St Lucia's Airport: An Overview Of Travel Options

St Lucia is a lush, green gem of the Caribbean, boasting sun-kissed beaches and cascading waterfalls. It is a popular destination for tourists, and is served by two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU). Hewanorra International Airport is the larger of the two, located in Vieux Fort, about 40 miles (64km) south of the capital city, Castries. George F.L. Charles Airport is located in Castries and handles inter-Caribbean passenger flights.

Hewanorra International Airport

The airport is a Fire Category 9 facility that handles 700,000 passengers a year and can accommodate Boeing 747, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Boeing 777, and other long-range intercontinental jet aircraft. Aircraft maintenance is carried out by Caribbean Dispatch Services. The airport has a single east-west runway, connected by two taxiways at its midsection, with turning bays at the end for back-tracking. Its runway is 2,745 metres (9,000 ft) long, which is sufficient to handle most commercial aircraft. However, its 45.72-metre (150.0 ft) width cannot accommodate the Airbus A380. There are plans to widen the runway and exploit a disused concrete runway built by the American military during World War II to the north of the airport for cargo operations and access to hangars.

The airport houses the Hewanorra Outstation of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority. It offers modern facilities and amenities, including shopping, dining options, and parking. However, parking is very limited, with only 100 spaces available. Short-term parking is available for free, while long-term parking, though uncommon, usually does not incur any charges.

George F.L. Charles Airport

St. Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport and George F.L. Charles Airport. This answer will focus on George F.L. Charles Airport.

The airport is managed by the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) and is known for its convenient location, offering easy access to northern resorts and attractions. Its runway is parallel to Vigie Beach, a popular tourist destination. On average, the airport handles 32,000 flights and 394,000 passengers per year, with most flights operating with turboprop aircraft such as the ATR 72-500 or the de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8. The airport currently does not have any scheduled jet services, as all jet services into St. Lucia operate through Hewanorra International Airport.

The airport is home to several organisations, including the George Charles Outstation of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, General Aviation Services, and the Island Flyers Club. It offers an RNAV and NDB approach on Runway 9, while landings on Runway 27 are strictly visual. George F.L. Charles Airport is a great option for travellers from Caribbean destinations, providing a convenient gateway to the island's northern attractions and resorts.

Airport arrival recommendations

St. Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU). If you're travelling from a Caribbean destination, George F.L. Charles Airport is a great option as it is more convenient in terms of accessibility to northern resorts and attractions. However, if you're coming from an international destination such as the United States, Canada, Great Britain, or the EU, Hewanorra International Airport is the better choice as it is the larger of the two airports and is better equipped to handle international flights. It is also closer to some of the best attractions in St. Lucia, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and the popular Sulphur Springs (drive-in volcano).

• It is recommended that you arrive at the airport two hours before your scheduled departure time to allow for security measures and checking luggage.
• Keep your passport, boarding pass, and other necessary documents secure and readily available. If you have an electronic ticket, it is advised to print your confirmation before arriving at the airport.
• Avoid wearing clothing with metal to make security checkpoints faster and easier. Present all metal items such as your phone, keys, and coins at the security checkpoint.
• The rules for carry-on luggage can vary, but generally, you are allowed one bag and one personal item, such as a laptop or pillow, that must fit under the seat in front of you.
• If you require long-term parking at Hewanorra Airport, it is recommended to phone the airport manager at 758-454-6355. Long-term parking is shared with short-term parking and is typically free of charge, but you may be able to arrange extra security.
• If you require disabled parking at Hewanorra Airport, contact the airport manager at the same number to discuss your options. There are also parking bays available outside the entrance to the Departures Hall that usually have good availability.

Airport history

Saint Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport and George F.L. Charles Airport. Here is a brief history of the two airports.

Hewanorra International Airport

Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF, ICAO: TLPL) is the larger of Saint Lucia's two airports. It is located near Vieux Fort Quarter, on the southern cape of the island, about 53.4 km (33.2 mi) from the capital city, Castries. The airport is a Fire Category 9 facility that handles 700,000 passengers a year and can accommodate Boeing 747, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Boeing 777, and other long-range intercontinental jet aircraft. The airport was originally named Beane Army Airfield and was used as a military airfield by the United States Army Air Force during World War II. It was activated in early 1941 with a mission to defend Saint Lucia and the Caribbean region against enemy attacks. It was subsequently renamed Beane Air Force Base and was operated by the U.S. Air Force until it closed in 1949. The airfield was then handed over to the local government, which refurbished and converted it into a commercial airport.

George F.L. Charles Airport

George F.L. Charles Airport is the smaller of Saint Lucia's two airports. It is located in the capital city of Castries and handles inter-Caribbean passenger flights operated by regional turboprop aircraft and smaller prop aircraft. This airport is more convenient for travellers accessing northern resorts and attractions.

Airport facilities

St Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), the larger of the two, and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU). Hewanorra International Airport is located near Vieux Fort, around 53.4 km (33.2 miles) from the capital city, Castries. It is the island's primary airport for international travellers, accommodating 700,000 passengers per year. The airport has a single runway and is equipped with RNAV, VOR/DME, and NDB approaches. It offers parking for 250 cars, as well as car rental services from companies like Avis and Budget. The airport also has a bank with currency exchange and ATM facilities, along with cafés, bars, and restaurants. Additionally, the Iyanola Executive Lounge provides an exclusive space with an open bar, free Wi-Fi, snacks, and access to magazines and news journals.

George F.L. Charles Airport, on the other hand, is the smaller of the two airports and is located in the capital city of Castries. This airport primarily handles inter-Caribbean flights operated by regional turboprop aircraft and smaller prop aircraft. It is more convenient for accessing northern resorts and attractions.

Hewanorra International Airport is currently undergoing a $175 million redevelopment project to enhance its facilities and improve the customer experience. This includes plans for a new terminal building that will be more than twice the size of the current one, with additional jet bridges and parking positions. There are also proposals to redevelop a disused concrete runway to the north of the airport to improve cargo operations and access to hangars.

Frequently asked questions