AIRPORT--Passengers on board a Winair flight from Saba on Tuesday morning were the first to make use of the arrival hall at the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) terminal building since the building was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The move is part of PJIA’s Package One – Temporary Operations. According to the airport on Tuesday, the return to the terminal building followed successful testing after the transfer of arrival operations was carried out on Monday.
The PJIA managing board has confirmed that departure operations will also be transferred back to the terminal building on Thursday. Once this is done, the temporary arrival and departure pavilions will be dismantled on December 15.
“I have nothing but admiration and respect for the tireless work done by each and every member of our staff who have made it possible for this giant step forward that we have taken today,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ravi Daryanani.
Chief Operations Officer (COO) Michel Hyman added, “This was a very important step in our recovery and reconstruction process. Additionally, the staff are the true heroes of this accomplishment.”
The official ceremony marking the return to the terminal building will be held on Tuesday, December 18, which will also kick off the airport’s 75th anniversary celebrations.
