Winair Headquarters
Home base of the Caribbean's inter-island airline on Airport Road.
Why Go
Winair — Windward Islands Airways — is St. Maarten's own airline, connecting the island to neighboring destinations across the northeastern Caribbean since 1961. The headquarters on Airport Road in Simpson Bay is where the operational side of this small but essential carrier is managed, adjacent to Princess Juliana International Airport where its turboprop fleet operates daily schedules to islands that larger carriers do not serve.
The Experience
Winair fills a critical gap in Caribbean air travel: short-hop flights between islands that are close together geographically but surprisingly difficult to reach without a small regional carrier. From St. Maarten, Winair operates routes to destinations including Saba, St. Eustatius (Statia), St. Barths, Dominica, Anguilla, and other nearby islands. For travelers, this means same-day round trips to islands like Saba (a 12-minute flight) are entirely feasible, opening up multi-island experiences that would otherwise require complicated ferry arrangements or separate airline bookings. The headquarters on Airport Road handles administrative and booking functions, though most travelers interact with Winair at the airline's check-in counters inside the airport terminal. The fleet of small turboprop aircraft (often DHC-6 Twin Otters) keeps operations efficient on short runways that larger planes cannot use — including Saba's famously short Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport.
What to Try
The flight to Saba is a bucket-list experience — 12 minutes in the air followed by a landing on the world's shortest commercial runway. Day trips to St. Barths offer a taste of French luxury without committing to an overnight stay. Book directly through Winair for the most current schedules and fares.
Insider Tip
Winair flights are on small aircraft with limited seats, so booking early is important — especially for popular routes like St. Barths. Baggage allowances are tighter than mainline carriers, so pack light. The check-in process at SXM airport is separate from the main terminal area.
The Practical Stuff
Headquarters on Airport Road, Simpson Bay. Flights operate from Princess Juliana International Airport. Destinations include Saba, Statia, St. Barths, Dominica, and more. Book online or at the airport counter. Leisure Car Rental and Budget Car Rental are nearby on Airport Road.
Pair It With
- Princess Juliana International Airport Guide — The departure airport for all Winair flights
- Anguilla St. Maarten Ferry Terminal Guide — Alternative inter-island transport option for Anguilla specifically