List of Airports in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
As of 2024, there are 6 airports throughout the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 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 Vincent and the Grenadines are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bequia Airport | BQU | Port Elizabeth | Small |
| 2 | Canouan Island Airport | CIW | Canouan Island | Medium |
| 3 | E.T. Joshua Airport | SVD | St Vincent | Small |
| 4 | Mustique Airport | MQS | Mustique Island | Small |
| 5 | Palm Island Airport | PLI | Palm Island | Small |
| 6 | Union Island Airport | UNI | Union Island | Small |
Major Airports in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a beautiful island nation in the Caribbean, relies on its airports for both domestic and international air travel. The country’s major airports are crucial for tourism, the primary economic sector in the region. These airports connect the islands with the rest of the Caribbean, North America, and beyond. Below is an overview of the most significant airports in the country.
1. Argyle International Airport (AIA)
Airport Code: AIA
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) UTC-4
Address: Argyle, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Nearby Cities:
- Kingstown (8 miles)
- Port Elizabeth (20 miles)
- Bequia (24 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- LIAT
- Caribbean Airlines
- Air Canada
- American Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 100,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Argyle International Airport (AIA) is the main international gateway to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is located on the southeastern coast of Saint Vincent Island, about 8 miles from the capital, Kingstown. The airport is the country’s largest and most modern airport, designed to accommodate international flights.
The airport’s construction began in 2008 and faced several delays due to financial and logistical challenges. Despite the obstacles, Argyle International Airport was officially opened in 2017, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s aviation infrastructure. Prior to the opening of AIA, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines primarily relied on the smaller E.T. Joshua Airport in Kingstown for international flights.
Argyle International Airport is essential for enhancing connectivity to the island and boosting tourism. It has become a critical part of the government’s strategy to improve transportation infrastructure and increase the number of visitors to the country. The airport supports both regional and international flights, connecting Saint Vincent to key hubs in the Caribbean, North America, and beyond.
AIA plays a crucial role in facilitating air travel for both tourists and locals. It also supports economic development, particularly in the tourism and trade sectors, providing easy access to the Grenadines, a popular destination for yacht charters, diving, and resort vacations.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Argyle International Airport has a single terminal that handles both international and domestic flights. The terminal is modern and offers various passenger services, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and currency exchange. The airport also has ample parking facilities for both short- and long-term use.
The airport features one runway:
- Runway 12/30: 2,743 meters (8,999 feet) – Asphalt
The runway at AIA is capable of handling medium-sized aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. However, the airport is not yet equipped to handle larger wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380. This limitation means that while the airport serves many regional flights and medium-haul international flights, it may require connecting flights for long-haul destinations.
The terminal is well-equipped for passenger comfort, with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, baggage handling services, and a VIP lounge. Transportation to and from the airport is available via taxis, shuttle services, and rental car companies. AIA is also connected to Kingstown and other parts of Saint Vincent by well-maintained roads.
2. E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD)
Airport Code: SVD
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) UTC-4
Address: Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Nearby Cities:
- Kingstown (0 miles)
- Lowmans Hill (2 miles)
- Camden Park (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- LIAT
- Caribbean Airlines
- SVG Air
- Air Canada
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 200,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
E.T. Joshua Airport (SVD), located in the capital city of Kingstown, has been the main international and domestic gateway for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for decades. Opened in 1951, the airport served as the country’s primary aviation hub until the opening of Argyle International Airport in 2017. Despite the construction of Argyle Airport, E.T. Joshua remains an important regional airport, handling domestic flights and some international services.
The airport is named after the late Sir E.T. Joshua, a key figure in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ political history. E.T. Joshua Airport was crucial in the early development of tourism and trade on the islands, facilitating travel to the smaller islands of the Grenadines as well as direct flights to and from the Caribbean.
The airport has played a vital role in connecting Saint Vincent to its neighboring islands and other destinations in the Caribbean. It has also been a hub for inter-island flights, particularly to destinations such as Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad. Although Argyle International Airport has largely replaced E.T. Joshua as the main international airport, SVD continues to be a key part of the country’s transportation infrastructure.
Facilities and Infrastructure
E.T. Joshua Airport has a single terminal serving both domestic and international flights. The terminal is relatively small compared to larger international airports but provides essential services such as check-in counters, a small duty-free shop, a café, and a baggage claim area.
The airport has one runway:
- Runway 08/26: 1,680 meters (5,509 feet) – Asphalt
Due to the relatively short runway length, E.T. Joshua can only accommodate smaller aircraft like the Bombardier Dash 8 and ATR 72, which are used for regional flights. The airport is not capable of handling wide-body aircraft, limiting its capacity for long-haul international flights.
