Last updated: October 22, 2026 · By Seth Semilof
St. Barts for New Year's at a glance
St. Barthélemy's tourism office lists New Year's Eve, December 31, among the island's main annual events, and celebrations center on Gustavia harbor. Holiday week is one of the busiest times to fly into the northeastern Caribbean. Getting there by private jet means planning two legs: a jet to a nearby hub, then a short hop to the island.
Why private jets can't land at St. Barts (SBH)
Rémy de Haenen Airport (SBH, formerly Gustaf III) is famous for one of the shortest runways in the Caribbean:
- Runway: one runway, 646 m by 18 m (about 2,119 by 59 ft), according to the French aeronautical information publication. The tourism office lists it as 650 m by 18 m.
- Who can land: the FAA's country notes say the airport is reserved for aircraft with suitable performance and characteristics. Landing needs prior permission, and the pilot must hold a certification from the relevant aviation authority.
- Hours: the airport opens at 7:00 a.m. local time and closes 15 minutes after sunset, which the tourism office puts between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. depending on the season. It is a visual flight rules (VFR) airport.
- Fuel: the French publication lists no fueling service at SBH.
In practice, SBH is served by small commuter aircraft and helicopters flown by specially qualified crews, not business jets.
How to connect: fly a jet to a nearby hub
St. Barts' tourism office says there are no direct long-haul flights to the island. Most travelers connect through St. Maarten (SXM), Guadeloupe (PTP), Antigua (ANU) or San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU).
St. Maarten (SXM): the main gateway
Princess Juliana International (SXM) has a dedicated private aviation terminal west of the main terminal, with FBOs run by ExecuJet by Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation, plus on-site customs and immigration. All private aircraft need landing clearance and slot approval in advance, which your operator and handler arrange. Atlantic lists the SXM runway at 7,546 ft. See our Princess Juliana airport page.
Sint Maarten requires every traveler entering the country, even in transit, to fill in its official entry form before arrival. Each person in your group completes their own.
From SXM to St. Barts
- By air: St Barth Commuter, Winair and Windward Express fly from SXM, and St Barth Executive offers air charters. West Indies Helicopters also flies to the island.
- By sea: ferries such as Great Bay Express and Voyager connect St. Maarten and Saint-Martin with Gustavia several times a day. The tourism office puts the crossing at about 45 minutes.
Other gateways: Tradewind Aviation runs scheduled service to St. Barts from San Juan and Antigua, and Air Antilles Express connects from Guadeloupe. Which hub works best depends on your jet's departure city, the time of day and your onward connection.
Timing your New Year's arrival
- Request your quote early. Holiday week brings heavy private and airline traffic to the region, and SXM requires advance slot approval for private aircraft.
- Land at SXM with daylight to spare. SBH closes 15 minutes after sunset. If your jet lands late in the day, your connection may not make it, and you would overnight in St. Maarten or take a ferry if one is still running.
- Book the connecting leg at the same time. Commuter seats, charters, helicopters and ferry seats fill up around New Year's. Tell us your group size and bags, because the aircraft into SBH are small.
- Allow for customs and entry. You clear customs and immigration in the SXM FBO and arrive in French territory at St. Barts. Have passports and the Sint Maarten entry form ready.
- Plan your return. Many guests leave on January 1 or 2. Reserve the connection back to SXM and the jet departure together so they line up.
Entry requirements
St. Barts' tourism office says all travelers need a valid passport. For U.S. and Canadian citizens it lists no visa for stays of 90 days or less, a passport valid for more than six months on entry, and a return or onward ticket. Some nationalities need a French visa that covers Saint-Barthélemy. Check the rules for your own situation before you travel.
How Haute Jets helps
Haute Jets is a private jet charter broker, not an aircraft operator. We arrange flights with Wyvern- and ARGUS-rated FAA Part 135 operators, with access to 3,500+ vetted aircraft. We can quote your jet to SXM and help you line up the connection to St. Barts. No jet cards and no membership fees to work with our VIP Team. You get your quote within 60 minutes.
Planning more of the trip? See our St. Barts private jet charter guide, the Miami to St. Barts route, and flying private to St. Barts.
Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661.
FAQs
Can a private jet land in St. Barts?
No. St. Barts' airport (SBH) has a 646 m runway reserved for aircraft with suitable performance, and landing requires prior permission and specially certified pilots. Jets usually land at St. Maarten (SXM), and you connect from there.
What is the best airport to fly into for St. Barts?
Princess Juliana International (SXM) in St. Maarten is the main gateway. It has private aviation FBOs run by ExecuJet by Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation, with on-site customs. Guadeloupe (PTP), Antigua (ANU) and San Juan (SJU) also connect to St. Barts.
How do I get from St. Maarten to St. Barts?
By a short commuter flight, an air charter, a helicopter, or a ferry to Gustavia. The tourism office puts the ferry crossing at about 45 minutes.
Can I land at St. Barts at night?
No. SBH opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes 15 minutes after sunset, so plan your jet's arrival at the hub with time to connect in daylight.
Do I need a jet card to fly with Haute Jets?
No. There are no jet cards and no membership fees to work with our VIP Team.
Sources
- Saint Barth Tourism, Travel: https://www.saintbarth-tourisme.com/travel
- Saint Barth Tourism, events calendar: https://www.saintbarth-tourisme.com/
- SIA (French AIS), AD 2 TFFJ Saint-Barthélemy: sia.aviation-civile.gouv.fr
- FAA International Flight Information Manual, Saint Barthélemy: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/ifim/country_info/PDF/BL.pdf
- Princess Juliana International Airport, Private Aviation: https://www.sxmairport.com/airport-services/private-aviation
- Atlantic Aviation SXM: https://www.atlanticaviation.com/locations/SXM · Signature SXM: https://www.signatureaviation.com/locations/SXM