Roberta Aguirre
Saint Lucia, a lush Caribbean island, is accessible by air, cruise, or island-hopping. The island is serviced by two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU). Hewanorra International Airport, located near Vieux Fort, is the larger and more popular airport for international travellers, offering modern facilities and daily flights from several airlines. George F.L. Charles Airport, situated in Castries, is the smaller airport, catering primarily to inter-island regional travel. Both airports provide stunning views of the island, known for its emerald landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and sun-kissed beaches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Airports | Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU) |
| Location | Hewanorra International Airport is located in Vieux Fort, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) or 53.4 km (33.2 mi) south of the capital city, Castries. George F.L. Charles Airport is located in Vigie, just outside Castries, the capital city. |
| Size | Hewanorra International Airport is the larger of the two airports. George F.L. Charles Airport is the smallest of the two airports. |
| Type of Flights | Hewanorra International Airport is an international airport and primarily caters to international flights. George F.L. Charles Airport primarily serves inter-island regional travel and handles inter-Caribbean flights. |
| Facilities | Hewanorra International Airport offers modern facilities and amenities, including shopping, dining options, and parking. George F.L. Charles Airport offers facilities like snack bars and souvenir shops. |
| Passenger Capacity | Hewanorra International Airport can handle 700,000 passengers annually. |
| Aircraft Accommodated | Hewanorra International Airport can accommodate Boeing 747, Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Boeing 777, and other long-range intercontinental jet aircraft. George F.L. Charles Airport handles regional turboprop aircraft and smaller prop aircraft for inter-Caribbean flights. |
| Historical Significance | Hewanorra International Airport was originally named Beane Army Airfield and was used by the United States Army Air Force during World War II. It was later operated as Beane Air Force Base by the U.S. Air Force before being closed in 1949. The airport was then refurbished and converted into a commercial airport. |
| Airlines and Destinations | Hewanorra International Airport receives daily flights from several airlines, including American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, United Airlines, Air Canada, and WestJet. It offers direct flights from cities in North America, such as Miami, Charlotte, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Atlanta, Toronto, and Montreal. George F.L. Charles Airport is ideal for island-hopping adventures and serves as a gateway to Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean. |
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What You'll Learn
St. Lucia's Hewanorra International Airport (UVF)
St. Lucia is a lush, green gem of the Caribbean, boasting sun-kissed beaches, cascading waterfalls, and the striking Piton Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island is serviced by two airports: the Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and the George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU).
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), located near Vieux Fort, is Saint Lucia's largest and most popular international airport. It is situated about 40 miles (64 kilometers) or 53.4 km (33.2 miles) south of Castries, the capital city. UVF offers modern facilities, including shopping, dining, and parking options. The airport handles 700,000 passengers annually and can accommodate various long-range intercontinental jet aircraft, such as Boeing 747 and Airbus A330. It is the preferred choice for international travellers from destinations like the United States, Canada, and various Caribbean islands.
The airport has a rich history, originally named Beane Army Airfield and serving as a military airfield for the United States Army Air Force during World War II. After its closure in 1949, it was refurbished and converted into a commercial airport. Today, UVF is a vital gateway to Saint Lucia, with daily flights from several airlines, providing convenient connections for travellers worldwide.
Proposals have been made to expand Hewanorra International Airport to accommodate Saint Lucia's growing tourism industry. Plans include a new terminal building, additional jet bridges, and expanded parking positions, including stands capable of handling larger aircraft like the Airbus A380.
For travellers requiring disabled parking at Hewanorra UVF Airport, it is recommended to contact the airport manager for assistance. The airport offers a convenient parking experience, with parking bays available outside the Departures Hall.
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George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU)
Saint Lucia, a lush Caribbean island, is home to two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU). George F.L. Charles Airport, the focus of this discussion, is the smaller of the two airports and is located in Vigie, just outside Castries, the capital city of St. Lucia. It is about 2 km (1.2 mi) north of the capital. The airport was renamed in 1997 to honour Saint Lucian politician Sir George Frederick Lawrence Charles (1916-2004) and was previously known as Vigie Field.
George F.L. Charles Airport primarily serves inter-island regional travel and is ideal for travellers embarking on island-hopping adventures or staying at Caribbean resorts. It offers a more compact and efficient experience compared to the larger Hewanorra International Airport. The airport's runway runs parallel to Vigie Beach, a popular tourist attraction, and it handles around 32,000 flights per year, carrying approximately 394,000 passengers. Most flights operate with turboprop aircraft such as the ATR 72-500 or the de Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8. The airport currently has no scheduled jet service, with all jet services operating through Hewanorra International Airport.
George F.L. Charles Airport is managed by the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) and is closer to Sandals Resorts than Hewanorra International Airport. It offers facilities such as snack bars and souvenir shops. The airport is easily accessible by car, and airport transfers to and from the resorts are included in Saint Lucia vacation packages for all Sandals guests. For those seeking a quicker arrival, helicopter transfers are also available, providing a scenic introduction to the island.
The airport has a rich history, with British West Indies Airways (BWIA) serving Vigie Field as early as 1950. By 1965, BWIA was operating daily flights to various Caribbean destinations with Vickers Viscount turboprop airliners. In 1995, Carib Express operated jet flights into the airport from several Caribbean islands, and in 1996, BWIA operated McDonnell Douglas MD-80 jetliners between the airport and Miami and New York. The airport also houses the George Charles Outstation of the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority, General Aviation Services, and the Island Flyers Club.
