Sep 2017 Hurricanes in the Caribbean (with last moments webcam Maho Beach)

[luchtzak]

TUI fly Belgium had to cancel BRU-MIA as MIA airport closed down for hurricane Irma, 212 pax stranded: https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/tui-fly ... n-florida/

[ostair]

Very bad news for the people living there. I hope that they get the support they need.

As for TUI this is also a bad start for their new winter destination.
IS there a change in plans?

[Passenger]

The Netherlands, expecting a re-opening of the Cuban airports, have just issued a negative travel advice for Cuba. Thus making it forbitten for Dutch touroperators to send tourists to Cuba.

[nordikcam]

The Netherlands, expecting a re-opening of the Cuban airports, have just issued a negative travel advice for Cuba. Thus making it forbitten for Dutch touroperators to send tourists to Cuba.

I was in HAV two days ago...HAV airport reopened on September 12th ... the tourist zoning of Varadero devastated. I flew normaly HAV FCO BRU with AZ...all airliners operate normaly except AA to MIA.You can go without problem to HAV !

[Passenger]

Hurricane Maria (at this moment cat 3) is now heading towards the Dominican Republic. It's terrible for all involved in that region, but on topic here because it's a popular long haul holiday destination.

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/cyclones/

[Apuneger]

In the meantime, TUI Fly Belgium has officially cancelled their SXM flights until 9 April 2018.

I was going to Sint-Maarten in December, but won't be going of course. One of my hotels on Sint-Maarten has published a status update. The management of the hotel expects that the island will not be able to accommodate tourists for at least six months...

Best regards,
Ivan

[Passenger]

"...B-FAST sending medical, reconstruction & water purification equipment in Dominica to support victims of hurricane Maria..." Source: Belgian government (minister Reynders on Twitter)

With a C-130 or their A321 ?

[sn26567]

"...B-FAST sending medical, reconstruction & water purification equipment in Dominica to support victims of hurricane Maria..." Source: Belgian government (minister Reynders on Twitter)

With a C-130 or their A321 ?

I saw elsewhere that the Belgian Air Force had chartered a HiFly A330 on 23/09/2017:
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=62209#p356055

[Passenger]

SXM to re-open for commercial flights on 10th October 2017

Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Mellissa Arrindell-Doncher on Wednesday announced that Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA/SXM Airport) will open to accept all commercial flights as per October 10, 2017. “We will be back in business,” the Minister said. The symbolism of the date was also important to the Minister, marking seven years since St. Maarten obtained its new constitutional status.
The airport, the Minister explained, was given time following hurricane Irma and Maria to get back to a suitable operational level that falls within international safety standards. She re-iterated that the damage to PJIA was severe and no quick fix could have been applied. “Even as we open our airport, we are still months away from restoring PJIA to its former glory,” she said. However, the Minister continued, “acting CEO of PJIA Michel Hyman assisted by Head of the Civil Aviation Department Lou Halley and his team, has done a terrific job in getting the airport to a point where we can open for business. I cannot praise these folks and their resilience enough in getting PJIA back up and running. Thank you.”

The Minister explained that while the airport is opening, there will be some changes in terms of passenger movement and security within the terminal building to allow for repairs to the building to continue. She said Hyman and airport management will ensure that passengers are in a safe environment at all times. “There might be some inconvenience here and there, but we only ask a little patience as we work to get back to 100%,” the Minister said. She added that all airlines will issue information regarding their resumption of service via their respective outlets and agents. “We are in discussion with all of the airlines about resumption of service to St. Maarten. St. Maarten as a destination has been hit hard and the road to recovery is long, but we still do have some hotel inventory that can be serviced and we still want potential investors here. Basically, the message we want to send to the world is we are resilient, we are open for business and we look forward to welcoming you back.”

Minister Arrindell-Doncher also extended thanks to the personnel of PJIA and other contracted workers who have diligently been working to restore the airport to operational status as well as the Immigration and Customs Department. She thanked all airport handlers, airlines, commercial, charter and military, that came to St. Maarten’s aid by transporting relief supplies while the airport was closed.

Source:
http://smn-news.com/st-maarten-st-marti ... er-10.html

According to Dutch press reports, KLM will fly again to Sint-Maarten as from end of October 2017.

