St. Barts Gustaf III Airport: The Rich & Famous Flights

Unique airport experience in St. Barts

Gustaf III Airport’s runway is a mere 650 meters (2,133 feet) long, making it one of the shortest commercial runways globally (the shortest runway in the world is on Saba, a nearby Caribbean island). Tucked between a steep hill and St. Jean Bay, the airport requires pilots to make a steep descent over a hill, dropping quickly to meet the short runway.

Due to the runway’s length, only small aircraft and private jets can land here, adding an element of exclusivity to the experience. The short runway and the stunning backdrop make every landing at St. Barts Airport a spectacle.

What it’s like flying to St. Barts Airport

Flying into St.Barts' Gustaf III Airport is an unforgettable experience. The journey typically begins at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten, where you board a small aircraft, often a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter or similar STOL airplane. As the plane approaches St. Barts, you’ll notice the island’s rugged terrain and the narrow strip of runway ahead.

The descent is steep, and the pilots must skillfully navigate over a hill, sometimes flying as low as 10 feet (3 meters) over traffic. Pilots then must quickly level the plane to touch down on the short runway. Passengers are treated to a breathtaking view of the turquoise waters of St. Jean Bay, making the landing both a thrilling and scenic experience.

Taking off from Gustaf III Airport

Departing from St. Barts is just as exciting as arriving. The short runway means the aircraft must achieve takeoff speed quickly, often lifting off just as the runway ends, soaring over the bay below. The takeoff provides a final, exhilarating glimpse of the island before the short flight back to Sint Maarten or other nearby destinations.

Plane spotting at St. Barts Airport

There are three prime locations for plane spotting on the island, each offering a distinct perspective on the dramatic approaches that make St. Barts a must-visit for those who love the thrill of flight.

The first spot is at the hilltop roundabout, providing a thrilling view of planes as they make their steep descent over the hill. This vantage point lets you capture the dramatic approach from above. Technically, it's illegal to stop there but I haven't heard of anyone receiving a fine.

The second location is at the airport itself, where you can watch planes landing and taking off up close, feeling the rush of the aircraft as they touch down on the short runway.

Finally, the third plane spotting area is St. Jean Beach, which offers a more relaxed setting but nonetheless incredible photo opportunities. Each spot offers a different perspective on the challenging and exciting landings that make St. Barts famous among aviation enthusiasts.

Special thanks for the three beautiful photos above to Corcoran Group in St. Barts, specializing in villa rentals and real estate.

St. Barts Airport facts and statistics in 2025

Here are some key details about the St. Barts Gustav III Airport in 2025:

• Airport Code: IATA Code: SBH, ICAO Code: TFFJ
• Arrivals and Departures: Live Schedule
• Location: St. Jean, St. Barthélemy
• Runway Length: 650 meters (2,133 feet)
• Elevation: 14 feet (4 meters) above sea level
• Coordinates: 17°54′45″N 62°50′37″W
• Annual Passengers: Approximately 200,000
• Airlines: St. Barth Commuter, Winair, Tradewind, Air Antilles, West Indies Helicopters

How do you spell St. Barts Airport's name?

This is a tricky one. The island's full name is Collectivité territoriale de Saint-Barthélemy in French or Saint Barthélemy. Its official. It is also known as St. Barts in English or St. Barth in French.

So depending on the language, St. Barts Airport or Gustaf III Airport in English, and Aéroport de Saint-Barthélemy / St. Barth or Aéroport Gustave III in French are all correct, but St. Barth Airport is incorrect spelling.

Gustaf III Airport is also known as Saint Barthélemy Airport, Rémy de Haenen Airport, and sometimes as St. Jean Airport.

The history of Gustaf III Airport

The airport and the island’s main town, Gustavia, were named after King Gustav III of Sweden, who acquired the island from France in 1784 - though it was returned to French control in 1878. Fast forward to 1984, when Swedish Minister of Communications, Hans Gustafsson, officially opened the terminal building at Gustaf III Airport.

The airport received a new name in 2015: Aéroport de Saint-Barthélemy-Rémy-de-Haenen, honoring Rémy de Haenen, an aviation trailblazer and former mayor of Saint Barthélemy, who made history by landing at the site in 1946, back when it was nothing more than sheep pasture.

Between 2003 and 2005, the hill at the end of runway 10 was cleared and lowered, and the road ascending the hill was shifted to the left, making it safer and easier for cars to avoid crossing directly under the flight path. This was part of a comprehensive renovation of the airport, which included a six-week closure in late 2004.

Accidents at St. Barts Airport

Gustaf III Airport in St. Barts has a reputation of being a challenging airport for a reason. The combination of a short runway, steep approach, and proximity to a bustling tourist area has resulted in quite a few notable accidents over the years. These incidents underscored the importance of precise approach techniques when landing at St. Barts Airport.

