Alerts Sign-up
Sint Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport, known for its proximity to "Airplane Beach," has completed a significant overhaul. The airport, over 80 years old, underwent a multi-year recovery and infrastructure upgrade following severe damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands attended the reopening ceremony on November 14th. "The Princess reopened the airport building by unveiling a plaque before getting a tour of the renovated airport building and talking to those involved in the project." This event coincides with nearly 80 years since the airport was first opened by Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, after whom it is named.
The reconstruction project, costing $200 million, included rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Irma destroyed much of the airport's infrastructure. Operations had been temporarily moved to tents and makeshift facilities during this period. The first phase saw the reopening of the departures area earlier this year, followed by upgrades to the check-in area with hybrid bag drop kiosks. The arrivals area received its grand opening recently.
