No date set for restarting of commercial flights to and from SXM Airport

PHILIPSBURG — Minister responsible for Aviation Affairs Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher has re-iterated that no official date has been announced by government for the resumption of commercial flights into St. Maarten.

The Minister stressed that travelers need to be careful with any information unless it comes from the official source, in other words, the government of St. Maarten. She said there is some confusion being created by, among other things, airlines announcing dates that they hope to resume service to the island.

In some cases, airlines are allowing people to book tickets although the green light has not been given by government to execute commercial flights. “We have stated before and will state again, the Princess Juliana International Airport has to meet various safety and operational regulations before it can handle commercial flights,” the Minister said.

“When we are at that point to accept commercial flights again, we will announce this and in due time. At the moment there is no date. We urge potential passengers abroad and at home to wait on official notification,” she added.

Photo caption: Minister for Aviation Affairs, Melissa Arrindell-Doncher, being informed by SXM Airport manager Michel Hyman and civil aviation director Luis Halley. Photo provided by the cabinet of the Ministry of TEATT.

Photo caption: Workmen busy with roof repairs at the PJIA’s SXM Airport. Photos by TODAY photo journalist Milton Pieters.