Hewanorra International Airport

Vieux Fort

3.7 846 reviews

• Karen V ★★★☆☆ 2 months ago
  The best I can say is that it's easy to navigate because there is only one terminal.
  It was an easy arrival. We had already completed the St. Lucia arrival form for customs online prior to leaving Florida. It made everything go much smoother through passport control. We only had our carry-on bag, so I can't tell you much about baggage claim. The Sandals arrival lounge was right outside baggage claim.
  The departure was a whole other story. The priority line when checking into American Airlines didn't move an inch. We finally asked a representative who assisted us with getting the automated boarding pass. Then, you're directed to go to the security line. It was very long, but moved rather quickly. It was very organized. Some people payed extra for fast track. All it does is get you to the front of the line, and to their premium club. It's not necessary. You're already there early for your international flight. What else is there to do but wait?
  I give them a 3 instead of a 4 star review because of one mean passport control lady behind the glass booth. She scolded me for not listening to her instructions. I could barely hear her through the glass. I apologized, and then she gave me the evil eye for no reason. It ruined my whole experience.
  Once in the terminal, there are food vendors on the second level. We didn't go up there to eat. We stayed on the ground floor. There aren't many seats available as all the planes depart around the same time in the afternoon. Our plane was parked at the end of the airport since the gates were occupied. It's typical for small airports to board via a mobile stairway. Not a problem. I noticed that the Jet Blue flights have a mobile ramp, which is very convenient for their passengers. Just something to keep in mind when selecting an airline to UVF.
  All in all, it was a decent experience for an airport. The airport architecture is reminiscent of the Piton ⛰️ ⛰️ mountains. A cool symbol for this beautiful island.
• linda ★★★★☆ a month ago
  Hard to find fault when check in, passport control and security takes less than 20 minutes.
  Choice of food and drink options but no Absolute Vodka in duty free.
• Bartolomeo ★★★☆☆ 2 months ago
  Probably the best fun, hospitable security team I have ever come across. The airport itself requires modernization. However it is clean and modest.
• Matt Jensen ★★★☆☆ 2 weeks ago
  Nice as far as Caribbean airports go. Staff is cordial though bored and highly pedantic. Makes TSA seem reasonable. They will take any toiletries over 100 ml. Need to scan boarding pass and passport 5-6 before the plane. So silly. Best thing is the Mano’s liquor store after emigration is the same price as at the Island’s distillery.
• Jo Davies ★★★★★ 11 months ago
  I think for a small airport this has what you need. There are a couple of souvenir shops, you can buy booze/coffee/ sweets etc, restaurants selling food and drinks….if you like wings you have to try the buffalo wings from Island Deli! As it’s small it was very quick to check in and get through security. I found a WIFI named Flow that seemed to work fine! No complaints from me!
• Mitesh Patel ★★★★☆ 4 months ago
  Overall pretty good and efficient, but small airport. They can really do with a facilities upgrade.
  Many of the flights arrive about the same time so immigration can get back-logged. Make sure to fill out the arrival immigration forms online up to 3 days before your arrival, if not, you'll be standing in line trying to fill out the forms manually.
  Customs and baggage claim took very little time, and car rental kiosks are just outside the exit. I can recommend Sixt.
  All staff were friendly and professional.
  Upon airport entry for departure, after airline check-in, there is a small area for passport control, they will hand you little forms to complete with passport/flight details. Have a pen handy. Passports are checked multiple times. Security line was efficient. the departure lounge is small and very crowded, and has several stores. On the second floor there is a food court with additional seating. Rituals restaurant was good and so was the gelato place.
• Mario Marius ★★★★★ 6 months ago
  While you won't find a sprawling, multi-billion dollar airport just yet, the current improvements make this airport a pleasant experience. Unlike the convoluted layout of JFK, navigating this facility is refreshingly straightforward. Arrivals and departures are organized with clarity, allowing for a seamless flow of passengers. Friendly staff members are strategically positioned throughout the airport to provide assistance and coordination, making the journey feel more personal. The recent renovations have added a modern flair, but I appreciate how the airport still retains its charming island theme, creating a welcoming and laid-back atmosphere.
• Maci Keck ★★★★☆ 8 months ago
  For a small airport it actually has a decent amount of amenities including several places for food, snacks and souvenirs along with an airport lounge. The staff was also efficient so we never had to wait very long in any lines. The main gate seating area can get a little crowded when there are several flights all leaving around the same time so if you have access to the lounge I would suggest spending most of your time waiting in there to avoid the crowd.
