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Saint Lucia, a lush, green gem of the Caribbean, is a popular tourist destination. It is served by two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU). Hewanorra International Airport, located in Vieux Fort, is the island's largest and most popular airport, offering modern facilities and amenities. On the other hand, George F.L. Charles Airport, located just outside Castries, is the smaller of the two and primarily serves inter-island travel. This article will focus on the amenities offered by Hewanorra International Airport, including whether it is air-conditioned.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Airport | Hewanorra International Airport |
| Airport Code | UVF |
| Location | Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia |
| Distance from the Capital City | 40 miles |
| Airlines Operating | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, British Airways, BWIA West Indies Airways, Eastern Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines, WestJet |
| Number of Flights | 130 flights per month |
| Best Day to Fly | Tuesday |
| Cheapest Month to Fly | February |
| Facilities | Shopping, Dining Options, Parking, Snack Bars, Souvenir Shops |
| Runway | Single east-west runway |
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What You'll Learn
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is St. Lucia's main airport
Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF, ICAO: TLPL) is St. Lucia's leading flight hub and the larger of the island's two airports. It is located in Vieux Fort, on the southern tip of the island, about 53.4 km (33.2 mi) from the capital city, Castries. The airport is managed by the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) and serves as the main gateway for international visitors to St. Lucia.
Hewanorra International Airport offers flights to a range of destinations throughout the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. It is equipped with modern facilities and a range of services, including duty-free shopping, dining options, currency exchange, and car rental services. The airport also provides taxi services, shuttles, and a variety of private transfer options for travellers.
The airport is a Fire Category 9 facility that handles 700,000 passengers annually and can accommodate various aircraft, including Boeing 747, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, and Boeing 777. Aircraft maintenance is provided by Caribbean Dispatch Services. The airport has a single east-west runway, with arriving aircraft typically approaching from the west coast and departing flights taking off along the east coast due to prevailing trade winds.
Hewanorra International Airport was originally named Beane Army Airfield and served as a military airfield during World War II. It was later refurbished and converted into a commercial airport. The airport has faced some challenges, including limited parking spaces and long wait times, particularly during peak hours. However, it is generally praised for its efficiency, with seamless baggage claim and customs processes.
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George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) is the smaller airport for regional flights
Saint Lucia is a lush, green gem of the Caribbean, known for its sun-kissed beaches and cascading waterfalls. It is a small island, just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, and is located in the middle of the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands between Martinique and St. Vincent. The island has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU).
George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) is the smaller of Saint Lucia's two airports and primarily serves inter-island regional flights. It is located in Vigie, just outside Castries, the capital city. This airport is ideal for travellers embarking on island-hopping adventures and those staying at Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean. George F.L. Charles Airport offers a more compact and efficient experience compared to Hewanorra International Airport. It provides facilities such as snack bars and souvenir shops. It is also the closest airport to the Sandals Resorts, making it a convenient choice for travellers heading to those destinations.
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), on the other hand, is the larger and more popular airport for international travellers, particularly those arriving from destinations such as the United States and Canada. It is located in Vieux Fort, about 40 miles south of Castries. This airport offers modern facilities and amenities, including shopping, dining options, and parking. It is well-connected, with daily flights from several airlines and convenient connections to and from Saint Lucia.
Both airports provide easy access to the island's natural beauty, including the famous Piton Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to visit Saint Lucia is between mid-April and December, when the weather is favourable and there are vibrant events to enjoy.
When planning a trip to Saint Lucia, it is important to consider your travel preferences and itinerary. George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) is a great choice for those interested in regional travel and island-hopping, while Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) caters more to international travellers seeking modern amenities and a wider range of flight options.
In summary, George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) is the smaller airport in Saint Lucia, catering primarily to regional flights and inter-island travel. It offers a convenient and efficient experience for travellers exploring the Caribbean islands and those staying at nearby Sandals Resorts.
