SIMPSON BAY:--- Today, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) completed the transition to the enhanced check-in hall for passengers from all airlines. On January 24, PJIA primarily opened the new hall for Winair and Delta Airlines passengers. As of today, all airlines are operating out of the entire new facilities marking the end of phase 1 of the reconstruction project. The second phase of the project will see the completion of the enhanced arrival hall, which will be ready for passengers by the Summer of 2024.
The check-in hall is fully operational as of this morning with a total of 22 new check-in counters and 28 new self-serve check-in kiosks. The whole area is designed to provide passengers with the best check-in experience, including the ability to check-in oversized luggage. The unique hybrid self-bag drops are also equipped with counters and can be operated by the airline staff, when needed. This gives the airport the increased flexibility for growth in the near future.
“Today is like the icing on the cake,” said Brian Mingo, CEO of Princess Juliana International Airport. “It’s been four weeks since the official celebrations of the check-in and departure halls and today we welcome all of our airline partners to their new home in the check-in hall.
About Princess Juliana International Airport
Princess Juliana International Airport is the second busiest airport in the Northeast Caribbean and serves as a vital airport hub for Saba, St Eustatius, St Barthelemy, Anguilla, Dominica, Nevis, and Tortola. The airport stands as one of the largest employers on the island, with 305 workers employed directly and a total of 1700 workers within the entire airport community. In 2024, Sint Maarten Airport expects to handle 1.5 million passengers and 54,000 aircraft movements. Reconstruction efforts at the airport commenced in September 2021, with the new terminal hall scheduled for completion in Q2 2024.
Historic Timeline
Princess Juliana Airport was officially inaugurated by Princess Juliana in 1944. In 2006, Her Majesty Queen Beatrix inaugurated the new terminal building. PJIAE underwent a major reconstruction project in 2020, following severe damage to the main terminal caused by Hurricane IRMA in September 2017. After six years, the project is in its final stages and is set to be completed by Q2 2024.
