The Princess Juliana International Airport
The Princess Juliana International Airport is located on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten and is known for its unique and thrilling approach, as planes descend over Maho Beach just before landing. This airport has become a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors flocking to the beach to watch the planes fly in.
The airport was named after Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, who made a donation towards its construction in the 1940s. It was officially opened in 1943 and has since undergone several expansions and upgrades to accommodate the growing number of tourists visiting the island.
One of the most notable features of the Princess Juliana International Airport is its runway, which is only 7,150 feet long, making it one of the shortest international runways in the world. This requires pilots to make a steep descent and land as close to the start of the runway as possible.
The airport is also unique in that it is located on the Dutch side of the island but is operated by the French Civil Aviation Authority. It serves as a hub for many major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways, and offers flights to and from destinations throughout the Caribbean, North America, and Europe.
In recent years, the airport has faced some challenges, including damage caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, which required significant repairs to the airport’s infrastructure. Additionally, the airport has faced criticism for its close proximity to the beach, with concerns about the safety of both tourists and planes.
Despite these challenges, the Princess Juliana International Airport remains a popular destination for travelers, with its stunning views and unique approach making it a must-see attraction for aviation enthusiasts and beachgoers alike.
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