Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport

Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), also known as Guadeloupe Pôle Caraïbes, serves as the main aerial gateway to the picturesque archipelago of Guadeloupe. Located at the junction of the Grande-Terre and Basse-Terre islands, it is not merely a transport hub but the very first impression of the Caribbean, where a tropical atmosphere meets European service standards. It is here that the journey begins for most tourists arriving to enjoy the beaches, volcanic landscapes, and Creole culture.

The Pointe-à-Pitre airport is a modern and well-organised complex that serves as a vital hub not only for flights from Europe and North America but also for travel between the Caribbean islands. Despite its relatively compact size, it offers passengers all necessary facilities for a comfortable wait. At your disposal are shops, including Duty Free, restaurants and cafes where you can sample local cuisine, car rental desks, ATMs, and Wi-Fi. For business travellers, a dedicated meeting room is equipped, and for a more comfortable wait, one may utilise the VIP lounge.

Below you will find contact information for Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), which will assist you in planning your trip and resolving any potential queries.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official website: www.guadeloupe.aeroport.fr.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you may call: +590 590 21 71 71.
• Airport Address: Morne Mamilas, 97139 Les Abymes, Guadeloupe.
• Email: For written enquiries, you may use the address: contact@aeroport-guadeloupe.fr.
• Social Media: Follow airport news and updates on its official pages on Facebook and Instagram.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to checked baggage, you must primarily contact your airline's representative office. For items left within the terminal, there is a Lost and Found office (Service Objets Trouvés), which can be contacted via email: objets-trouves@aeroport-guadeloupe.fr.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general questions related to your stay at the airport, you may contact the main information desk via phone or email.

Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), the main aviation hub of Guadeloupe, is conveniently located just a few kilometres north of the city of Pointe-à-Pitre. You can reach the terminals or travel to the city using several methods suitable for both budget-conscious travellers and those who value comfort.

Public Transport is the most economical option. Buses from the local Karu'lis network operate between the airport and the main bus station in Pointe-à-Pitre, also connecting it with other settlements. While this is inexpensive, please be prepared that buses may run with long intervals, especially during weekends and evening hours. This method is best suited for travellers with light luggage.

Taxis and Transfers are the most convenient and fastest way to reach your destination. A trip to the city centre will take approximately 10-15 minutes, excluding traffic. An official taxi rank is easily found at the exit of the arrivals area. Although the cost of the trip will be significantly higher than by bus, it is an ideal choice for those travelling with family, heavy suitcases, or simply wishing to avoid extra hassle after a flight.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for independent tourists planning to actively explore the island. The Pointe-à-Pitre airport hosts desks of many international and local rental companies. It is recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during the high season. Arriving at the airport by car, you can use the short-term or long-term parking located near the terminal.

In general, the choice of transport depends on your plans and budget. For a short trip into the city, a taxi is suitable, while for a full exploration of Guadeloupe, nothing beats a rented car. The airport also serves as a starting point for travel to neighbouring islands, including the picturesque Terre-de-Haut, and for international flights, for example, to Saint John's.

The Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) is a modern and well-organised complex serving as the main transport hub of Guadeloupe. Its structure is intuitive, making navigation quite simple for travellers. The airport consists of two main passenger terminals — T1 and T2.

Terminal 1 (T1) is the primary and largest terminal. It handles the vast majority of international and long-haul flights, including aircraft from Europe, North America, and other destinations outside the Caribbean basin. This is where most tourists arrive and depart. Inside, you will find all necessary amenities: check-in counters, security zones, and a spacious departure lounge with Duty-Free shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Terminal 2 (T2) is designed to service regional flights. It is used by airlines operating flights between the islands of the Caribbean archipelago. This terminal is smaller in size and more functional, focused on rapid passenger turnover. Amenities here are more modest but sufficient for a comfortable wait for a short flight.

Both terminals are located within walking distance of each other. Transferring between T1 and T2 does not require transport and takes just a few minutes on foot via a covered walkway, which is very convenient for connections between international and regional flights. Arrival zones are usually located on the ground floor of both terminals, where baggage claim belts, customs control, and car rental desks are situated. Departure halls with check-in and security are on the upper floors.