• Adam Machanic ★★★☆☆ 3 months ago
  Arrival was great, quick and easy. Fast pass absolutely not necessary.
  Departure…totally different story. Long lines, super crowded, tiny seating area. You can pay $59 for lounge access, which is basically slightly nicer seats and absolute garbage food. At least the airport has free WiFi.
  Also: get duty free elsewhere. It’s more expensive at the airport.
• Derick Davis ★★★★★ a year ago
  Due to Island traffic, we drove several hours before our flight to take it easy. We took in some scenes along the way from Castries to the airport.
  The airport has 3 continuous lines...
  1 - Your typical airline check-in for your boarding pass and bag drop. Ours moved fast this time. Mileage varies
  Note: We chose to eat outside here next to Delta at the local restaurant before going to step #2. Food was great and reasonably priced see menu pictures.
  2 - Outside ID check to get into the terminal doors which flows into
  2.5 - Just inside the door is Passport immigration control which flows into
  3 - Security bag and X-ray check which flows into...
  The gate waiting with plenty of seating has a few souvenir shopping options downstairs and one dining option upstairs + a dessert store. The dining option upstairs always has a long line. Recommend you eat outside or perhaps order outside and bring your food in.
  TIP:
  Keep your passport available until you get on the airplane stairs. It's checked even outside on the runway one last time.
• Michael G M ★★★☆☆ 7 months ago
  Small Island Airport big enough for large planes to land. Pretty easy to get through. Food court has a few options with a couple of convenient type stores. Extremely crowded waiting area since all flights go out approximately at the same time daily.
• Kevin ★★★★☆ 6 months ago
  Don't expect much coming here, but it gets the job done for such a small airport. It's a little crowded, especially during the summer. But, it has a pretty nice lounge with a cool view of the mountains, and has a good amount of food available in the food court.
• David Harris ★★★★☆ 5 months ago
  Small but quite easy to navigate. There is food but the quality is well blah
• Sanjay Chandarana ★★★★☆ 6 months ago
  Very small airport so the services are a bit basic, but efficient.
• Raj Shah ★★★★★ 8 months ago
  Nice small airport, very quick through security, friendly and efficient staff. Clean and well laid out with plenty of amenities such as souvenir shops, food court and washrooms. Also had a well stocked lounge - Lyanola Lounge - with a good choice of hot and cold drinks/food.
• Gilbert Bennett ★★★☆☆ a year ago
  It's a bit cramped on the weekends, but honestly the lines move quickly and the staff and security officers are friendly. If you have priority pass access there is a lounge upstairs with a reasonable bar
• Oscar Aviles ★★★★☆ 7 months ago
  Basic small airport with air conditioning.
  There is an airport restaurant as you leave or arrive to eat.
  My suggestion is to eat before you leave the airport or have your taxi stop at a local restaurant before taking you to the hotel if your hotel is in the north. 2 hrs drive but my visit it took 1.5 hrs as it was the slow season.
  The two restaurants in the embarking are upstairs, so you can eat something before you take off. Also, snacks, coffee, or ice cream are available.
  Reasonable price and decent food.
• Tony Swann ★★★★☆ a year ago
  Small airport with just one terminal and a few gates. If there are two airlines departing at similar times the gate atra has limited seating No jet-ways here, stairs at the aircraft door for both arrivals and departments. So if it's raining when it's time to board or disembark, you're going to get wet. Duty free liquor store and numerous jewelry shops. A small snack bar upstairs. If you're a Sandals guest, once you have your baggage and clear immigration, the Sandals reception desk is 20 yards away. Just know you'll be bombarded with sky caps who want to tote your luggage those 20 yards. Same on departure. The baggage check are is right inside the door where your dropped off.
• Richard Cook ★★★☆☆ 9 months ago
  They're building a new terminal which is probably why the existing building is tired and lacks the sort of basic services "international" airports normally boast. Good for jewellery but poor for souvenirs. Food offering local and basic, with no big names.
• Patrick Lildhar ★★★☆☆ a year ago
  Great improvements from last year. Customs gone digital. But still, departure seating needs improving.
• Zameel S ★★★★☆ 11 months ago
  Quick to get through security but limited seating downstairs. Duty free shopping is somewhat limited but there are opportunities to buy alcohol, cigarettes and small gifts as well as two jewellery outlets.