[Passenger]

Maho Beach webcam is back online since 07 Nov 2017

http://www.mahobeachcam.com

[Passenger]

Press release European Investment Bank:

European Investment Bank (EIB) provides USD 50 million to rebuild Sint Maarten’s hurricane hit international airport

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is agreeing finance, enabling the reconstruction of Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten, to rebuild the passenger terminal following the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) is the main international hub airport serving the islands of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin, Saba St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Barthélemy, Nevis and the British Virgin Islands. During hurricanes Irma and Maria, the terminal building and the Air Traffic Control tower were predominantly damaged by wind and rainwater. The USD 50 million EIB loan signed with the government of Sint Maarten and the Princess Juliana International Airport is financing the reconstruction of the passenger terminal in order to strengthen the island’s resilience to disasters. The project is a prime example of investment in climate adaptation and resilience, which is central to the EIB’s climate efforts.

The project is co-financed with the World Bank, which is currently managing a EUR 470 million trust fund, pledged by the Dutch government to provide support for the recovery and re-building of Sint Maarten after the devastating hurricanes. The EIB will also sign a collaboration agreement with the World Bank to support the airport.

Minister of Finance, Ardwell Irion, expressed his gratitude for the formalization of the financing for the rebuilding of Sint Maarten’s gateway to the world. “The expected positive impact on the island’s economy, the livelihood of our people and the recovery overall post hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 is most welcome. Rebuilding Sint Maarten and strengthening its resilience has truly started and we look forward to the benefits of these actions permeating through all levels of our society so that our citizens can truly experience the benefits of the efforts and results that this funding is expected to bring with it.”

Commenting on the new loan, EIB Vice President, Emma Navarro, said: “Regional connectivity across small island states is crucial for economic development and when hurricanes strike, communities can be left devastated and isolated. Private sector development is essential for rebuilding communities following natural disasters and the EIB’s loan for the airport in Sint Maarten confirms our commitment to supporting climate resilient infrastructure, improved transport and communication links in the region - an area vulnerable to climate change.”

Princess Juliana International Airport CEO, Brian Mingo said: “The start of the reconstruction is pivotal for Sint Maarten and the region, directly influencing the livelihood of all people and businesses. Together with Sint Maarten government, the Dutch government and the National Recovery Program Bureau, my team worked diligently on a comprehensive and favorable loan package. Our mission now is to Rebuild, Recover, Reinvent and move Forward Together.“

H.E Fernando Ponz Cantó, EU-Ambassador commented: "The European Union´s endeavours in Sint Maarten, based on the association of Sint Maarten with the European Union, include after September 2017 a strong focus on the reconstruction of the country. Coordinating different institutions and various funding instruments, the EU has developed a comprehensive package that comprises both the emergency envelope of the European Development Fund and the project of rehabilitation of Princess Juliana International Airport by the European Investment Bank. I am very pleased to see that fruitful synergy and the enhanced external dimension of the European Investment Bank. But above all institutional setting, what counts for us is to contribute to the exceptional effort of reconstruction of Sint Maarten. We can only admire your courage and perseverance. You can be assured that our hands are on deck together with you."

During the construction phase, 225 temporary jobs are being created, securing 1,200 permanent jobs in total, once the new terminal is operational. Air transport has become increasingly important to the economy across the Caribbean, sustaining the tourist industry and the region’s export markets. The new financing will also allow the airport to restore its capacity to pre-hurricane levels whilst providing improved security complying with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards.

The European Investment Bank is a key player in financing the transport sector, including airports and air traffic management projects at Schiphol, Frankfurt and Pointe-à-Pitre International Airports. The EIB supports airport projects when they demonstrate high economic value and contribute to improved safety and reduced congestion, as well as time saving for travelers.

The EIB is the largest multilateral public bank in the world and roughly 10% of its lending targets investments outside of the European Union. The EIB is the world’s largest international public bank and has supported development and economic activity in the Caribbean with loans and equity investment worth EUR 1.6 billion since its first operation in the region.

Source: EIB:
https://www.eib.org/en/press/all/2019-3 ... al-airport