SXM has become a leader in Caribbean aviation. It is far more than just a facility; for many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from the stunning approach to the runway - with its spectacular landing and take-off, which has made it world-famous for plane-spotters - to its unique character and sense of place.

Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in Saint Martin is world-famous because its runway (Runway 10) is located mere yards away from Maho Beach. This unique proximity creates one of the most thrilling and photographed spectacles in aviation: large commercial jets, including Boeing 787s and Airbus A350s, fly at incredibly low altitudes directly over the heads of beachgoers as they approach for landing. The sensation is so intense that "plane spotting" at Maho Beach has become a global bucket-list item. In addition to the spectacular landings, the "jet blast" from departing aircraft is a controversial attraction, as it can blow sand and unsecured items (and occasionally people) into the water. Despite the safety warnings and fences, the airport remains a symbol of the island's tourism. In 2026, after years of post-hurricane reconstruction, the airport features a modernized terminal, but the "low-approach" landing experience remains the defining, heart-pounding attraction that makes SXM a legend in the world of travel.