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Connecting the Caribbean islands since 1961.
Founded
1961
Headquarters
Sint Maarten, Kingdom of the Netherlands
Windward Islands Airways, commonly known as Winair, is a regional Caribbean airline headquartered in Sint Maarten. Founded in 1961, it is one of the oldest continuously operating airlines in the Caribbean, providing essential inter-island connectivity across the northeastern Caribbean.
Winair primarily serves the Leeward and Windward Islands, linking destinations such as Sint Maarten, Saba, Sint Eustatius, St. Barths, Anguilla, Dominica, and other nearby islands. The airline plays a critical role in the regional economy by facilitating tourism and inter-island travel where no other practical transportation options exist.
The airline is partially owned by the government of Sint Maarten and has weathered numerous challenges over the decades, including the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017, which caused significant damage to its home base at Princess Juliana International Airport.
Hubs & network
Winair operates primarily out of Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Sint Maarten as its main hub.
Fleet
Winair operates a small fleet of turboprop aircraft, historically including de Havilland Canada Twin Otters and ATR 42s suited for short island hops.
Notable facts
- ›Winair is one of the oldest continuously operating airlines in the Caribbean, founded in 1961.
- ›The airline serves some of the smallest and most remote airstrips in the Caribbean, including Saba's Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, one of the world's shortest commercial runways.
- ›Hurricane Irma in 2017 severely impacted operations and infrastructure at Winair's home base.
- ›The government of Sint Maarten holds a significant ownership stake in the airline.
- ›Winair's IATA code is WM and its callsign is 'Winair'.
This profile is provided for general information only. Contact details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airline's official website before acting on them.
