Jazmin Li
Saint Lucia is a lush, green gem of the Caribbean, with palm-fringed beaches, plunging valleys, and rising peaks in lush rainforest. The island is serviced by two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF, ICAO: TLPL) and George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU). Hewanorra International Airport is the larger of the two and is located near Vieux Fort, about 53.4 km from the capital city, Castries. George F.L. Charles Airport, on the other hand, is located in the capital city of Castries and handles inter-Caribbean passenger flights. In this article, we will take a closer look at these two airports and discuss their history, facilities, and the best options for travellers.
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What You'll Learn
Hewanorra International Airport (UVF)
Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF, ICAO: TLPL) is located near Vieux Fort Quarter on the southern tip of Saint Lucia, in the Caribbean. It is the larger of the island's two airports and is managed by the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA). The airport is about 53.4 km (33.2 mi) from the capital city, Castries, and it handles 700,000 passengers a year. It can accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A330, and it offers modern facilities and amenities, including shopping, dining, and parking options.
The airport was originally named Beane Army Airfield and served as a military airfield for the United States Army Air Force during World War II. After the war, it was refurbished and converted into a commercial airport. Today, it is an important gateway for international travellers to Saint Lucia, particularly those arriving from North America and Canada. Several airlines offer direct flights to Saint Lucia from cities such as Miami, New York, Toronto, and Montreal.
Hewanorra International Airport has a single east-west runway, with turning bays at the end for back-tracking. The trade winds that blow across Saint Lucia typically result in arriving aircraft approaching from the west and departing flights taking off to the east. On rare occasions, weather disturbances such as hurricanes may force planes to adjust their takeoff and landing directions. The airport is equipped with RNAV, VOR/DME, and NDB approaches.
Parking at the airport is limited, with only about 100 spaces available. However, there are parking bays outside the entrance to the Departures Hall, and disabled parking options are also available. For those visiting Saint Lucia, it is important to have a valid passport or proof of citizenship, a return ticket, and to ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your scheduled departure.
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George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU)
George F.L. Charles Airport (IATA: SLU) is the smaller of St. Lucia's two airports, the other being Hewanorra International Airport. George F.L. Charles Airport is located in the capital city of Castries, in the Vigie region, and primarily serves inter-island regional travel. It is ideal for travellers embarking on island-hopping adventures or staying at Sandals Resorts in the Caribbean. The airport is closer to Sandals Resorts than Hewanorra International Airport, making it a good choice for those travelling from other Caribbean destinations.
George F.L. Charles Airport handles inter-Caribbean passenger flights, which are operated with regional turboprop aircraft and smaller prop aircraft. The airport offers a more compact and efficient experience compared to its larger counterpart, with facilities like snack bars and souvenir shops. It is also accessible by car, with the furthest resorts being just around an hour and a half away. For those seeking a quicker arrival, helicopter transfers are available, providing a scenic introduction to the island.
For international travellers, Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF) is the primary gateway, located about 40 miles (64 kilometres) south of Castries in Vieux Fort. UVF is Saint Lucia's largest and most popular international airport, offering modern facilities and amenities, including shopping, dining, and parking options. It is the preferred choice for guests arriving from international destinations such as the United States and Canada.
St. Lucia is a lush, green island nestled in the Eastern Caribbean, surrounded by vibrant neighbours like Barbados, Saint Vincent, and Martinique. It boasts stunning natural attractions, including the Piton Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and pristine beaches. The best time to visit St. Lucia is between mid-April and December, when the weather is favourable, and vibrant events take place across the island.
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Saint Lucia's two airports
Saint Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF, ICAO: TLPL) and George F. L. Charles Airport (IATA: SLU). Hewanorra International Airport, located near Vieux Fort Quarter in the south of the island, is the larger of the two airports and can handle 700,000 passengers per year. The airport is a Fire Category 9 facility that can accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A330. The airport has a single east-west runway and is managed by the Saint Lucia Air and Seaports Authority (SLASPA).
George F. L. Charles Airport, on the other hand, is located in the capital city of Castries and primarily serves inter-Caribbean flights. It is the smaller of the two airports and can be an ideal option for those connecting from other Caribbean islands or staying at nearby Sandals Resorts. The airport offers a more compact experience with facilities like snack bars and souvenir shops.
