Here’s a comprehensive overview of the air transport facilities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines:
1. Argyle International Airport (AIA) – IATA: SVD
- Location: Argyle, ~8 km southeast of Kingstown
- Opened: 14 February 2017, replacing the smaller E.T. Joshua Airport
- Runway: 2,743 m asphalt (04/22), accommodates large commercial jets
- Passenger capacity: Around 1.5 million/year; ~610,000 served in 2023
- Airlines & destinations:
- Direct flights to the U.S., Canada, UK, and several Caribbean countries (e.g., Miami, Toronto, London, Barbados)
- National carriers: SVG Air, Mustique Airways, Air Adelphi
- Facilities: Modern terminal with international arrivals/departures, dining, shops, currency exchange, cargo and ground handling services
- Resilience: Second solar-powered airport in the region; reopened after Hurricane Beryl in July 2024
2. Domestic & Regional Airports in the Grenadines
Served mainly by turboprops or STOL aircraft, connecting to Kingstown and between islands.
| Airport | IATA | Island | Runway (m) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. F. Mitchell Airport | BQU | Bequia | ~1,100 | Domestic/regional, some flights from Barbados, St. Lucia en.wikipedia.org+13en.wikipedia.org+13countryaah.com+13 |
| Canouan Airport | CIW | Canouan | Medium | Meets international stds; popular with charters and private jets |
| Mustique Airport | MQS | Mustique | ~992 | Private island airfield with VIP lounge; STOL ops only |
| Union Island Airport | UNI | Union Island | ~752 | Smallest runway; STOL; checking & customs |
| Palm Island Airport | PLI | Palm Island | Small | Private airstrip for resort access |
All are served by SVG Air and Mustique Airways, often under the SVG Air/Grenadine Air Alliance
How to Travel
- International arrivals/departures: via Argyle (AIA)
- Transfers within SVG: turboprops from Argyle to Grenadines islands (avg. 15–30 min flights)
- Ground transport: Taxis, shuttles, rentals available at most airports
- Departure tax: approx. EC$40 at Argyle
Why AIA Matters
- It’s the only international airport in the country, transforming connectivity for tourism and investment
- Supports direct international routes and a modern hub for cargo and air travel.
