The announcement that Southwest Airlines will begin scheduled flights to Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) for the first time in the company’s history is a major boost for St. Maarten’s tourism industry.
Not in the least because the United States-based carrier will fly daily non-stop flights from Orlando, Florida, followed shortly by weekend service from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). The routes will connect the island to more than 45 U.S. cities through Southwest’s extensive domestic network. This opens St. Maarten to a broader segment of travellers who may not have considered the island before.
Significant as well is the starting date of April 7, 2026: Just before Carnival, the island’s premier cultural festival. With Southwest joining existing U.S. operators such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United, Carnival-bound revellers are expected to benefit with more flight options and competitive fares.
That Southwest becomes the first major U.S. carrier to announce new service to St. Maarten since the pandemic is another vote of confidence in the destination. Especially if you consider that the Friendly island is the first new international destination added to the carrier’s roster in more than four years.
A lot to be proud about. But a note of caution is also in order. Being over reliant on low-cost carriers could make the island a destination of choice for the penny pinching tourist. While some would argue that any dollar spent on island is better than none, a greater focus on quality tourism would provide a better basis for a sustainable industry.
