FREAKY! Landing On World's Shortest Runway At Saba Airport

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Saba: Iconic landings and takeoffs

The most exhilarating aspect of Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is its remarkable runway, which is just 400 meters (1,312 feet) long. Nestled between steep cliffs and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, this airport offers pilots and passengers alike a thrilling experience, as aircrafts navigate the dramatic landscape for takeoffs and landings.

Due to the short runway, only small aircraft and helicopters can operate here, adding to the exclusivity and adventure of flying into Saba. Plane spotting in Saba is great given the airport's dramatic setting which makes it a popular subject for aviation enthusiasts and photographers.

But wait... Where is Saba located?

Saba is a small island located in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Caribbean Netherlands, a special municipality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is situated about 28 miles (45 kilometers) southwest of Sint Maarten and northwest of St. Kitts and Nevis. It's not easy to spot where Saba is on the map as it's the smallest island nation in the Caribbean.

Top 10 shortest commercial runways in the world

Interestingly, 5 of the top 10 shortest runways in the world are located in the Caribbean.

What it is like to land on the world's shortest runway

Upon arriving at Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten, you proceed through immigration and customs. You will notice your tickets to Saba don’t have assigned seats. If you are hoping to get window seats for the short but scenic flight, you better know that seating is first come, first served.

Don't be surprised if your plane gets delayed. Saba has an extremely short runway so weather and wind conditions must be perfect to land a plane. Pilots won't be granted takeoff in Sint Maarten until all conditions are met for a safe landing on Saba, which may take hours. Statistically, early morning flights to and from Saba are usually delayed.

You will board a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft and flight attendants hand out fans since the short journey won't have A/C. As the flight begins, you take in stunning views of Saint Martin's beaches and the vast Caribbean Sea. The plane flies low, offering breathtaking sights of the surrounding islands and the cobalt-blue waters below.

Approaching Saba, you see the island’s towering volcanic slopes. The descent is steep, and the runway, perched on a narrow strip of land, appears suddenly, requiring precision and skill from the pilots. With a sharp turn and a controlled descent, the plane touches down smoothly, coming to a halt quickly on the short runway.

Your return journey: Taking off from Saba Airport

Your adventure to Saba is only complete if you also experience taking off from the world's shortest runway which might even more thrilling than landing there. As always, you pass through immigration and wait for the weather conditions to be perfect before boarding your twin otter STOL airplane.

Once everybody is on board, the aircraft taxis to the very edge of the runway. With brakes held tight, the engines roar to full power before release. The takeoff is swift, and the cliff edge approaches rapidly. Just as the runway ends, the plane lifts off, soaring over the turquoise waters below.

The ascent offers breathtaking views of Saba's volcanic landscape and the Caribbean Sea. The flight to Sint Maarten is brief but scenic, lasting only about 12 minutes. As you leave Saba behind, the sheer cliffs and lush greenery fade into the distance, replaced by the expansive blue ocean​.

Saba Airport facts and statistics in 2025

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport may be small, but it plays a crucial role in connecting the remote island of Saba with the rest of the world. Here are some key details about the airport in 2025:

• Airport Code: IATA Code: SAB, ICAO Code: TNCS
• Arrivals and Departures: Live Schedule
• Owner: Island Government of Saba
• Elevation: 60 feet (18 meters) above sea level
• Coordinates: 17°38′13″N 63°13′07″W
• Runway: Numbered 12/30, Length: 400 meters (1,312 feet), Width: 18 meters (59 feet)
• Annual Passengers: Approximately 69,000
• Location: Flat Point, Saba, Netherlands Antilles, Caribbean

What's the biggest plane you can land at Saba Airport?

Watch the video below from Microsoft Flight Simulator to see what the world's shortest runway is enough for. 

Saba Airport's history

The first landing at Saba Airport

The airport's creation is a tale of vision and determination led by Remy de Haenen, also known as the "Lord of the Air". who has completed several daring landings with a Vought-Sikorsky OS2U seaplane at Fort Bay. He had the idea of a proper airport fot Saba.

In the 1950s, de Haenen and contractor Jacques Deldevert proposed the airport to the Saba Economic Council for the convenience of locals and also to boost Saba's tourism. De Haenen identified Flat Point as the ideal site for a proper runway for the airport.

On February 9, 1959, he made the first regular aircraft landing on Saba, witnessed by nearly the entire island. Despite the unprecedented achievement, de Haenen was prohibited from making further landings. However, political support grew in the 1962 elections, with Claude Wathey and Juancho Irausquin advocating for the airport. The Dutch government eventually funded the project, and construction began. 

