Airports In Puerto Rico: A Comprehensive Guide

Puerto Rico has become the international airport hub of the Caribbean, with hundreds of direct and non-stop flights arriving and departing daily from around the world. The island has two principal airports offering trips from major cities in the United States, international destinations, and other Caribbean islands. There are also a handful of smaller airports scattered around the island.

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (San Juan Airport)

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, also known as San Juan Airport (SJU), is the largest and most accessible airport in Puerto Rico. Located in Isla Verde, in the Carolina district, it is just minutes away from San Juan.

The airport is a hub of activity, with more than 20 commercial airlines flying in and out of the city every day. It offers 80 daily nonstop flights to cities across the United States, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orlando, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and New York (JFK), to name a few. It also serves as a gateway to the Eastern Caribbean, with several airlines operating over 60 daily flights to more than 12 destinations in the region.

San Juan Airport is also a popular choice for international travellers. It offers weekly non-stop flights to international destinations such as Montreal, Toronto, Frankfurt, Madrid, and Bogotá. The airport is easily accessible, with parking and transportation options available on-site. However, due to its busy nature, with nearly four million passengers travelling through each year, it is recommended to arrive early for departures.

The airport is named after Luis Muñoz Marín, a prominent figure in Puerto Rico's history and politics. He served as the island's first democratically elected governor from 1949 to 1965 and is known for his contributions to the advancement of Puerto Rico's political status and economic development.

Rafael Hernández Airport

The airport handles almost half a million passengers annually, with flights to destinations such as Florida, New York, other parts of the USA, the Caribbean, and South America. It is home to Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen and U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. The runway at Rafael Hernández Airport is 11,702 feet (2.2163 miles) long, making it the longest in the Caribbean.

In the past, the airport has been served by several passenger air carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Connection, and Pan Am. The airport has also seen attempts at manufacturing aircraft, such as the Ahrens AR 404 regional airliner, although this project was ultimately cancelled due to a government investigation.

Expansion plans for the airport have been announced, including the construction of a new runway, a new passenger terminal, and additional cargo warehouses. These developments aim to attract more airlines and improve the airport's facilities.

Mercedita International Airport

Mercedita is a small commercial airport with just one runway. There are a few small duty-free shops, as well as limited parking, and taxi and shuttle options to reach Ponce. The airport is ideal for those spending most of their time in the south of the island.

Popular airlines that fly to and from Mercedita include JetBlue, Spirit, and Qatar Airlines. These airlines offer a handful of commercial flights from mainland USA, mainly to and from cities like Orlando and New York City.

Ponce, one of the major cities in Puerto Rico, is close to the airport. Visitors can spend their day exploring museums or checking out the city's nightlife. For those wanting to explore the blue waters, a trip to Caja de Muertos island is recommended.

Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport (Isla Grande Airport)

Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport, also known as the Isla Grande Airport, is located next to the Condado neighbourhood in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is the smaller of the two San Juan airports, with only one runway and a limited number of airlines flying through. The airport is a great option for those travelling to the nearby islands of Vieques and Culebra.

The airport is accessible via public transportation, and hourly parking is available by the main entrance. Vieques Air Link, Air Flamenco, and M&N Aviation are some of the popular airlines that service the airport.

The area surrounding the airport offers a variety of attractions, including tours of the city of San Juan and water activities like snorkelling, kayaking, and sailing from Old San Juan Bay.

José Aponte de la Torre Airport

When travelling to San Juan, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is the most convenient option, with over 20 commercial airlines flying in and out of the city daily. However, for those seeking smaller airports or alternative landing spots, José Aponte de la Torre Airport and the surrounding airfields might be worth considering.

Frequently asked questions