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St. Lucia's airport history
Saint Lucia is a lush, green gem of the Caribbean, surrounded by vibrant neighbours like Barbados, Saint Vincent, and Martinique. The island is home to two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU).
Hewanorra International Airport, located near Vieux Fort Quarter, is the larger of the two airports in Saint Lucia. It is situated on the southern cape of the island, about 53.4 km (33.2 mi) from Castries, the capital city. The airport is managed by the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA) and is a Fire Category 9 facility, handling 700,000 passengers annually. The airport can accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A330. It is the primary gateway for international travellers, offering modern facilities, including shopping, dining, and parking options.
Hewanorra International Airport has a rich history, originally named Beane Army Airfield and serving as a military airfield for the United States Army Air Force during World War II. It was activated in 1941 to defend Saint Lucia and the Caribbean region against enemy attacks. After the war, the airfield was closed in 1949 and later refurbished and converted into a commercial airport. The name "Hewanorra" is derived from an Amerindian word meaning "(land of the) iguana".
Over the years, the airport has seen the introduction of various jet services, with British Airways, BWIA West Indies Airways, and Eastern Airlines operating jet flights in the 1970s. By 1976, British Airways was offering weekly nonstop Boeing 707 flights from Barbados and Port of Spain, originating in London. In 1995, BWIA operated nonstop McDonnell Douglas MD-80 service from New York JFK Airport, and Air Canada offered weekend nonstop service from Toronto.
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. It primarily serves inter-island regional travel and is ideal for travellers embarking on island-hopping adventures. The airport handles inter-Caribbean passenger flights operated with regional turboprop and smaller prop aircraft. It offers a more compact and efficient experience, with facilities like snack bars and souvenir shops.
Both airports provide easy access to Saint Lucia, and the choice between them often depends on the traveller's point of origin and their specific travel plans within the Caribbean region.
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Passenger requirements
Saint Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) in Vieux Fort and George F.L. Charles Airport, an inter-island airport just outside Castries, the capital city.
Travel Authorisation
All passengers must complete the Saint Lucia Travel Authorisation form to enter the country. This can be done online or at the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency and the St Lucia Customs Agency website. The form requires flight details, including the airline, flight number, and date of travel, as well as passport information for all travellers. This pre-processing of information is designed to reduce wait times at the airport.
Passport
Foreign nationals entering Saint Lucia must have a valid passport from their country. For OECS citizens, a photo ID card is sufficient.
Immunisation
Immunisation is not required unless travellers are coming from an infected area within six days of arrival. However, immunisations for Hepatitis A, Polio, and Typhoid are recommended.
Currency
Saint Lucia has a different currency from the United States, so passengers may need to exchange money. There are currency exchange booths at the airport, and some hotels or resorts may be able to exchange money at the front desk. Banks are also available for currency exchange from Monday to Thursday, 8.00 am to 2.00 pm, and Friday, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Voltage
Saint Lucia typically uses 240 Volts, 50 cycles AC, which is higher than in the United States. Most visitors will need a converter or transformer, which can be purchased at resorts or online.
Transportation
For transportation on the island, public options include minibuses and taxis. A local temporary driver's license is required and can be obtained at car rental offices and the Transportation Office in Gros Islet. Driving is on the left-hand side of the road, and caution should be exercised due to sudden braking and lack of safety devices on some vehicles.
Departure Tax
For passengers over 12 years old, a departure tax is included in the price of the ticket when leaving Saint Lucia via air or sea travel.
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Transport options from the airport
Saint Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU). UVF is the larger of the two and is located near Vieux Fort, about 40 miles (64 kilometres) or 53.4 kilometres from Castries, the capital city of Saint Lucia. SLU, on the other hand, is located in Vigie, just outside Castries.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at both UVF and SLU airports. You can book a taxi in advance or find one at the airport. Some taxi companies offer additional services such as airport meet and greet, where a chauffeur will assist you with your luggage and escort you to your vehicle.
Shuttle
There are shuttle services available, such as the St. Lucia Airport Shuttle, which provides transfers to and from the airport. These services often offer competitive rates and comfortable vehicles with air conditioning.
Minibus
Minibuses are the main means of transportation for local residents in Saint Lucia. They can be a good option for visitors who want an affordable and cultural experience. Minibuses can be identified by their green number plates with an "M" prefix, and fares typically range from EC$2.50 to EC$8.00.
Car rental
If you prefer to drive yourself, you can obtain a temporary driving license upon arrival at the airport, at the police station in Castries, or at car rental offices. Remember that Saint Lucia drives on the left side of the road.
Water taxi
For a unique transfer experience, you can opt for a water taxi service such as FunToSee Island Water Ferry, which offers transfers between Hewanorra Airport and luxury resorts on the northwest side of the island.
Helicopter
For a faster and more scenic transfer, consider a helicopter ride between Hewanorra and George FL Charles airports, reducing travel time between the south and north of the island.
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Frequently asked questions
St Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU).
Hewanorra International Airport is the larger of the two airports in St Lucia. It is located on the southern tip of the island in Vieux Fort, about 40-53 miles from the capital city, Castries.
George F.L. Charles Airport is the smaller of the two airports in St Lucia. It is located in the capital city of Castries and primarily serves inter-island regional travel.
