Westerly winds: why some flights are canceled in Saint-Barthélemy and Sint Maarten

Why do westerly winds pose a problem?

In Saint-Barthélemy, the runway at Gustaf III Airport measures only 646 meters. It's one of the shortest in the world for regular commercial traffic. When a westerly wind blows, it pushes the aircraft against the ground and increases the distance needed for takeoff. On such a short runway, every meter counts. With a plane full of passengers and baggage, the safety margin becomes insufficient.

In Sint Maarten, Princess Juliana Airport has a much longer runway, 2,300 meters, but constraints also exist. For long-haul aircraft at full capacity, this unfavorable wind significantly lengthens the required takeoff distance, which can be problematic even on a large runway.

Different rules depending on aircraft and jurisdictions

Not all aircraft are affected in the same way:

A small, light aircraft can take off despite an unfavorable wind, whereas a heavier plane will be grounded.

Two airlines operating the same type of aircraft may apply different rules, as they depend on the aviation legislation to which they are subject: French side in Saint-Barthélemy or Dutch side in Sint Maarten.

These differences can explain why a flight is canceled on one airline and maintained on another. It's not a question of service or commercial intent, but rather strict regulatory requirements.

Your safety above all

Aviation in Saint-Barthélemy and Sint Maarten is governed by some of the strictest safety standards in the world. If your flight is canceled or delayed due to westerly winds, it's solely because conditions do not allow for a safe takeoff and landing.

We know it can be frustrating to modify your plans. But keep in mind that safety remains the absolute priority: no flight is authorized if the safety margin is not complete.

The advantage of VIP service

In case of weather disruptions, our VIP team is there to support you:

Reschedule your flights or organize alternatives quickly and efficiently.

Coordinate your transfers and baggage, so you have nothing to manage.

Allow you to fully enjoy your stay, without unnecessary stress.

In summary

Westerly winds are a well-known phenomenon for pilots in the Caribbean. They remind us that flying to Saint-Barthélemy, with its 646-meter runway, or to Sint Maarten, with its 2,300-meter runway, requires constant vigilance. Cancellations are not arbitrary inconveniences, but an additional safety guarantee.

With VIP service, you travel with the assurance that, even in case of unforeseen circumstances, everything is taken care of.