Minor incidents:

• Plane overruns onto the beach (2009) - Video
• Plane hardlands on runway (2022) - Video
• An other plane hardlands on runway (2022) - Video
• Emergency landing with gears up (2024) - Video

2001 Air Caraïbes Flight 1501 crashes into a house

On March 24, 2001, Air Caraïbes Flight 1501, a Dornier 228-200, crashed during its approach to Gustaf III Airport in St. Barts. The aircraft, arriving from Guadeloupe, struck a house on a hillside just before the runway. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 19 people onboard as well as one person on the ground, making it the deadliest accidents in the history of the airport.

2013 Cessna 172N Skyhawk crashes into mountain

On Janaury 4, 2013, a Cessna 172N Skyhawk crashed into the mountain while attempting to land at Gustaf III Airport in St. Barts. Out of the two occupants, one suffered serious injuries, the other one minor injuries.

2023 Air Antilles Twin Otter crashes into parked helicopter

On August 24, 2023, an Air Antilles-operated Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter experienced a runway excursion while landing at St. Barts Airport. During the landing roll, the aircraft veered off the runway and collided with a parked helicopter. The impact caused damage to both the Twin Otter and the helicopter. but there were no injuries reported.

Safety measures and pilot training

Given the unique challenges posed by Gustaf III Airport, stringent safety measures and specialized pilot training are in place to minimize the risk of accidents. Pilots operating flights into St. Barts undergo rigorous training to familiarize themselves with the airport's approach, landing, and takeoff procedures. This training is crucial in ensuring that they can handle the steep descent, short runway, and variable weather conditions safely.

Moreover, the airport has implemented several safety enhancements over the years, including improved runway markings, enhanced approach lighting, and regular safety audits to maintain high operational standards.

To protect the plane spotters, it is now prohibited to stand at the roundabout for the perfect photo. Low flying planes could easily decapacitate people. INSANE!

St. Barts Airport webcam

There are two live webcams of St. Barts Gustav III Airport, see one below and the other online airport camera here.

Celebrities at Gustaf III Airport

St. Barts has long been a favored destination for the world’s elite, attracting celebrities, business moguls, and royalty to its pristine shores. Since the short runway at Gustaf III Airport limits the size of aircrafts, most guests choose to fly into nearby Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten. From there, they either board a smaller chartered plane or yacht, or take a short helicopter ride to St. Barts.

Celebrity spotting

For those who are curious, the best chance of spotting a celebrity at Gustaf III Airport would be during the high season, particularly around the holiday period. However, given the level of privacy afforded to these guests, such sightings are rare and usually brief.

VIP services and arrival experience

While St. Barts Airport itself is small and relatively modest, it does provide VIP services to ensure a seamless and private arrival experience.

• VIP Arrival and Departure: Expedited customs and immigration processing to avoid the public arrival hall, as well as direct escort from the plane to a private car, to take visitors to their villa, yacht, or hotel are available per request.
• Private Lounges: VIP lounges are available away from the main terminal.

Facilities and services at St. Barts Airport

Gustaf III Airport offers essential services to ensure a comfortable experience for travelers. The terminal building provides the following amenities:

• Check-in Desks
• Baggage Handling
• Passenger Waiting Area
• Car Rental Services
• Taxi Services
• Restrooms

While the airport lacks extensive facilities, its efficient operation and scenic surroundings more than compensate for the simplicity.

Car rentals at St. Barts Airport

If you arrive by plane you have a lot of car rental options available at St. Barts Airport. Make sure to reserve in advance for peak season, because even the last scooter will be taken between December 20th and January 5th.

Connectivity and accessibility

Gustaf III Airport primarily connects St. Barts with nearby islands like St. Maarten and Guadeloupe. St. Barth Commuter and Winair are the main airlines operating scheduled flights, with additional private jet services available for those seeking a more exclusive experience.

Airlines serving Gustaf III Airport

Gustaf III Airport of St. Barthélemy is served by a selection of regional airlines offering scheduled flights. Due to the short runway and challenging approach, only small aircrafts are able to operate here provided by the following airlines:

• St Barth Commuter: Flights to Antigua, Pointe-à-Pitre, Saint Martin, and Sint Maarten.
• Tradewind Aviation: Services to Anguilla, Antigua, Saint Thomas, and San Juan.
• Winair: Connections to Antigua, Saba, and Sint Maarten.
• Air Antilles: Flights to Pointe-à-Pitre.
• West Indies Helicopters: Helicopter services to Anguilla, Antigua, and nearby islands.

Additionally, several charter companies, including Windward Express and Trans Anguilla Airways, offer on-demand services for a more personalized travel experience.

St. Barts: The ultimate luxury destination

St. Barts is synonymous with luxury, and Gustaf III Airport is the perfect entry point to this exclusive Caribbean haven. From its pristine beaches to its upscale boutiques and gourmet restaurants, the island offers a truly exceptional getaway.

Whether you're arriving for a vacation in paradise or simply want to experience one of the world's most exciting landings, St. Barts Airport promises an unforgettable start to your island adventure.