SXM airport as yesterday.
Here's a short description of my flight from Europe.American Airlines from London to SXM with a stop (1 night) in Miami.
The usual "american hell" (sorry,guys)...tons of questioning in London for security purposes (where,how,with you...etc),and questions increasingly stupid,to be honest.Once in Miami,ver 1 hour to get out of the airport...They have hundreds of machines to process ESTA passengers...but you still need a guy to verify after.Of course,shortage of manpower and huge lines...When will they get it ?
Please note both AA flights were perfectly on time (Air France,if you are listening )
the MIA-SXM was 75% full.Not bad in october in my opinion
SXM terminal is now "outside" in a tent.2 agents to process all passengers...(due to lack of space)
I then connected on a winair flight (took a bus to go to another tent).After going through immigration and security again,you end in the former luggage area,converted in a hall....The "blue bitch bar" has opened there (true).
Talked to an airport rep.He said the structure of the airport moved during Irma,as the hurricane was so intense.Experts will need to assess the building before starting renovation.He expected a 1 year process.He also said the delta flights were kind of empty at the moment
Locals are doing their best...but clearly,the airport is a huge disaster.Can they handle several planes at the same time in winter ? I am not sure.
I highly suggest flying through SJU and connecting with tradewinds to reach SBH...or Antigua,or pointe a Pitre (if you are really desperate).
Security and boarding are much faster in other airports.Too bad for Miami.
The AA flight also lands late (15.10 in SXM)...few options to fly to SBH from there that late.Did winair or commuter bother to adapt schedule ? nope...Commuter cancelled flights to Juliana and flies grand case for the moment....so you can all enjoy the lovely taste of St Marteen taxis.))