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The airport was a former US military base
Hewanorra International Airport, St Lucia's leading flight hub, was originally named Beane Army Airfield and was used as a military airfield by the United States Army Air Forces' Sixth Air Force during World War II. The US Army activated Beane Field in 1941 with a mission to defend St Lucia and the Caribbean region against enemy attacks. The base was then renamed Beane Air Force Base and was operated by the US Air Force before being closed in 1949.
The former military airbase was then refurbished and converted into a commercial airport. There is a disused runway north of the main runway that was built by the American military during World War II. This runway could be recommissioned as a taxiway for cargo operations and access to hangars. One proposal is to move cargo operations to the north side of the airport, putting in all the necessary infrastructure, as well as two stands for aircraft up to Boeing 747 freighter size.
The airport is located in Vieux Fort, on the southern part of the island, and is St Lucia's largest and most popular international airport. It is the primary gateway for international travellers, especially those arriving from the United States and Canada. Hewanorra International Airport offers modern facilities and amenities, including shopping and dining options. The airport houses 17 international and regional airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways.
The airport's single runway handles arrivals and departures, with typical flight paths along the west and east coasts of St Lucia, respectively. On rare occasions, weather disturbances may force planes to take off or land in a westerly direction. The airport is equipped with RNAV, VOR/DME, and NDB approaches to assist in navigation and landing.
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The airport has modern facilities and amenities
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort is located 40 miles south of Castries, the capital city of St. Lucia. It is the island's leading flight hub and the largest and most popular international airport in St. Lucia. The airport guarantees modern facilities and amenities, including shopping, dining options, and parking.
The airport was originally named Beane Army Airfield and was used as a military airfield by the United States Army Air Forces' Sixth Air Force during World War II. It was subsequently renamed Beane Air Force Base and was operated by the U.S. Air Force before being closed in 1949. The former military airbase was then refurbished and converted into a commercial airport.
Hewanorra International Airport is equipped with RNAV, VOR/DME, and NDB approaches. The airport houses the Hewanorra Outstation of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority. The airport uses a single east-west runway, connected by two taxiways at its midsection, with turning bays at the end for back-tracking. As a result of the trade winds that blow northeast across St. Lucia, aircraft typically arrive and depart in a westerly direction.
The airport services 17 international and regional airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, British Airways, and Air Canada. It offers convenient connections to and from St. Lucia, with daily flights from several airlines providing connections to cities in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.
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The best time to visit St. Lucia is between mid-April and December
St Lucia's Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is located 40 miles south of Castries, the capital city. The airport has a single runway, with two taxiways and turning bays at the end for back-tracking. The airport is equipped with RNAV, VOR/DME, and NDB approaches.
Now, onto the best time to visit St. Lucia!
The best time to visit St. Lucia is subjective and depends on your travel preferences. The island experiences two seasons: wet and dry. The dry season, from December to April, is considered the high season, with peak sunshine, calm seas, and perfect underwater visibility. This period is ideal for beach vacations, snorkelling, and swimming. However, it is also the busiest and most expensive time, with increased visitor numbers and higher accommodation rates.
If you prefer fewer crowds and lush landscapes, consider visiting St. Lucia between mid-April and December, specifically from May to November. During these months, the island's rainforests and waterfalls are at their most beautiful, with vivid greenery and flowing waterfalls. You can also enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists, making it perfect for a more relaxed vacation.
The months of May and June offer wonderful weather, with temperatures in the high 70s to 80s Fahrenheit. April and May are also considered the best time for swimming, as the water is warmer and the beaches are less crowded.
If you're interested in St. Lucia's cultural festivals, the island hosts events throughout the year, including the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival in May, Carnival in July, Chocolate Heritage Month in August, and Roots & Soul Fest in August.
For whale watchers, the best time to visit is between October and February, as you can avoid the hurricane season while still having the opportunity to see these majestic creatures.
When planning your trip to St. Lucia, it's recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred accommodations, especially if you're visiting during the high season.
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