Sint Maarten / Saint Martin

Dec 13-16, 2019
UA2428 IAH-IAD, Dec 14 UA1439 IAH-SXM, Dec 16 CM133 SXM-PTY, UA1033 PTY-IAH

As I was exploring new countries to visit, Sint Maarten was high on the short list, both because it was a small island with two countries and because of its famous beachside airport runway. As an aviation enthusiast, I have long wanted to experience the runway. In researching options, I found a nice all-inclusive resort immediately next to the airport. Although the resort amenities were great, the amazing views of the regular takeoffs and landing were the clear highlight.

December 14

Because of the lack of flights from Houston, the best option for timing was to catch an early-morning flight from Washington. Our friend Karen flew with me from Houston the night before, where we met Tom. After our flight to Sint Maarten, we picked up a rental car and drove to very nearby resort on the Dutch side of the island.

Watching Air Canada’s 767 as we enjoyed cocktails and snacks on the hotel terrace bar

Full view of the runway touchdown with the rest of our resort in the foreground

At the sunset and the plane traffic slowed, we ended our relaxing day with a wonderful multi course meal on seaside restaurant.

December 15

Although I enjoyed the time in the resort, I also very much wanted to get out and explore the island. Unfortunately, there were a number of active protests in the Saint Martin capital on the French side of the island. There was still tremendous poverty on the island that had not fully recovered from 2017’s Hurricane Irma, and the residents were protesting the lack of basic services that ultimately turned violent. Things calmed down on Sunday, and they reopened the border, so we were able to briefly dip our toe across the border, but we still stayed away from the capital.

Stopping at a scenic overlook on the way to Philipsburg, looking north towards the airport and past to French St. Martin

New solid construction on the edge of Philipsburg

Philipsburg construction is typical of the downtown

Border obelisk spans the Dutch / French border commemorating the agreement signed in March 1648 to divide the island abandoned by Spain

There were a large number of damaged boats in various stages of decay in the Simpson Bay Lagoon that divides the two countries

Closeup of one of the abandoned boats, backed by the mountains that into the French territory

New development marina close to the French border on the west coast

Back at the resort, we continue to watch the planes landing

The locals enjoyed climbing and diving from the resort rock walls

We cannot say that the crazy people on the fence were not warned

A340 from Paris on arrival from the beach

Continued approach

Completing the landing

The smaller jets headed to the US were much more typical. Hard to see, but the pilots always waved at the crowd on the beach before making the turn for their takeoff

A Piper PA-31-350 typical of the inter island flights that dominated the schedule

Just barely above the fence, created its own drama

de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter on approach

Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander arriving from a nearby island

Cessna 208B Grand Caravan

The crowd getting a free sand scrub from the thrust of a 737

Up close with an Air Caraibes A330 from Paris

The few brave/stupid in the worst of the wake. Many let themselves get pushed back into the ocean.

We returned from the beach to spend the rest of the day in the resort hanging by our pool and enjoying the all-inclusive amenities.

December 16

After a relaxing morning in the resort, we made our way to the airport for our midday flight to Panama City. Karen and I left Tom in Panama, where he made his way to Montreal and on to Toronto, and we made our way directly to Houston. We really enjoyed our long weekend in Sint Maarten and will likely return.