At theHeart of theMatter
A
irports are rarely more scenic than George F. L. Charles
Airport – nestled between lush, green hills on the
golden sands of Vigie Beach, just a few kilometres north of
Saint Lucia’s capital, Castries.
George F.L. Charles Airport is a user-friendly, small-scale
facility handling 226,143 passengers in 2012, mainly on
regional flights to/from Caribbean destinations, including
St Vincent, Martinique, Grenada, Trinidad and Barbados.
Aircraft using the four parking stands include short-haul
mainstays such as ATR72s and Boeing Canada Dash 8
turboprops.
Turnaround times for carriers are very fast while
passengers enjoy all the necessary amenities, including
currency exchange and duty free shopping. Picturesque
cafés are available both landside and airside.
The airport is a valuable air cargo hub too, handling
around 1,000 tons per annum through its 742.2m
2
(8,000 sq. ft.) terminal. Its location close to the commercial
centre of Castries makes the airport ideal for “just-in-time”
deliveries. Helicopter services for sightseeing or transfer
to other spots around the island also call George F. L.
Charles Airport home base.
The future
Though small in size, George F.L. Charles Airport has a
major role to play in the development of Saint Lucia’s
aviation scene. One idea is to close the facility to
scheduled, commercial air services. Hewanorra
SAINT LUCIA AIR AND SEA PORTS AUTHORITY
HANDBOOK & PORT DIRECTORY 2013/2015
George F.L. Charles Airport
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