This is one you got to see for yourself! One of the scariest airport landings in the world where planes fly so dangerously low over people’s heads in Sint Maarten, French Caribbean. The low-flying planes has become one of the top attractions of the island drawing tourists from all over the world everyday.
Maho Beach view
Recently, travel buddy joined an eager crowd at Maho Beach on the Dutch side of Sint Marteen in the Caribbean Islands. This is where the most spectacular jet landings and take-offs happen daily at Princess Juliana International Airport.
When we drove in, we just missed the jet that landed several minutes earlier. We stayed on to wait for the next one ,about 10 minutes away. I tried to find a spot somewhere between the beach and the fence, picking my way cautiously among bodies in swimsuits sprawled on beach towels. We were there for a quick stop that afternoon and I wanted to capture some photos.
Close encounters of the plane kind
Very soon, we spotted an aircraft approaching from a distance. I braced myself for my very first and closest encounter with a landing plane. The aircraft got bigger and bigger as it got closer . My adrenaline pumped so fast in excitement.
Before I knew it, a Delta Airlines plane was roaring low over our heads, stirring sand and dust before landing at the runway a few meters away.
That has so far been the scariest and most hair-raising airplane landing I’ve ever seen. I was too mesmerized and only discovered later that I only managed to snap a few photos. I got another chance with another plane 10 minutes later.
The Princess Juliana International Airport has an unusually short runway of only 2,180 meters. In order for airplanes to have a smooth landing, the aircraft has to fly so low right over Maho Beach, right over where hundreds of people are courting danger excitedly taking photos and videos of the impressive sight.
Dangerous thrill
Maho Beach is directly under the flight path, making it more dangerous for people to be blown out to the water from jet blast. Dozens had been injured by the jet blasting the past years. A woman was killed in July 2017 by a Caribbean Airlines jet blast when she was blown away and her head smashed into concrete. Yet, people continue to ignore the warning signs because the thrill and excitement are just too irresistible.
On any given day, the beach is sprawling with people from all parts of the world either sunbathing, eating, or drinking at the beach bars spread all over the shorelines, swimming in the clear waters, spread out in the sand in towels, or just lounging around with their cameras and cellphones ready for the next airplane landing.
Beach bar owners display the flight schedules at their bars, so you know when is the next landing. Whatever you want to do, being at Maho Beach is definitely worth your time.
One island, two countries
Sint Maarten is unique because it is divided into two sides—Sint Maarten is the Dutch side where Maho Beach and the cruise port terminal is, and Sint Martin is the French side. In less than an hour’s drive, you will get to cross the border to the other side.
The Dutch side has a bubbling atmosphere and exudes more of the U.S. flavors, bursting with life with numerous casinos and bars, and nightclubs. It is a melting pot of Asian, European, and Indian cultures, and they use the US dollar and other currencies.
The French side adopts a slightly more tranquil European atmosphere and refined French customs. It is the best choice if you want a quieter pace of life. The French side uses Euros for currency.
You may be interested to check the Twin peaks of Saint Lucia
Communication between the two sides is considered long distance. If you need to call somebody it would be cheaper just to drive over instead of paying international rates.
No matter which side of the island you are on, you get the best of both worlds.
Hurricane Irma blasted Sint Maarten in October 2017, leaving extensive damage all over the island, but the economy continues to recover. Most airlines have resumed flights to the island, although the airport is still being repaired in phases.
Scrambled Tips
There are more flights landing in the afternoons than in the mornings. Keep out and away from the fence when an aircraft is about to land. Enjoy but take precautions. And don’t forget your camera. It’s something worth capturing. For more information about St Marteen, check HERE.
For more articles, visit https://scramblednotes.com/