Hewanorra International Airport was originally named Beane Army Airfield and served as a military airfield for the United States Army Air Force during World War II. After being closed in 1949, the airbase was refurbished and converted into a commercial airport. Today, it is an important gateway for international travellers, offering modern facilities and amenities, including shopping, dining, and parking options.
The choice of airport for travellers to Saint Lucia often depends on their point of origin. George F. L. Charles Airport is a strategic choice for those embarking on island-hopping adventures or seeking quicker access to northern resorts and attractions. It is located closer to Sandals Resorts than Hewanorra International Airport.
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The airport's history
Saint Lucia is serviced by two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF, ICAO: TLPL) and George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU).
The Airports' History
Hewanorra International Airport is located near Vieux Fort Quarter, on the southern tip of the island, about 53.4 km (33.2 mi) from the capital city, Castries. The airport was originally named Beane Army Airfield and was activated in 1941 with a mission to defend Saint Lucia and the Caribbean region against enemy attacks. It was used by the United States Army Air Force and was later renamed Beane Air Force Base. The base was operated by the U.S. Air Force until 1949 when it was closed. The site was then refurbished and converted into a commercial airport. The name "Hewanorra" is derived from an Amerindian word meaning "(land of the) iguana".
The airport has a single east-west runway, with two taxiways and turning bays at the end for back-tracking. Due to the trade winds that blow northeast across Saint Lucia, aircraft typically arrive and depart in a westerly direction. The airport can handle large aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A330, and it accommodates around 700,000 passengers annually.
In the past, airlines such as BWIA West Indies Airways operated flights to and from Hewanorra International Airport, offering connections to various destinations in the Caribbean and North America. Today, the airport continues to receive daily flights from several airlines, providing convenient connections for travellers to and from Saint Lucia.
George F. L. Charles Airport, on the other hand, is located in the island's capital, Castries, or more specifically, in Vigie, just outside Castries. It is the smaller of the two airports and primarily serves inter-island regional travel. This airport is ideal for passengers embarking on island-hopping adventures or staying at nearby Caribbean resorts. It offers a more compact experience with facilities like snack bars and souvenir shops.
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Travel to Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is a lush, unspoiled island in the southeastern part of the Caribbean basin. It is a popular destination for travelers of all kinds, from music lovers to adrenaline junkies to honeymooners. The island offers breathtaking scenery, lush tropical landscapes, and vibrant local culture. The average temperature fluctuates by just a few degrees all year, so you can always enjoy a hot day at the beach. The dry season, from December to April, offers sunny skies, warm temperatures, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beachgoers and first-time visitors. From May to November, the tropical season offers quieter, more relaxed experiences, with lush greenery and occasional showers that bring out the beauty of the rainforests and waterfalls. This is the best time for hiking enthusiasts to visit.
When travelling to Saint Lucia, you can arrive by air or sea. The island is serviced by two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF, ICAO: TLPL), which is the larger of the two and located near Vieux Fort Quarter in the south of the island, and George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), a smaller airport located in the capital city of Castries. Several airlines offer direct flights to Saint Lucia from North America, including from Toronto-Pearson, Montreal, New York JFK, and Miami. To enter Saint Lucia, you will need a valid passport and proof of a return ticket. Citizens of the U.S. and Commonwealth countries, as well as most European countries, do not require a visa. It is recommended to have travel insurance, especially if travelling during hurricane season, which typically occurs between June and November.
Saint Lucia has a rich cultural offering with incredible festivals year-round. The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival in May features international and local artists. In July, the island hosts Carnival, a two-week celebration of the island's African heritage with music, parades, and costumes. August is Chocolate Heritage Month, a must for food lovers with indulgent chocolate-themed experiences. Other notable events include the Roots & Soul Fest in August and a vibrant New Year celebration.
When exploring the island, it is important to note that Saint Lucia follows British driving customs, with driving on the left side of the road. Public transportation is limited, so it is advisable to budget for taxi fares. Saint Lucia also has a 10% service charge added to hotel bills and restaurant checks, along with a tourism levy of a few dollars per night. The local currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (ECD), and ferry rides to and from the island can be paid for in this currency.
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Frequently asked questions
St. Lucia has two airports: Hewanorra International Airport (IATA: UVF, ICAO: TLPL) and George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU).
Hewanorra International Airport is located near Vieux Fort Quarter on the southern tip of the island, about 53.4 km (33.2 mi) from the capital city, Castries.
George F. L. Charles Airport is the smaller of the two airports and is located in the island's capital city of Castries.
