![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/peak-caribbean-1024x514.jpg\")
You can review the airport’s peak travel seasons in\u00a0Feasibility-IQ<\/a>.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n Peak travel season in the Caribbean is from late November through mid-April. Extreme peak travel conditions occur over major holidays and long weekends, including New Year, Christmas, and Spring Break. General Aviation (GA) traffic movements throughout this region are much higher than normal during peak and super-peak periods when airports often reach saturation levels.<\/p>\n During peak season, many locations become extremely busy, including St. Maarten (TNCM)<\/a>, St. Thomas (TIST)<\/a>, Nassau (MYNN)<\/a>, Georgetown (MWCR)<\/a>,\u00a0Antigua (TAPA)<\/a>, Tortola (TUPJ),\u00a0<\/a> Providenciales (MBPV)<\/a>,\u00a0Bridgetown (Barbados) (TBPB)<\/a>,\u00a0Anguilla (TQPF)<\/a>,\u00a0Montego Bay (MKJS)<\/a>,\u00a0Santo Domingo (MDSD)<\/a>,\u00a0La Romana (MDLR)<\/a>,\u00a0San Juan (TJSJ)\u00a0<\/a>and Anguilla (TQPF)<\/a>. Ramp congestion also occurs at smaller destinations such as popular Nevis (TKPN)<\/a>, with its 4,003-foot runway, and smaller outer islands in the Bahamas.<\/p>\n 2025-2026 Current Challenges<\/p>\n During high season, GA access to many Caribbean destinations becomes more challenging, with additional lead time recommended.<\/p>\n Early parking submissions do not guarantee confirmation. Airports often allocate parking only 24\u201372 hours in advance. This is critical when coordinating non-refundable hotel bookings.<\/p>\n Always review airport curfews and published hours. Many Caribbean airports close early or operate only during daylight.<\/p>\n Current Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n Expect operational delays at TNCM, TIST, MYNN, and TBPB during peak.<\/p>\n Due to limited parking:<\/p>\n Depending on your destination, GA support services range from fixed-base operators (FBO) to handlers working out of small terminal facilities with potential ground support equipment (GSE) limitations. While in-flight caterers are available at some larger Caribbean destinations, there are many islands where it is standard operating procedure (SOP) to source catering directly from hotels or restaurants. In such cases, it is important to ensure food safety, keep hot and cold foods within particular temperatures, and have container sizes appropriate for galley re-heating refrigeration equipment.<\/p>\n Fuel runs out from time to time at some Caribbean locations. This information is typically available via NOTAM. As there may be pop-up fuel issues or restricted fuel uplift quantities from time to time at various destinations, it is recommended to tanker in enough fuel to make it to an alternate uplift location. Many operators choose to depart the U.S. with sufficient fuel for the return trip.<\/p>\n MMPR<\/strong> runway closures may contribute to peak-period fuel delays. As always, tanker fuel when practical.<\/p>\n Barbados FBO Universal Aviation<\/p><\/div>\n Though islands can at times have limited resources or personnel, there are quick-turn tech stop options in this region, including\u00a0Barbados (TBPB)<\/a>,\u00a0Antigua (TAPA)<\/a>,\u00a0Montego Bay (MKJS)<\/a>, and\u00a0San Juan (TJSJ)<\/a>. To expedite the tech stop, it is recommended to avoid peak periods of commercial aircraft activity and to pre-advise handlers of fuel and other service requirements. Commercial traffic always has fuel and ground service priority over GA.<\/p>\n No overflight permits are required in this region other than for Cuba and for Central American countries bordering the Caribbean.<\/p>\n NOTE: Effective June 2019, general aviation N-registered aircraft operating under FAA Part 91 are no longer authorized to travel to Cuba, directly or indirectly, from the U.S. or another country.<\/strong> N-registered private and corporate aircraft in general aviation are no longer eligible for the license exception AVS to Cuba, and a Temporary Sojourn license will be required from BIS for travel to the country.<\/p>\n However, and most importantly, the final rule states, \u201csuch licenses will be issued only in extraordinary circumstances. Thus, non-commercial aircraft and non-cargo vessels generally will be prohibited from going to Cuba.\u201d<\/p>\n For the latest information on travel to Cuba, please see our article on this blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n Certain Caribbean locations mandate landing permits for charter, with a typical lead time of four to five business days and only standard aircraft documentation required. Permit lead times differ considerably, and some Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) strictly enforce official lead time mandates. For charter operations to French territories, including the island of Martinique, you\u2019ll also need to complete a French Operating Questionnaire. Note that both the Bahamas and Jamaica require charter operators to submit special applications with landing permit requests. These applications include information on the operator and the flight, as well as the ground handler used. Note that some of these countries, including Barbados and the Bahamas, offer annual landing permits. This gives charter operators the right to make multiple trips without having to apply for a permit each time. Speak to your 3rd-party provider to determine if your destination offers these permits.<\/p>\n Fort-Saint-Louis, Fort-de-France, Martinique, French Antilles<\/p><\/div>\n The islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique are both French territories, and the requirements to operate to these locations are the same as operating to France. For charter operations, no pilot may be over age 65, but a pilot aged 60-64 may fly as second in command (SIC). Additionally, charter operators must complete a Foreign Operator Questionnaire (FOQ) prior to operation and have it approved by French CAA. This can take a week or two to accomplish if this is the first application.<\/p>\n Other than for Cuba, there are no mandates for private operators to submit documentation before arrival. However, charter operators must always provide CAA with specific documentation in advance. While requirements vary from island to island, charter operators may need to provide documents such as:<\/p>\n Depending upon your destination in the Caribbean, visas may be required for certain nationalities. It’s always best to check with your 3rd-party provider well in advance of the day of operation on any applicable crew or passenger visa requirements.