Flying to St Barth via St Maarten (SXM)
Flying to St Barts (Saint Barthélemy) is a dream experience for many travelers heading to the Caribbean. Since the island’s airport, St Barth Airport (SBH – Rémy de Haenen / Gustaf III Airport), has one of the shortest runways in the world, jets cannot land there. That’s why the most convenient way to travel is by flying into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St Maarten and connecting with a short transfer flight to St Barts.
International Flight to St Maarten (SXM)
Most international travelers first arrive in St Maarten (SXM) on a scheduled or charter flight, as it is the primary gateway to St Barts, particularly for connections from Europe and South America.
BIRDY takes you seamlessly from your doorstep to St Barth, most often via SXM, where new FBOs are being developed and transfer procedures are currently being refined to ensure maximum comfort and speed.
Our strengths in St Maarten:
✧ Caribbean expertise with unmatched local knowledge for flawless ground coordination;
✧ 24/7 concierge-style assistance before, during, and after your flight;
✧ Access to a vast fleet, including both listed and exclusive off-market aircraft, all AOC-certified;
✧ Tailor-made itineraries to and from any destination;
✧ Competitive, transparent pricing with no compromise on quality.
Connecting Flight to St Barts (SBH)
From SXM, travelers take a 10 to 15-minute flight to St Barts aboard a light aircraft operated by certified carriers. This short hop offers spectacular aerial views of the Caribbean Sea and the island of St Barthélemy.
✧ Aircraft types: small propeller planes with 6–19 seats.
✧ Flight time: 10-15 minutes.
For those who prefer exclusivity, chartering a private flight from SXM to St Barts ensures flexibility, privacy, and seamless transfers without waiting.
Private helicopter or luxury yacht transfers from St Maarten to St Barts (approximately 1 hour) are also available, particularly if all scheduled aircraft are already booked and/or if your inbound flight to Sint Maarten is delayed or arrives too late for a standard charter.
Alternatives to St Barth: Anguilla, Antigua, San Juan?
There are several alternative routes available by private charter flight or scheduled commuter service. These options are especially useful during peak season or when your international arrival is not well-timed with SXM connections.
Charter Flights from Anguilla to St Barth
Located just a short distance from St Barts, Anguilla (Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport – AXA / TQPF) is a convenient alternative for travelers. A quick 10-minute charter flight from Anguilla to St Barts offers flexibility and helps avoid congestion at SXM.
It used to be BIRDY’s preferred option, as it allowed wing-to-wing transfers between aircraft, but recent changes in airport ground procedures have modified this process.
Antigua (& Barbuda) to St Barth by Air
V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU / TAPA) in Antigua has long served as a major hub for transatlantic flights from North America and Europe.
In late 2024, Barbuda’s new Burton–Nibbs International Airport (formerly BBQ, now TAPB) was inaugurated, featuring a longer runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft, including private jets and future commercial flights. This development provides the island with direct access for luxury travelers, eliminating the need to transit through Antigua.
From Antigua or Barbuda, a 45- to 60-minute direct charter flight to St Barts is available, making it an excellent option for long-haul passengers seeking a smooth same-day connection.
St Kitts & Nevis to St Barts
Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB / TKPK) in St Kitts and Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV / TKPN) also offers access to private charters to St Barts. This route is ideal for travelers combining multiple Caribbean islands or arriving on international flights, but it must be arranged well in advance, as local procedures require significant lead time.
While Nevis Airport primarily accommodates smaller aircraft due to its shorter runway, St Kitts offers greater capacity for private jets, providing additional possibilities for international arrivals. St Kitts also boasts a brand-new, state-of-the-art FBO featuring premium amenities, including lounges and a pool, making the transfer experience both efficient and luxurious.
San Juan (Puerto Rico) to St Barts
For travelers coming from the United States, San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU / TJSJ) is a key entry point into the Caribbean. With scheduled and private charter flights from San Juan to St Barts, you can bypass SXM entirely and enjoy a direct route from US soil to the French Caribbean. Air transfer duration to St Barth is around one hour
Practical tips for your flight to St Barth
✧ Book early during peak season (November–April) as flights are EXTREMELY limited;
✧ Luggage restrictions: small aircraft operate under strict weight limits. To ensure we provide the most suitable option, please have ready each passenger’s weight along with detailed luggage information (number of pieces, size, and weight) before requesting a booking;
✧ Flight connections: as of now, allow at least 1 hour between your international arrival at SXM and your transfer flight to SBH. Processes are currently being optimized and should be improved shortly.
Book your entire experience with BIRDY
Reaching St Barts via St Maarten (SXM) is part of the adventure. Whether you fly on a scheduled commuter plane, a private aircraft, or a helicopter, the journey is as unforgettable as the destination itself.
For the ultimate convenience, many travelers choose BIRDY to charter a private jet to SXM combined with a personalized transfer to St Barts — ensuring their Caribbean escape begins the moment they land.
Plan your next trip:
📧 booking@birdy.aero
🇺🇸 +1 772 222 6699
🇫🇷 +590 590 19 0000
