The Department of Statistics tracks all visitors (including post immigration transfers) at Princess
Juliana International Airport as Air Passenger Arrivals. St. Maarten’s hub status means some
travelers connect to nearby islands, including French St. Martin. The new digital immigration
system enhances data accuracy, though limitations persist in distinguishing transfers, residents, and
EU citizens, impacting detailed statistics. The term “Air Passenger Arrivals” is now used to reflect all
arrivals through the airport port of entry, providing a broader and more accurate representation of
air traffic and tourism movements.
Passenger Air Arrivals results for Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025
Total air passenger arrivals in Q1 2026 reached 314,765, reflecting an increase of 57,842
passengers, or 23%, compared to Q1 2025.
North America (the United States and Canada) remained the primary source market,
accounting for 213,595 arrivals, or 67.9% of all arrivals during quarter 1 of 2026.
The United States continued to be the largest individual market, contributing 171,340
arrivals, which represented 54.4% of total arrivals and approximately 80% of the North
American market (USA & Canada), with an average of more than 57,000 passengers per
month.
The European Union ranked as the second-largest market with 76,790 arrivals, accounting
for 24.4% of total arrivals of Q1 2026. France led the region with 31,091 arrivals (40.5% of
EU arrivals and 9.9% overall), followed by the Netherlands with 18,502 arrivals (24.1% of EU
arrivals and 5.9% overall).
The Caribbean region recorded 9,946 arrivals, representing 3.2% of total arrivals and
averaging more than 3,300 passengers monthly.
Central and South America contributed 8,588 arrivals, or 2.7% of total arrivals, averaging
more than 2,800 passengers per month and showing an increase of approximately 1,700
passengers compared to Q1 2025.
Arrivals from the Rest of the World totalled 5,846 passengers, accounting for 1.9% of total
arrivals and averaging more than 1,900 passengers monthly.