  Upstairs there is a good court which looks kind of low key but we had a chicken roti and a fish burger from Island Grill which we really enjoyed.
• Jeff Loveless ★★★★★ a year ago
  It's a small airport, but they get you through customs and security very efficiently. It could use better signage, but the people there are very willing to answer any questions. For a novice, we made it through fine.
• Stevie G ★★★★★ a year ago
  Getting through customs was quick and easy. The airport is tiny so you leave the plane directly outside and not through a tunnel like most US airports. Once outside there are vendors setup for each of the hotels for you to check-in and get rides to them.
• Eric ★★★★★ a year ago
  It’s tiny. It has a few restaurants. It’s small, seriously. The people are very friendly and helpful. Easy to get in and out of though and has regular flights.
  If you are an Amex Platinum or Priority Pass holder, there is a lounge. It’s very nice and quiet.
• Evan Smith ★★★☆☆ a year ago
  Upon arrival we had to walk quite a bit. We filled out the forms on the plane as well. The line for immigration was long about 45 minutes to an hour. There are two restrooms but a line for each men and women’s. No A/C, and it seemed people were cutting as well. Customs was a free for all pretty much. Just an exhausting process. Leaving the island was easier however there were no seats, but the bathrooms weren’t as busy as coming in. Happy to hear they are building a new terminal.
• Alex Mikheev ★★★☆☆ a year ago
  Pretty crowded. Not too much to do and snacks were quite pricey even for tourists. But staff were working hard and managing lots of tourists relatively efficiently.
• Ali Black ★★★★☆ a year ago
  St. Lucia is a beautiful island with beautiful views and beautiful women😉.
  Suggestions: Fill out the immigration forms online prior to your arrival to St. Lucia. You should also book your taxi prior to your visit as well.
  Yes, the airport is small, and the staff does their very best to get you in and out smoothly.
• Jim Hilyard ★★★☆☆ a year ago
  For a Caribbean island, this is a good airport, but it has no jetways, so be prepared to walk and climb stairs to the plane. Not handicapped friendly.
• Melissa Farthing ★★★☆☆ a year ago
  The people here are kind of rude. Granted, many airport workers are, and these people have to deal with clueless tourists all day, but still. Made entering and leaving the country an unpleasant experience. I tried to order food at one of the restaurants, and the lady behind the counter just stared at me with a grimace. Very awkward. The men with the luggage dollies are also very aggressive. DO NOT LET THEM CARRY YOUR LUGGAGE. You will walk ten feet and then they will demand a tip. Thankfully, I learned to say no based on other Google reviews. This airport is also very small, which means it gets VERY crowded very quickly. Like wow. I don't think I've ever been in a more crowded airport, and my plane just came in from Atlanta. I will say my food was good, and the souvenir shops can be fun.
• Sunit Sheth ★★★☆☆ a year ago
  Very small, seems like there was needless passport checks as we were getting to our gate. Just lots of chaos if you are leaving around 3-6 pm. Make sure you give plenty of time to get through very inefficient security and passport control.
• John Munton ★★★★★ a year ago
  It's quite a small airfield. But the waiting area is quite comfy. There a couple of quite good places to eat
• Robert McLymore ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  The airport arrival went well.
  I will say if you plan on coming to St. Lucia and renting a vehicle. BOOK IN ADANCE, whether it be online or over the phone. Make an reservation for a rental vehicle because when we arrived. Everything was booked and without a reservation. We got lucky and got the last rental car and I mean the last! Save yourself a lot of stress and make that reservation in advance.
• Naji Mourani ★★★★☆ a year ago
  Fast custom and baggage claim. But make sure you file a custom/declaration form for each of your family members. Even though the flight attendant might say you only need one form per family.
• Art McKeldin Jr ★★★☆☆ a year ago
  Flew out today. Extra crowded gate areas, duty-free, and food stations. Not enough seating anywhere. This airport needs a much deserved expansion/renovation!
• WC Scott ★★★★★ 2 years ago
  Hewanorra Airport is one of St. Lucia’s primary gateways, and a place where weary travelers form their first impression of this island country. Having flown to St. Vincent as a young teenager, this recent experience brought those memories back to life. As expected, the airport was small but loaded with character. You disembark on steps where you are immediately greeted by a warm, humid, Caribbean breeze. The airport staff is just as warm, ushering you through customs as efficiently as possible. Baggage claim was quick, and we were on a taxi within 20 minutes of arrival. If you’re taking a taxi to Castries, well that’s also quick, but a whole different experience. As for the airport, don’t expect dozens of eateries, climate-controlled boarding bridges, or huge atriums. Just relax and experience your holiday at a slower pace.
