St Maarten Airport
About SXM
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is the main gateway to the island of St. Maarten, located on the Dutch side near the famous Maho Beach, where aircraft land dramatically close to the shore. One of the busiest and most iconic airports in the Caribbean, SXM began as a WWII military base and has since evolved into a modern four-story terminal with advanced facilities serving international travelers, private jets, and regional connections.
Fun Facts
Princess Juliana International Airport first opened in 1942 as an airstrip during World War II.
In 1944, the future Queen Juliana of the Netherlands landed at the airport, which was eventually named after her.
In 1964, the airport was relocated to its current location next to Maho Beach.
Thanks to its low-altitude flyover, Maho Beach is famous for its excellent plane spotting, as most flights arriving at SXM fly directly over the shore.
A Legacy of Excellence
Princess Juliana International Airport began as a U.S. military base in 1942 during World War II and welcomed its first commercial flight in 1943. Officially opened as a civilian airport by Princess Juliana of the Netherlands in 1944, it has since undergone several major expansions to meet growing demand. Today, it stands as one of the Caribbean’s busiest airports, equipped with modern facilities and a rich legacy of aviation history.