On March 22, 1962, helicopters from the Dutch aircraft carrier HNLMS Karel Doorman landed, marking another milestone. In 1963 the construction had advanced enough and on February 1, 1963 a twin engine Apache airplane, piloted by George Greaux, landed at Flat Point on the newly asphalted runway. The airport officially opened on July 24, 1963.

George Greaux and investors founded Windward Islands Airways (Winair) in 1961, eventually providing regular service with STOL-capable aircraft like the Dornier Do-28 and later the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter.

In 1998, Hurricane Georges destroyed the terminal, but a new one was built and dedicated to de Haenen in 2002. The propeller from his first landing is displayed in the terminal.

Challenges and achievements

Constructing an airport on Saba was a formidable challenge due to the island's rugged terrain. The only area suitable to accommodate a landing strip on Saba was at Flat Point on the north-east coast of the island.

Engineers had to level a rocky outcrop to create the runway, a feat of engineering that remains impressive to this day. Despite its short length and challenging conditions, the airport operates safely and efficiently, showcasing the skill of its pilots and the resilience of its infrastructure.

Accidents and incidents at Saba Airport

Despite the airport's challenging conditions, it has a near excellent safety record. However, its history does include a few incidents, typically involving minor runway overruns due to its limited length. There are only 2 notable accidents at or near the airport of Saba.

FedEx cargo plane crash into the sea on August 12, 2015

A single-engine Cessna 208B Super Cargomaster operated by FedEx was en route from Puerto Rico to St. Kitts when it reportedly experienced engine trouble and decided to perform an emergeny landing at Saba Airport. Unfortunately, before it could reach the island, it crashed into the sea 3600 feet (900 meters) from Saba.

Fortunately, a passing yacht rescued the pilot, who was then brought to Fort Bay. He was transported to A.M. Edwards Medical Center in The Bottom, Saba's capital, where he received initial treatment.

Hard landing in bad weather causes airplane damage on February 13, 2023

As a Britten-Norman BN-2B-20 Islander aircraft approached Saba Airport it touched down slightly off course, hitting the ground just a meter before the runway threshold. The plane then made a rough landing on runway 12, causing significant damage to its right wing. Thankfully, the pilot, two passengers, and a dog onboard all walked away without injury.

The weather was a big factor in the accident, with incoming rain showers and a sudden downdraft during the final approach creating unexpected challenges. The pilot decided to land before the rain hit, fully aware of the conditions, but this highlights how unpredictable weather can be and the importance of keeping a safe distance from approaching storms when landing.

Facilities and services

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport offers essential services to ensure a comfortable and efficient experience for travelers. Although small, the terminal provides basic amenities including:

• Check-in Desks
• Baggage Handling
• Passenger Waiting Area
• Information Desk
• Parking Facilities
• Cafeteria
• Souvenir shop
• Restrooms

There is a small fire department with one fire truck. The tower is an advisory service only and does not provide air traffic control. There is also a helipad for helicopters. Interestingly, aviation fuel is not available at the airport.

Transportation options

While Saba's size means that most destinations on the island are easily accessible, the airport is well-connected by local transportation options, including:

• Taxis: Available to take passengers to various parts of the island.
• Car Rentals: Several local companies offer rental services for those who wish to explore Saba at their own pace.
• Hitchhiking: Hitchhiking is a very common thing in Saba. It is very safe and you will be probably picked up by the first passing car.
• Bus: There is no bus service on Saba.

Safety and security

Given its unique challenges, safety and security are top priorities at Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport. The airport maintains rigorous safety protocols and regular training for its staff to handle the specific demands of its operations. Pilots flying into and out of Saba receive specialized training to navigate the airport's short runway and surrounding terrain.

Connectivity and accessibility

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport connects Saba to Sint Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which provides further connections to international destinations.

Currently, there is only one airline that provides scheduled flights to Saba's Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport. Winair offers scheduled Saba flights to and from Sint Maarten, providing crucial links for both residents and tourists.

Saba's unique appeal

Saba, known as the "Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean", offers tourists a unique and tranquil escape. The island is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, excellent diving spots, and charming villages. Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, with its spectacular and daring approach, perfectly complements the island's adventurous spirit and serene environment.

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast seeking a unique flying experience or a traveler looking to explore the hidden gem of Saba, Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport promises an unforgettable start to your island adventure.