The Saint-Martin Tourist Office (French side) participated alongside its counterparts from the Dutch side in the inauguration of the new route operated by Contour Airlines, which will connect Puerto Rico with Sint Maarten three times a week. The event marked an important moment for the island, which regains a strategic air link to strengthen its positioning in the Caribbean.

During the ceremony, Grégoire Dumel, representative of Discover Saint-Martin, highlighted the importance of this reopening: “While we thought this route was lost after Frontier’s withdrawal, we were very happy to learn that it would be maintained thanks to Contour.” The route, discontinued in mid-2024 following Frontier Airlines’ exit, was considered essential by both sides of the island due to its regional passenger flow and its role in Caribbean connectivity.

A strategic connection for regional tourism

The new service between San Juan (Puerto Rico) and Sint Maarten (SXM) will operate three times per week—on Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays—offering promotional fares and expanding travel options throughout the northern Caribbean. The airline will use regional aircraft configured for 30 passengers, featuring more spacious seating and included onboard service.

This route is especially relevant for Saint-Martin, which continues to strengthen its tourism presence following a notable increase in air arrivals recorded in 2025. The connection with Puerto Rico also serves as a gateway for travelers from the United States and other Caribbean destinations, boosting both long stays and weekend getaways.

Contour Airlines expands its Caribbean network

The announcement is part of Contour Airlines’ ongoing regional expansion, which in 2025 added several Eastern Caribbean destinations to its network, including St. Thomas and Dominica, consolidating its position as an emerging player in inter-island connectivity. These new routes integrate Sint Maarten into a more agile flight network, offering greater options for residents and visitors alike.

The airline’s presence also opens the door to institutional cooperation. During the inauguration, the Discover Saint-Martin team held meetings with Contour executives to explore joint initiatives aimed at strengthening the destination’s visibility in the region. Among the proposals discussed were concrete partnerships planned for late 2026, with the goal of launching regional promotional campaigns in 2027.

A joint boost for a shared island

The simultaneous participation of both tourism authorities—French and Dutch—underscores the uniqueness of Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten, an island politically divided but unified by a shared tourism strategy. The restoration of this route represents a coordinated effort that enhances the island’s competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic Caribbean, marked by sustained growth in connectivity and hotel occupancy.

With this new link, Saint-Martin improves its accessibility, diversifies its source markets, and advances in its goal of consolidating itself as a leading destination in both the Francophone and Dutch Caribbean.