Published on
August 18, 2025
Bad weather has forced Winair to ground multiple flights serving travelers from the Netherlands and Sweden, disrupting journeys from Princess Juliana International and Gustaf III International airports. Intense thunderstorms and hazardous flying conditions led the airline to suspend operations, with the St. Maarten–St. Barthélemy route bearing the brunt of the cancellations. Passengers are navigating lengthy delays, scrambling for alternate bookings, and seeking last-minute lodging, underscoring the Caribbean’s propensity for sudden weather shifts and the ripple effect on the tourism sector and inter-island travel.
Winair has been severely impacted by bad weather conditions, leading to the cancellation of 8 flights and the delay of 2 others, affecting about 11% and 2% of their scheduled services, respectively. The cancellations and delays primarily affected routes between Princess Juliana International (SXM) and Gustaf III International (SBH), with multiple flights from both airports scheduled on Monday and Tuesday facing disruptions. Passengers traveling between these two key Caribbean airports, particularly from the Netherlands and Sweden, have experienced significant travel interruptions, with the airline working to accommodate rebookings and provide assistance during the stormy weather conditions.
Travelers from the Netherlands and Sweden found themselves stranded or facing significant delays as a result of Winair flight cancellations at two key airports in the Caribbean: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and Gustaf III International Airport (SBH). The disruptions, caused by severe weather conditions, have led to widespread travel interruptions, impacting numerous passengers planning to travel between these iconic destinations.
Weather Woes at Princess Juliana and Gustaf III International Airports
Winair, a regional airline known for connecting various Caribbean islands, was forced to cancel several flights on both Monday and Tuesday due to the relentless weather conditions affecting the region. Princess Juliana International Airport, located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, and Gustaf III International Airport on St. Barthélemy (commonly known as St. Barts) were severely impacted by the cancellations.
The weather, which included intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, caused dangerous flying conditions, leading to the decision to ground the flights. These two airports are critical hubs for regional travel, especially between the Caribbean and European markets. However, the current weather situation left passengers from the Netherlands and Sweden facing major disruptions in their travel plans.
Winair Cancellations and Impact on Passengers
Several Winair flights were canceled, primarily on the routes between Princess Juliana International and Gustaf III International airports. The affected flights included multiple daily services, including those departing from the Dutch Caribbean’s busiest airport, Princess Juliana, and those heading to Gustaf III in St. Barts.
Among the canceled flights were routes scheduled for Monday, starting from WIA657 (Princess Juliana to Gustaf III) at 02:52 PM and continuing until late afternoon. The last flight scheduled for the day, WIA676, which was to depart from Gustaf III to Princess Juliana at 05:27 PM, also faced cancellation.
The same situation unfolded on Tuesday, with similar cancellations affecting flight routes between these two popular destinations. Winair, in response to the cancellations, advised passengers to stay informed via the airline’s customer service channels and online platforms.
Travelers from the Netherlands and Sweden who were set to board these flights were most impacted. These two countries are among the key European markets sending travelers to the Caribbean for vacations, business, and leisure purposes. As a result, the cancellation of flights has caused significant inconvenience for passengers planning to fly from both Europe and the Caribbean.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
For travelers who were set to depart from or arrive at these airports, the situation has been frustrating, as Winair worked to manage the cancellations. Passengers were advised to check for alternative travel options, including rescheduled flights or accommodation in nearby cities while they awaited the next available flight.
With the absence of immediate alternatives, many travelers from the Netherlands and Sweden faced the challenge of finding overnight accommodations in the region, particularly in St. Maarten and St. Barthélemy. These islands, known for their luxury resorts and vibrant tourism industry, were now home to a mix of frustrated vacationers and business travelers caught off guard by the storm.
For those relying on connecting flights through these Caribbean hubs, the delays and cancellations meant that further travel connections were also affected. Airlines operating out of these airports had to adjust their schedules, further complicating the travel experience.
Winair’s Response to the Situation
Winair has expressed its commitment to ensuring the safety and comfort of its passengers, despite the challenges presented by the severe weather. The airline issued statements encouraging passengers to rebook flights, if possible, or make arrangements to accommodate the situation.
Given the unpredictability of weather patterns in the Caribbean, Winair assured travelers that it was closely monitoring conditions and would provide updates as the weather improved. The airline emphasized that passenger safety was their primary concern and that these measures, though inconvenient, were necessary to protect everyone on board.
In addition to rebooking options, Winair worked to provide assistance to affected travelers, ensuring they had the necessary information for accommodations and alternative travel arrangements. For travelers from the Netherlands and Sweden, Winair’s customer service teams assisted in navigating the cancellations and offering rescheduled flight options for those whose plans had been disrupted.
The Broader Impact on Caribbean Tourism
While these cancellations have affected a number of travelers, the broader impact extends to the tourism industry in both St. Maarten and St. Barthélemy. These islands are top vacation destinations for European travelers, particularly those from Northern Europe. Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, and such disruptions could have a ripple effect on local businesses, including hotels, tour operators, and restaurants.
Despite the setbacks, both Princess Juliana and Gustaf III airports continue to serve as major entry points for tourists heading to the Caribbean. As the weather clears, the airports are expected to resume normal operations, and Winair is anticipated to operate additional flights to accommodate the backlog of passengers.
For the time being, travelers are urged to stay in close contact with their airline and adjust their plans accordingly. Many passengers are now exploring alternative routes to reach their destinations, with some choosing to fly via larger international hubs in the region or even consider extending their stay in the Caribbean until conditions improve.
Travelers from the Netherlands and Sweden have been significantly impacted by Winair cancellations at Princess Juliana International and Gustaf III International airports due to severe weather conditions, disrupting their travel plans. The adverse weather, including thunderstorms, has caused dangerous flying conditions, leading to widespread flight delays and cancellations.
Conclusion
The Winair flight cancellations at Princess Juliana International and Gustaf III International airports have been a significant disruption for travelers, particularly for passengers from the Netherlands and Sweden. The bad weather conditions, which caused these cancellations, have affected travel plans, forcing passengers to adjust their schedules, find alternative routes, and make last-minute accommodation arrangements.
While the situation has been far from ideal, both Winair and the airports are working to resolve the issue and minimize disruptions. Travelers are encouraged to remain patient and informed as the storm subsides and normal operations resume. Despite these challenges, the Caribbean remains a vibrant destination, and with improved weather conditions, travel will soon return to normal.
