Catarino's Deli

The only real issue with the approach is the fact that it is over water, a factor which can lead to disorientation with regards to perceived altitude when flying visually. Normal instrument checks coupled with experience and awareness ensure this is not a problem. In fact, the departure presents more "difficulties" than the approach, with a turn required to avoid mountains in the departure path.

Incoming airplanes approach the island on short final for Runaway 09 flying low over the famous Maho beach. At any other airport aircraft fly at the same altitude at that point in the approach, but other airports don't have a beach, road and a fence just beyond the runway end. Pictures of low flying aircraft were published in several news magazines worldwide in early 2000 and looked so unreal that some were even disputed as fakes. The thrilling approaches and ease of access for shooting spectacular images made the airport one of the world's favorite places among planespotters. To meet changing international and local regulations a 150 meter safety extension was required.

Despite the reputed difficulties in approach, there have been no records of major incidents at the airport, though ALM Flight 980 crashed 30 miles from St. Croix after several unsuccessful landing attempts at Saint Maarten-Juliana Airport.