,000 feet) – Asphalt
This runway can accommodate smaller to medium-sized aircraft, such as the ATR 72 and Bombardier Q400, but it is not long enough to handle large wide-body jets. Most flights from George F. L. Charles Airport are regional, serving destinations such as Barbados, Antigua, and Trinidad, with some seasonal international flights to North America.
The airport’s infrastructure is designed to handle the specific needs of regional air travel, with modern navigation systems and ground transportation options, including taxis and shuttle services to nearby hotels. Although smaller, the airport plays a key role in serving travelers to the northern part of the island and offering quicker access for those staying in the Castries area.
3. Vieux Fort Airstrip
Airport Code: None
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) UTC-4
Address: Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia
Nearby Cities:
- Vieux Fort (1 mile)
- Soufrière (19 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None
Annual Passenger Traffic:
N/A
Airport Location and History
Vieux Fort Airstrip is a small airstrip located in the southern part of Saint Lucia, close to the town of Vieux Fort. While it is not a commercial airport, it serves as an important facility for local flights and smaller aircraft, such as private planes and helicopters. The airstrip is mainly used for inter-island flights, cargo transport, and by private aircraft.
Historically, the airstrip has been in operation for many years, supporting regional travel and the movement of goods across the island. It plays an essential role in providing logistical support for Saint Lucia’s tourism and agriculture industries. However, it is not equipped to handle large commercial flights and serves a more niche market of local travel and smaller aircraft.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Vieux Fort Airstrip is very basic, with minimal facilities. It is equipped with a short runway that can accommodate small aircraft used for inter-island travel.
The airstrip has one runway:
- Runway 14/32: 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) – Gravel
The airstrip is suitable for light aircraft and small propeller-driven planes, such as the Cessna 208. It is not capable of handling larger commercial jets or wide-body aircraft. The airstrip is primarily used for shorter regional routes, cargo flights, and private charters.
4. Anse La Raye Airstrip
Airport Code: None
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) UTC-4
Address: Anse La Raye, Saint Lucia
Nearby Cities:
- Anse La Raye (1 mile)
- Castries (9 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None
Annual Passenger Traffic:
N/A
Airport Location and History
Anse La Raye Airstrip is located in the western part of Saint Lucia, near the village of Anse La Raye. It is a small airstrip primarily used for private flights, regional charters, and cargo services. The airstrip is not open for commercial airline traffic and is instead used by smaller aircraft for local and regional transport.
The airstrip serves as an alternative point of entry for private aircraft that wish to bypass the larger commercial airports. It is strategically located for travelers heading to nearby resorts or the western side of the island. While not as busy as other airports on the island, it plays an important role in supporting Saint Lucia’s tourism infrastructure, particularly in terms of private travel and regional connectivity.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Anse La Raye Airstrip has limited facilities and is primarily used for private aviation. The airstrip includes a small gravel runway that can accommodate small planes and private jets.
The airstrip has one runway:
- Runway 08/26: 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) – Gravel
Due to its small size, it is not capable of handling large commercial flights or wide-body aircraft. It is mainly used for private charters and smaller aircraft traveling to or from nearby islands.
