Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, Mountain aerodrome in Saba, Netherlands
Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport is an airfield on the island of Saba with a single asphalt runway. The runway is exceptionally short and sits between steep cliffs and the ocean.
The first aircraft landing on Saba occurred in 1959, which prompted the construction of this airfield with support from the Dutch government. That landing marked the start of modern air service to the island.
The airport takes its name from Juancho Yrausquin, a regional politician who championed transportation connections across the Caribbean islands. His name reflects the importance of this location for regional air travel.
Winair operates daily flights between Saba and Sint Maarten using aircraft specifically designed for very short runways. Arrivals and departures are adventurous experiences, so passengers should expect unusual flight conditions.
The runway at roughly 400 meters long is the shortest commercial runway in the world, requiring special pilot certifications to operate. Pilots must undergo specialized training to safely land and depart from this location.
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