The arrival of the inaugural flight by Southwest Airlines at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), operating from Baltimore/Washington International Airport, marks a major milestone in Caribbean air connectivity and reinforces St. Maarten / Saint Martin’s position in the U.S. travel market.

This new service represents the successful outcome of a joint strategic effort led by Office de Tourisme de Saint-Martin and St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, aimed at strengthening the island’s presence in North America.

Expanding access from across the United States

The Baltimore route complements the recently launched Orlando–SXM service, integrating the island into Southwest’s extensive domestic network. This allows travelers from more than 45 U.S. cities to reach St. Maarten / Saint Martin with a single connection, significantly improving accessibility.

Orlando, one of Southwest’s main hubs, plays a key role in connecting travelers from the central and southern United States, while Baltimore enhances access from the Northeast—one of the Caribbean’s most important source markets.

Trade mission delivers strong results

From April 9 to 11, a destination delegation carried out a strategic mission in Baltimore, engaging with the travel trade and strengthening commercial relationships. During the visit:

• More than 25 tourism partners, including travel agents and tour operators, participated
• Destination updates and insights were shared
• Feedback from industry professionals was highly positive

The delegation also took part in the inaugural flight experience, both at departure and arrival, underscoring the commitment behind the new route.

A warm Caribbean welcome at SXM

Upon arrival, passengers were greeted with a vibrant cultural reception reflecting the island’s unique identity—featuring live performances, local hospitality, and a festive atmosphere that left a lasting impression.

Institutional presence and international projection

The event brought together tourism authorities, airport officials, and key stakeholders from across the sector. It also highlighted strong institutional representation, reinforcing international partnerships and positioning the destination within a highly competitive global tourism landscape.

SXM strengthens its role as a regional hub

The addition of Southwest further consolidates SXM’s role as a gateway to the Northeast Caribbean. From St. Maarten, travelers can easily connect to nearby islands such as Anguilla, Saint Barthélemy, and Saba.

Driving tourism growth

Tourism officials emphasized that this new connectivity opens the door to:

• Increased year-round visitor flows
• Greater international visibility
• Economic growth for the destination
• Diversification of source markets

As airlift expands, St. Maarten / Saint Martin is poised to strengthen its position as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations.