Our Excellence Did Not Just Happen.

Built in 1942, initially as a US military airstrip during World War II, PJIA was transformed into a civil airport in 1943. The first civil flight was carried out by Royal Dutch Airline KLM with the “Kolibrie” on December, 3 1943.

In 1964, the Airport was remodeled and relocated. A new terminal building and an operational Control Tower were constructed; the runway angle was changed to a heading of 090/270 degrees with a length of 1400 meters.

In the 80’s, the terminal building was remodeled; new departure and arrival halls were built. A new corporate structure was implemented in 1996 with the incorporation of the Princess Juliana International Airport operating company NV.

In 1997 a master plan was developed for further development of the airport; it culminated with the new US$100 million airport terminal that was opened by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands on November 10, 2006.

With its glass exterior, jet bridges and exciting shopping mall, the new ultramodern building represents 32,000 square meters of efficient aviation professionalism. PJIAE has come a long way from its humble beginnings; and if past achievements serve as an indication, the future of our airport, our island and tourism industry look promising.

>> click here for images showing how PJIA developed
>> click here to download the speech by the President of PJIAE, drs. Eugene Holiday

download your printable guide through our photo exhibition here

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