<\/p>\n The following\u00a021 countries in the 22-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) require advance passenger information system (APIS) filing for all private non-revenue and charter GA flights:<\/p>\n Information required for CARICOM APIS filings includes full names, date of birth, nationality, country of residence, and complete passport information for all onboard.<\/p>\n CIQ clearance normally occurs within the main terminal unless a fixed-base operator (FBO) with CIQ facilities is available. Clearance times are normally under 15-20 minutes unless the terminal is very congested. For a return to the U.S., CIQ pre-clearance is available at St. Thomas (TIST)<\/a>,\u00a0St. Croix (TISX)<\/a>, and\u00a0Aruba (TNCA)<\/a>\u00a0with pre-notification and during specified hours. However, these options are not used frequently as many operators find it just as easy, or easier, to clear stateside.<\/p>\n At most island airports, disposal of any open catering upon arrival is common, except for international tech stops. There may be options at some locations to store onboard catering with your ground handler, but this must be confirmed in advance and depends on appropriate storage facilities being available.<\/p>\n Crew accommodation options routinely run out at popular island destinations during peak season. This is particularly true for short-notice operations or in the case of short-notice schedule changes. Crew accommodations, if you can find them, can run from 300 to over 800 USD\/night, with cancellation policies more stringent during high season, often with no option to refund bookings. When arranging high-season crew accommodations, it\u2019s important to book early, understand the cancellation policy, and have contingency options ready. In some cases, the crew may be able to take an inter-island flight or boat to a nearby island where accommodations may be available.<\/p>\n Depending on the distance of the hotel from the airport, the crew may be able to use ground handler transport or hotel shuttles to reach their destination. Pre-paid transport (car with driver), rental cars, and public taxis are also viable and safe options on the islands. However, be aware that preferred suppliers and vehicle types may be in short supply. Additionally, on smaller Caribbean islands, there may be very few local transport choices available.<\/p>\n Airport security at larger airports in this region is adequate, and it’s rare for operators to request dedicated aircraft guards. Additional caution is advised, however, at certain smaller airports as there may not be 24-hour airport security or surveillance. If an aircraft guard is desired, this can be arranged at most island destinations with advance notification. While this region is relatively safe regarding off-airport security, there are higher threat areas to be aware of\u2014your ground handler can provide guidance here.<\/p>\n Generally, there are no issues with traveling with a pet as long as the animal has proper health and immunization records and its arrival has been pre-notified. Some islands, particularly former British islands such as Barbados, have more stringent requirements regarding temporary pet importation. It\u2019s best to review all applicable requirements well in advance of the day of operation if you\u2019re traveling with a personal animal companion.<\/p>\n Hurricane season runs from early June through late October and does not usually impact peak season operations. During the high season, few weather challenges or issues are impacting this part of the world.<\/p>\n For any short notice or a last-minute trip to the Caribbean during peak season, the top considerations are securing parking and crew accommodations. As it may not always be possible to obtain parking and accommodations at certain islands during peak season, operators should have contingency plans in place and be prepared to reposition. Consider permit requirements for charter operators and appropriate lead time. For any last-minute plans during super-peak travel periods, aircraft repositions are always an option to allow passengers to maintain their intended destinations according to their preferred schedule.<\/p>\n When operating in the Caribbean, top-of-mind awareness items include parking, hotel, and fuel availability. But, even during super peak travel periods, it’s usually possible to drop, go and reposition so that passengers get to their intended destinations on schedule.<\/p>\n Here’s a quick reference guide for some of the most popular airports for accessing the Caribbean:<\/p>\n
\nPopular destinations<\/h2>\n
![\"Business](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/07\/business-aviation-exploring-the-bahamas1-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n
\nParking and access challenges<\/h2>\n
\n
\nAirport curfews and delays<\/h2>\n
\n
\nDrop and go’s<\/h2>\n
\n
\nGround handling<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/MROC_09_HR-1024x683.png\")
<\/p>\n
\nFuel considerations<\/h2>\n
\nTech stops<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Barbados-FBO-Universal-Aviation-15-1-1024x683.jpg\")
\nPermits<\/h2>\n
\nTerritorial considerations<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/GettyImages-1395549944-1024x683.jpg\")
\nDocumentation requirements<\/h2>\n
\n
\nVisa requirements<\/h2>\n
\nCARICOM APIS<\/h2>\n
\n
\nCIQ<\/h2>\n
\nAgriculture requirements<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/GettyImages-484690942-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nHotel options<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/GettyImages-908388868-1024x678.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nLocal transport<\/h2>\n
![\"Ground](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/transportation-options-part-1-business-aviation-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nSecurity considerations<\/h2>\n
\nTraveling with pets and weapons<\/h2>\n
\nWeather<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-1160761342-1024x682.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\nConclusion<\/h2>\n
\nCaribbean Country-by-Country Cheat Sheet<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/GettyImages-1178328576.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/GettyImages-1203687557-1024x679.jpg\")
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<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/caymanteam-1024x485.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/MROC_30_HR-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/GettyImages-504045298-1024x644.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.universalweather.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Estefania-Goodbye-1024x856.jpg\")
<\/p>\n