Although the airport’s infrastructure is less modern compared to Argyle International, E.T. Joshua remains an important part of the island’s transportation network. It provides a convenient option for travelers who need to access regional destinations in the Caribbean. Ground transportation options at the airport include taxis, buses, and rental cars.
3. Bequia Airport (BQU)
Airport Code: BQU
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) UTC-4
Address: Port Elizabeth, Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Nearby Cities:
- Port Elizabeth (0 miles)
- Friendship Bay (1 mile)
- Belmont (2 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- SVG Air
- Mustique Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 40,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Bequia Airport, located on the island of Bequia, is one of the smaller airports in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The airport is situated near Port Elizabeth, the island’s main town, and serves as a key point for travel between Bequia and other islands in the Grenadines, as well as Saint Vincent.
The airport has been in operation since the 1970s and has grown in importance as Bequia has become a popular destination for tourists, particularly yacht charters, scuba diving, and eco-tourism. Bequia is also home to a small community of expats and has long been an attractive destination for travelers seeking a more tranquil and less commercialized environment compared to some of the larger islands.
Bequia Airport is critical in providing access to this idyllic destination, with regular flights connecting the island to Saint Vincent, Mustique, and other nearby islands. It primarily serves as a domestic airport, though occasional international flights may be available during high tourist season.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Bequia Airport has a small terminal that primarily handles regional flights. The airport is modest but offers basic services, including check-in counters, a small waiting area, and a café for passengers.
The airport has one runway:
- Runway 09/27: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) – Asphalt
The runway is capable of accommodating small aircraft, such as the Cessna Caravan and other light regional planes, but is not suitable for larger jets or wide-body aircraft. The airport’s size and infrastructure are designed to handle short-haul flights within the Caribbean and to nearby islands, making it an important part of Bequia’s transport network.
Bequia is a popular island for yacht charters, and the airport is well connected to local ground transportation, with taxis and private vehicles available to take passengers to nearby beaches, resorts, and attractions.
4. Union Island Airport (UNI)
Airport Code: UNI
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) UTC-4
Address: Clifton, Union Island, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Nearby Cities:
- Clifton (0 miles)
- Frances Bay (1 mile)
- Chatham Bay (3 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- SVG Air
- Mustique Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 25,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Union Island Airport is located on Union Island, which is part of the southern Grenadines. The airport is situated near the village of Clifton and serves as a key gateway for travelers to and from Union Island, which is known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Union Island is a popular destination for kite surfing, diving, and eco-tourism.
The airport was established in the 1970s and has been serving as a critical link for both residents and tourists. As Union Island gained popularity, the airport grew to accommodate increased air traffic, primarily from Saint Vincent and the surrounding islands. The airport plays an important role in connecting Union Island to the rest of the Grenadines and Saint Vincent.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Union Island Airport has a small terminal with limited services. The airport offers basic facilities for passengers, including a waiting area and check-in counters.
The airport has one runway:
- Runway 10/28: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) – Asphalt
The runway is suitable for small aircraft, such as the Cessna 208 and other regional aircraft. Like Bequia, Union Island’s airport is not capable of handling large aircraft, but it serves the island’s needs for domestic flights within the Grenadines.
Transportation options from the airport are limited but include taxis and private transfers to nearby hotels, beaches, and attractions.
5. Mustique Airport (MQS)
Airport Code: MQS
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST) UTC-4
Address: Mustique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Nearby Cities:
- Mustique (0 miles)
- Bequia (6 miles)
- Saint Vincent (15 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Mustique Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 15,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Mustique Airport is located on Mustique Island, one of the most exclusive private islands in the Grenadines. Known for its luxury villas and pristine beaches, Mustique attracts high-profile visitors, including celebrities and royalty. The airport plays a key role in serving these elite travelers, as well as providing access to the island for those coming for tourism or business.
The airport has been serving Mustique since the 1960s and has grown in capacity as the island’s reputation as a luxury destination has increased. Mustique’s airport is an essential part of the island’s infrastructure, providing quick access for residents and visitors alike.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Mustique Airport has a small terminal that caters primarily to private flights, but it also accommodates some commercial traffic. The airport is focused on providing a luxury experience for its visitors, offering a streamlined check-in process and a VIP feel.
The airport has one runway:
- Runway 06/24: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) – Asphalt
Like the other airports in the Grenadines, Mustique’s airport is not designed for wide-body aircraft. It handles small to medium-sized aircraft, including private jets and smaller regional planes. The airport’s facilities are suitable for the needs of Mustique’s high-end visitors, with private transfers available to and from luxury accommodations on the island.