• lili nova ★★★★☆ a year ago
  The airport seems okay, but the stuff members are way to serious, they need to chil out a little, as a tourist I'm here to enjoy the visit not to be asked to remove my shoes straight away before doing my bags, strange experience.
• Mathew Crichton ★★★☆☆ 2 years ago
  Do your best to grab a blue form and get into line quickly as you'll likely be waiting for 30-45 mins in the queue. Friendly staff can help get you situated if you need extra help.
  If you have kids, hop into the special line (#3) to get through quicker!
  It's a bit discombobulating once you get through customs, so hold onto your bags and WALK PAST the pushy guys in orange shirts waiting to grab your bags. They put them on a cart, push them 10 yards down the hall to the Sandals Lounge, and then ask for a tip. It's easier to just say "no thanks" and walk through the lounge door yourself.
• Rob Hey ★★★☆☆ 3 years ago
  This is a very small airport, but surprisingly quick to get through immigration and customs. There are a limited amount of airplanes arriving at one time so it is quicker to get through the lines. The time to receive your luggage on the carousal is rather slow, but they do operate on island time. The airport is under a renovation so it will be more accommodating in the near future. Limited seating and food options in the departure area but I expect that to change in the future. It was a good visit and the people were nice.
• Daynette Sullivan ★★★★☆ 3 years ago
  Airport arrival went smoothly- waste of money to rent a car- should have just taxied to hotel and sight seeing- would have been about same cost and a lot less stressful. Driving on left side of road and driver sitting on passenger side of car is very confusing for an American!
• Eliman Gibba ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  All Ports of Entry & the Services they provide are essential to our travel experiences . As a regular traveler I think Hewanorra Int. Airport has got it right. & do it well. They are professional, Organized, helpful, friendly, courteous as well as a fast process to get you through & get your transportation service on time,as long as you have all your documents straight.
• Pero Odunlami ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  Hewanorra International Airport in St Lucia is small, but very efficient. From dropping our luggage, going through customs and waiting to board our flight - it was all seamless. The staff were friendly and helpful.
• Dariusz Wachowiak ★★★☆☆ 3 years ago
  Small, like a local airport. A few bar/fast food, some shop with alcohol, cigaretes etc. Small waiting room. No gates, just walki in/out
• Hannah Bjorndal ★★★☆☆ 3 years ago
  Basic airport with very few amenities. Waits are long, depending on the time of day you arrive. We had to wait in line to get a printed ticket from American and it was very slow. Made our flight with 10 minutes to spare. Do not expect to get a real meal here before leaving - there are not really any options, especially after security!
• John Petery ★★★★☆ 3 years ago
  It's a small airport. Not much to offer, but yet better then nothing. Got to board the airline from outside. Haven't done that in years.
• V P ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  Efficient little airport. Arrival from US very fast. Quick health check for temp and vaccine. And then fast immigration. Bags came out fast.
• Michael Bowtell ★★★★☆ 3 years ago
  A very small airport, obviously, due to the size of the island! Arrivals was very straightforward, we didn't have any queues but we were first off our plane so I'm not sure what the queues were like for the people at the back. Leaving St. Lucia was equally quick, check-in and security was a breeze. There are a few shops after security, and a food court with three places to eat. We had an awful hotdog, some chicken that was mostly batter/bread, and some stale french fries.
• Nuria Wilson ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  Little, yet well equipped airport. We enjoyed the ice-creams and the local choice of rum, a lot of presents were bought.
• Jeff McKeown ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  The airport was nice. Small, but had several food options and last minute shopping options. The service was very pleasant.
• Charles Thomson ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  Smooth easy arrivals, plenty of staff and baggage came through within 10 minutes. Helpful staff available too!
• Christella Duplessis ★★★★☆ 3 years ago
  Very smooth process of going through immigration after a long flight. The process was not too lengthy.
• Iřvïñ Jõhñ ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  Was awesome had great chat with the staff and lots more. Kudos to the wonderful staff workers. 🙌
• Heather Barbie ★★★★☆ 3 years ago
  Easy in and out. Just hope for good weather when boarding or deplaning as you will be walking on the tarmac.
