First Irma and then Maria. The devastation left in the wake of these two Category 4 and 5 hurricanes within the past two weeks has left many Caribbean nations in ruins and without power. The storms have affected the Caribbean’s main economic generator and that is tourism, with restricted travel on charter flights to Caribbean airports, with some flights open only for hurricane relief. Most affected by Maria have been the eastern Caribbean islands of Puerto Rico, Dominica, Barbuda, St. Maarten and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while some islands, including St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas, Saint Eustatius and Martinique, were left pretty well unscathed.

Puerto Rico

Of significance is the damage sustained by Luis Munoz Marin Intl Airport (TJSJ) in San Juan, PR, which experienced a flooded terminal as well as power loss. As of this weekend, many commercial flights to TJSJ were cancelled, with only a few departures (Delta) reported on Monday. As mentioned, some runways have opened at TJSJ to rescue helicopters and private jets to the Caribbean bringing hurricane relief, although long wait times at departing terminals have been reported. For those hoping to fly on charter flights to Caribbean airports, in particular San Juan, it’s recommended that you check with your airline before heading to the airport.

Other islands affected by the storm

Most flights have also been suspended to Grand Turk JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) on the Turks and Caicos Islands as well as flights to Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) on St. Maarten has also suspended all air travel until further notice and is only being used as a dedicated hub for emergency and evacuation flights.

Islands open for business & charter flights to Caribbean airports

Those who wish to continue with their travel plans can still book private jets to Caribbean nations such as Antigua, St. Kitts and more. Antigua: V.C Bird International Airport (ANU) is open for business as are a number of popular beach resorts and hotels along the island’s shores. However, the small nation of Barbuda, just 28 miles north of Antigua, did not fare as well and is in ruins due to Hurricane Irma. Many of its hotels have been damaged or destroyed. Other islands where charter flights to Caribbean airports and resorts are open include:

  • St. Kitts, Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB)
  • Paradise Island, Nassau, Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA),
  • Anguilla, Clayton Lloyd International Airport (TQPF),
  • Punta Cana Int’l Airport (MDPC), Las Americas (MDSD), Santa Domingo, and all other airports in the Dominican Republic.

For more information on how private jets help storm affected nations, read our article Emergency Flights and Evacuation Flights by Private Jet.  As an ARGUS certified executive jet charter brokerage, Stratos Jets obsesses over your safety and can handle even the most complicated itineraries and still deliver outstanding experiences for charter flights Caribbean nations and around the world.