Simpson Bay, St. Maarten, April 7, 2026 — Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) proudly welcomed the inaugural flight of Southwest Airlines from Orlando, marking a significant milestone in the continued expansion of air connectivity to Sint Maarten.
The new service introduces daily nonstop flights between Orlando and Sint Maarten, further strengthening the island’s accessibility to the United States and beyond. The partnership also expands connectivity through Southwest’s extensive domestic network, offering seamless access to more than 45 U.S. destinations.
Building on today’s milestone, Southwest’s Baltimore/Washington service is scheduled to commence on April 11, 2026, further enhancing airlift to the destination and opening an additional gateway for travelers.
This achievement reflects years of strategic efforts and collaboration. The foundation for this partnership was laid as early as 2012, when initial discussions began to position Sint Maarten as a future destination within Southwest’s expanding network.
“This has truly been a long time coming,” said Suzy Kartokromo, Head of the Aeronautical Department at Princess Juliana International Airport. “We have worked tirelessly over the years to bring Southwest Airlines to Sint Maarten, and today we are incredibly proud to see that vision become a reality. This milestone is a testament to persistence, collaboration, and belief in our destination.”
CEO Michael Cleaver added:
“Today marks a proud and defining moment for Sint Maarten and for Princess Juliana International Airport. The arrival of Southwest Airlines not only strengthens our connectivity with the United States, but also reinforces our position as a key Caribbean hub. We are grateful to all stakeholders who contributed to making this long-standing ambition a reality, and we look forward to a strong and lasting partnership with Southwest Airlines.”
The launch of this new route represents a major step forward in SXM Airport’s mission to expand air service, support tourism growth, and enhance the overall travel experience to and from the island.
As the gateway to the Northeastern Caribbean, Princess Juliana International Airport continues to play a vital role in connecting Sint Maarten with the world, now with even greater reach through Southwest Airlines.