• Kim Ford ★★★☆☆ 3 years ago
  Very good for covid surveillance. Bit of a scrum for the departure gate. Club lounge nice and calm.
• fa fa ★★★★☆ 3 years ago
  Small, not much to see or do, not modern but hey its a small island and this does the job. Wifi available. Check in was fast/simple.
• Michael Bascom ★★★☆☆ 3 years ago
  Pros:
  The agents at the desk are very personable and helpful.
  Overall navigation through the airport is straightforward.
  Despite one Central security point, it operates smoothly.
  Cons:
  The intercom is incredibly hard to hear and understand.
  Walking to/from the plane can be confusing as paths with other flights cross
• Kelven Durbin ★★★★☆ 3 years ago
  Small and busy airport, I would recommend booking the private lounge for a more relaxed wait for your flights, also consider using fast track to get you through customs quicker.
• Michael Moesch ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  It’s a small airport, easy getting through. It was a little hot where you wait, but it’s doable.
  My real shout-out goes to Savanna at Harry Edward Jewelry. For a small place in a small airport, the watch selection was better than I anticipated. I looked at Tudor and Omega. Watches are retail price, a few had some decent promotions. But Savanna was super helpful and patient as I tried on several watches. I didn’t purchase but I wanted to leave her a review since she was so wonderful!
• Robin Somers ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  This is a quaint airport but the staff there were very efficient in all Covid 19 precautions.
• Barbara Waters ★★★★☆ 3 years ago
  Small airport, but the priority lounge made it more comfortable.
• Barney Charles ★★★★★ 3 years ago
  Quaint Caribbean airport. Lounge upstairs had great service.
• gaynor Bacon ★★★☆☆ 4 years ago
  Very small airport. Be aware that there is no tobacco or cigarettes for sale in departures area
• Zack Kahmeyer ★★★★☆ 4 years ago
  Not a bad little airport. Check in, security and boarding were all pretty smooth. They take the extra precaution questions for US travelers seriously. Asked multiple times about bags, gifts, etc... far more than any other country I have been to. Terminal space is ok. Not modern, but the bathrooms were mostly clean and it had A/C, plus some nice food options.
• Abenaa Brew ★★★★☆ 4 years ago
  The airport is small but offers last minute souvenir options from magnets to liquor. Also restaurants are upstairs if you need to grab a bite before your flight.
  The departure process was simple which I liked.
• Godfrey Mott ★★★★☆ 4 years ago
  The immigration process was very well organised. With all the extra paperwork reviewed manually efficiently. The baggage delivery was a bit slow and the priority bag labels were ignored by the unloading staff such that a lot came off last.
• April Hoffman ★★★★☆ 4 years ago
  They were efficient and moved everyone through quickly from the health screening to immigration and customs. The stand for our hotel was easy to find by the door. There were many taxi drivers ready and waiting and we went with the driver we were directed to by our hotel representative.
• Richard Federbusch ★★★★☆ 4 years ago
  Generally pleasant. A bit of a walk to get to the covid screening area. Very well organized. Customs was efficient. Baggage was waiting for us. Cab service to hotel was also well organized.
• J Hegg ★★★★☆ 4 years ago
  Just have a little patience and all your paperwork and you'll be fine. I like the fact that you board and exit the plane from the front and back doors at the same time.
• Jamie Aimes ★★★☆☆ 4 years ago
  Basic Caribbean airport. No available wifi, and we were told through our resort we needed to be there 3 hours early. After getting there and going through the customs and security process (which didn't take long at such a small airport), we still had a full 2h45m to sit and wait. Limited food options for my wife who has a gluten allergies.
• Nick Huddleston ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  Great airport with friendly staff. The walk from the plane to arrival hall was really neat. I enjoyed a Piton beer while waiting to depart.
• Anne C ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  Small but very nice. Walk off plane on tarmac. Clean and well organized.
• Shermain George ★★★★☆ 4 years ago
  Will they have done some upgrades and they look good but waiting seats show be added for persons waiting on rides etc. It sad that you go to other airports and they have seating but this airport does not. A basic necessity.
• Joshua Henry ★★★★☆ 4 years ago
  Small but efficient with friendly staff. Like, actually friendly.
• Geoff Brown ★★★★★ 4 years ago
  In and out, super easy experience.