5 of the most exhilarating runway landings in the Caribbean

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba

With short runways and dramatic mountain approaches the Caribbean offers some of the most exhilarating and scenic runway landings for private jets in the world. Whether you are heading to the Caribbean for a luxury yacht charter or meeting your private yacht landing on one of these incredible runways is all part of the adventure. But beware some of these landings are not for the faint hearted…

1. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba

The tiny island of Saba in the Lesser Antilles is home to one of the most exhilarating runways in the Caribbean. The runway is only 400 metres and is flanked by high hills with both ends dropping into the sea.

The shortest commercial runway in the world Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is quite often prone to windy conditions making landing all the more exciting. The runway exists thanks to the enthusiasm of Captain Remy F. de Haenen who refused to believe that it would not be possible to build an airstrip on the tiny island.

Picture courtesy of Bildagentur Zoonar Gmb H/Shutterstock.com

Princess Juliana International Airport, St Martin

Perhaps the most iconic landing strip in the Caribbean Princess Juliana International Airport is famous for planes skimming over beach goers. The runway is separated from the beach by a two-lane road and hundreds of tourists head to experience private jets and larger commercial planes blasting over the top of them.

If you are exploring the Leeward Islands on a luxury yacht then make sure you pay a visit to the Sunset Beach Bar where you can drink a rum cocktail and watch the spectacle.

Picture courtesy of Michael Byrne/Shutterstock.com

Saint Barthélemy Airport, St Barts

The runway in St Barts has a reputation for providing one of the most terrifying landing experiences in the world. The landing is so technical that French aviation authorities require a special permit be issued to any pilot who want to land in St. Barts.

The landing is effectively the reverse of Princess Juliana with the runway running straight into the sea. Pilots have to navigate their way over steep hills to approach the runway, which is also plagued by turbulence.

Whether you are arriving for a luxury yacht charter in St Barts or meeting your private yacht the landing is an unforgettable experience.

Picture courtesy of Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock.com

George F.L. Charles Airport, St Lucia

The smaller of St Lucia’s two airports George F.L. Charles near Castries is set between green hills and Vigie Beach.

The landing may not be quite as dramatic as St Barts but as you skim in over the top of the sea you can also take in St Lucia’s dramatic landscape.

Most people starting private cruises or luxury yacht charters in the Caribbean will arrive at Hewanorra International Airport which also offers an exhilarating landing.

Picture courtesy of Galina Savina/Shutterstock.com

Cyril E. King Airport, St Thomas

With the runway jutting out into the sea private jets landing at Cyril E. King Airport appear to glide along the top of the sea before touching done on the strip. It one of the busiest airport in the Caribbean with larger commercial flights also landing.

Cyril E. King Airport is la popular starting point for luxury yacht charter in the US Virgin Islands and you can quickly escape the bustle of the main town. Landing at the airport on private jet will provide a memorable start to a week discovering the US Virgin Islands on a superyacht.

Picture courtesy of David Brimm/Shutterstock.com

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