PM Dr. Luc Mercelina with meeting attendees.
PHILIPSBURG--The proposed Surinam Airways service to St. Maarten remains subject to the completion and evaluation of a sufficiently substantiated business case, the granting of appropriate air traffic rights and the fulfilment of applicable operational and regulatory requirements, following a high-level follow-up meeting on Monday, September 14.
Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Dr. Luc Mercelina chaired the meeting, which focused on further developing a comprehensive and sustainable business case for the proposed route.
Representatives of Surinam Airways, the Cabinet of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Princess Juliana International Airport, the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau and the Department of Civil Aviation participated in the meeting.
Particular attention was given to the viability of connecting through Guyana, opportunities for increased passenger movement and the potential contribution of the proposed route to regional tourism, trade and economic activity.
“The proposed connection represents more than an additional air route. It presents an opportunity to strengthen the movement of people, goods and services between St. Maarten, Guyana and Suriname,” Mercelina stated. “This proposed connection is also important for the Surinamese and Guyanese community living in St. Maarten. Improved regional connectivity can make it easier for families to remain connected, while supporting cultural ties and creating new opportunities for travel, trade and investment,” the prime minister added.
Mercelina said the route must be supported by a sound and sustainable business case. “Our objective is to ensure that any route pursued is supported by a sound and sustainable business case that clearly demonstrates its value to St. Maarten and the wider region. This requires the continued involvement of our aviation, airport, tourism and economic partners, along with the necessary regulatory coordination,” he concluded.
The discussions followed Mercelina’s meeting with Surinam Airways officials at the airline’s headquarters in Suriname in November 2025. That meeting explored the possibility of establishing a regional air connection linking Paramaribo, Georgetown and St. Maarten.
The Department of Civil Aviation will continue the required follow-up concerning the appropriate air traffic rights, in consultation with the relevant kingdom partners.
Surinam Airways and the other key stakeholders will also continue working on the commercial, operational and regulatory requirements needed to advance the proposal.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among the stakeholders to continue the required technical, regulatory and commercial follow-up.
Government said it remains committed to strengthening regional connectivity, serving the needs of its diverse community and expanding opportunities for tourism and trade. It said any proposed partnership must be pursued responsibly and deliver clear, sustainable benefits for the people and economy of St. Maarten.
