5 CRAZY Caribbean Airports & Flights: You Will Rather Walk

The Caribbean's and the world's most dangerous airports in 2025

Caribbean airports are famous for their thrilling approaches, offering both pilots and passengers an exhilarating experience in 2025. The dramatic landscapes, featuring lush mountains, turquoise waters, and pristine beaches, create a stunning backdrop for landings. Let me tell you upfront, these are not the safest airports in the world.

Thrilling approaches: What makes these landings unique?

Airports like Princess Juliana International in Sint Maarten and Gustaf III Airport in St. Barts are particularly well-known for their challenging approaches. Pilots must navigate tight turns and steep descents, testing their skills while providing passengers with breathtaking views. These unique landings make every arrival an unforgettable adventure.

Interestingly, 4 of the 5 most unique Caribbean airports are close enough to visit in one day. Start in St. Maarten by watching planes land at Maho Beach. Next, fly to Saba and land on the world's shortest runway. After some hiking in the lush rainforest, return to St. Maarten for a flight to Anguilla, the shortest international flight. After enjoying Anguilla's beaches, head to St. Barts and land at the most dangerous airport in the Caribbean, the Gustav III Airport.

1. World's most famous airport landing: Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten

Plane Spotters' paradise

Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St. Maarten is perhaps the most famous airport in the Caribbean and one of the most iconic airports in the world. What makes it so special? Its runway is just steps away from the stunning Maho Beach. This is the main attraction of St. Maartan, which significantly contributes to the island's tourism. In St. Maarten, everyone becomes a plane-spotting geek.

Experience the thrill

Imagine relaxing on the white sands of Maho Beach, feeling the sun on your skin and the gentle breeze in your hair, when suddenly, a massive airplane roars overhead, just feet above the beachgoers.

This thrilling spectacle draws aviation enthusiasts and curious tourists from all over the world. The sight of a Boeing 747 descending so low over the beach before touching down is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Unfortunately, this iconic aircraft operated by KLM was replaced by a more economic and smaller plane in 2016.

Fatal incidents at Princess Juliana International Airport

On July 12, 2017, a 57-year-old New Zealand tourist died at Maho Beach in St. Maarten after being blown by the jet blast from a departing airplane. The blast caused her to hit her head on a concrete block, leading to fatal injuries. The incident occurred near Princess Juliana International Airport, where tourists often gather to experience the powerful jet blasts despite warnings and danger signs posted in the area.

2. World's shortest runway: Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba

The world’s shortest commercial runway

Saba's Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (SAB) boasts the world's shortest commercial runway, measuring just 1,312 feet (400 meters) in length. Nestled on a cliffside, this tiny strip of tarmac is flanked by steep drops into the ocean at both ends, making every landing and takeoff a nerve-wracking event.

It was only in 1959 when Remy De Haenen proved that it is possible to land a plane on the only flat section of Saba, called the Flat Point. Before that, Saba was serviced by seaplanes and ferries which are called, to this day, "Vomit Comet".

An adrenaline-pumping adventure

Only the most skilled pilots are certified to land here, and passengers are treated to a heart-pounding approach that offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. This is truly a flight for the adventurous spirit so if you are spending your holidays in St. Maarten, it is well worth the day trip to Saba.

Watch the world's biggest plane landing at the shortest runway in a simulation. Do you think it's possible?

3. Most dangerous airport in the Caribbean: Gustaf III Airport, St. Barth

A white-knuckle landing experience

Gustaf III Airport (SBH) in St. Barthélemy is known for its extremely challenging approach. Pilots must navigate a steep descent over a hilltop traffic circle before making a quick drop onto the short runway that ends at St. Jean Bay making it one of the most dangerous airports in the world.

Not for the faint of heart

St. Barts Airport has the best Caribbean airport experience for aviation geeks. For passengers, the sensation of the plane swooping down over the island's lush landscape and then braking hard to avoid the ocean is both thrilling and slightly terrifying. 

The approach to St. Barth is so steep and the runway so short that only small aircraft can land here. There have been some accidents at St. Barts Airport over the years, so if you feel anxiety watching the photos and videos, that's completely normal. 

4. World’s shortest international flight: St. Maarten to Anguilla

A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it journey

In the world of aviation, the flight from St. Maarten (SXM) to Anguilla (AXA) holds the record for the shortest international flight, clocking in at just 9 minutes. Covering a mere 12 miles (19 kilometers), this quick hop between the two airports offers barely enough time to enjoy the view before descending again.

Perfect for island hopping

This brief flight is a favorite for travelers looking to explore multiple Caribbean islands in one trip. It’s a convenient and speedy way to hop between these two beautiful destinations. If you prefer to take a speedboat, it leaves for Anguilla just outside of Princess Juliana International Airport and costs much less.

Watch the full experience from Princess Juliana International Airport to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport:

5. Seaplane flight between St. Thomas and St. Croix

A unique aerial adventure

The seaplane flight operated by Seaborne Airlines between Charlotte Amalie Harbor Seaplane Base, St. Thomas (STT) and St. Croix (STX) offers a unique way to travel between the U.S. Virgin Islands. Taking off and landing on water, this seaplane journey is a nostalgic throwback to the golden age of aviation.

Scenic and serene

Passengers are treated to unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea, dotted with lush islands and turquoise waters. The gentle splashdown on arrival adds a touch of old-world charm to this modern travel experience.

Ready for take-off?

Caribbean airports are more than just gateways to paradise; they are destinations in their own right, offering some of the most thrilling and unique aviation experiences in the world. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or an aviation enthusiast, these crazy Caribbean airports and flights promise unforgettable adventures. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to embark on the ride of a lifetime.

List of Caribbean international airports with airport code

List of Caribbean airlines