Prime Minister Chairs Follow-Up Meeting on Proposed Surinam Airways Route to Sint Maarten

Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, the Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina chaired a high-level follow-up meeting on Monday, September 14, 2026, concerning the proposed introduction of Surinam Airways service to Sint Maarten.

The meeting brought together representatives of Surinam Airways, the Cabinet of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Princess Juliana International Airport, the Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau and the Department of Civil Aviation.

The discussions followed the Prime Minister’s meeting with Surinam Airways officials at the airline’s headquarters in Suriname in November 2025. That engagement explored the possibility of establishing a regional air connection linking Paramaribo, Georgetown and Sint Maarten.

Monday’s meeting focused on the further development of a comprehensive and sustainable business case for the proposed route. Particular attention was given to the viability of connecting through Guyana, opportunities for increased passenger movement and the potential contribution of the route to regional tourism, trade and economic activity.

“The proposed connection represents more than an additional air route. It presents an opportunity to strengthen the movement of people, goods and services between Sint Maarten, Guyana and Suriname,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated.

“This proposed connection is also important for the Surinamese and Guyanese community living in Sint Maarten. Improved regional connectivity can make it easier for families to remain connected, while supporting cultural ties and creating new opportunities for travel, trade and investment,” the Prime Minister added.

“Our objective is to ensure that any route pursued is supported by a sound and sustainable business case that clearly demonstrates its value to Sint Maarten and the wider region. This requires the continued involvement of our aviation, airport, tourism and economic partners, along with the necessary regulatory coordination,” Prime Minister Mercelina concluded.

The Department of Civil Aviation will continue the required follow-up concerning the appropriate air traffic rights, in consultation with the relevant Kingdom partners. Surinam Airways and the other key stakeholders will also continue working on the commercial, operational and regulatory requirements necessary to advance the proposal.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among the stakeholders to continue the required technical, regulatory and commercial follow-up. The proposed route remains subject to the completion and evaluation of a sufficiently substantiated business case, the granting of the appropriate air traffic rights and the fulfilment of all applicable operational and regulatory requirements.

The Government of Sint Maarten remains committed to strengthening regional connectivity, serving the needs of its diverse community and expanding opportunities for tourism and trade. Any proposed partnership must be pursued responsibly and deliver clear, sustainable benefits for the people and economy of Sint Maarten.