Recommendations for time and navigation:

• For an international flight (from T1), it is recommended to arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, especially during peak season.
• For regional flights (from T2), 1.5–2 hours is usually sufficient.
• Signage in the airport is in French and English, which simplifies navigation.
• Always check in advance from which terminal your flight departs to avoid confusion upon arrival at the airport.

The history of Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP) is inextricably linked with the development of tourism and the strengthening of Guadeloupe's ties with the rest of the world. The official opening of the aviation hub took place in 1950 at a site known as Le Raizet, where it was located during its first decades. Initially, it was a modest airfield, but as the popularity of the Caribbean islands as a tourist destination grew, the need for more modern and capacious infrastructure became evident.

A key moment in the airport's history was 1996, when a new, modern terminal was inaugurated. This project was so ambitious that the airport was given a new name — Pôle Caraïbes (Caribbean Hub), emphasising its strategic role in the region. The new infrastructure allowed for a significant increase in passenger traffic and the accommodation of wide-body aircraft. The runway was extended and reinforced, marking an important step for future development.

One of the airport's most significant achievements was receiving the world's largest passenger aircraft — the Airbus A380. Air France operated regular flights on it from Paris, making Pointe-à-Pitre one of the few airports in the Caribbean basin capable of servicing this giant liner. This is not only a technical achievement but also a symbol of the airport's high status as a key transatlantic hub.

Throughout its history, the airport has been repeatedly modernised to meet international standards of safety and comfort. Today, it is not just a point on the map, but a dynamically developing complex playing a crucial role in the economic and social life of Guadeloupe, serving as a bridge between Europe, North America, and the Caribbean islands.

Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), the main aviation hub of Guadeloupe, offers passengers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait. In the terminal, you will find various dining options: from cafes with quick snacks and aromatic coffee to restaurants where you can enjoy both local Creole and European cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, Duty Free shops operate offering perfumes, beverages, and cosmetics, as well as souvenir stalls where you can purchase local specialties, spices, and items from local artisans.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Numerous charging stations for mobile devices allow you not to worry about the battery level of your smartphone or laptop. Passengers preferring enhanced comfort may utilise the VIP lounges, which offer a quieter atmosphere, refreshments, snacks, and the latest press.

Financial matters can be resolved directly within the terminal building. ATMs and currency exchange points are located here, where major world currencies can be exchanged for Euros. In case of need, a medical point operates at the airport, ready to provide first aid to passengers.

The airport cares for passengers of all categories. For travellers with small children, special mother and child rooms with changing tables are equipped. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on comprehensive support: ramps, lifts, specially equipped restrooms, and an escort service, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline.

Although there are no hotels directly inside the airport terminals, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity, easily accessible by taxi or shuttle. For business travellers, basic business services such as document copying or faxing may be available in VIP lounges, while some nearby hotels offer full-fledged conference rooms for meetings and events.

At Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport (PTP), passengers can find several options for a snack or a full meal, combining French traditions and Creole exoticism. The selection of catering establishments is concentrated mainly in the main terminal, T1.

In the public area (before security control), there are cafes where you can have coffee with fresh pastries or a sandwich. This is a convenient option for those seeing off or meeting passengers. The main selection of restaurants and bars is located in the sterile area, after passport and customs control. Here you can find both places for a quick bite and spots for a leisurely wait for your flight.

Be sure to try local dishes offered by some establishments. Pay attention to the "bokit" — a local variation of a sandwich in fried flatbread, or "accras" — spicy cod fritters (usually pescatarian-friendly). Also, bars may offer beverages based on the region's famous heritage. For those who prefer familiar food, classic sandwiches, salads, and pizza are available.

Recommendations for choice:

• For a quick snack: Cafes and bakeries are ideal, where you can grab coffee, croissants, sandwiches, or salads.
• For a full meal: Look for brasserie-style restaurants offering hot dishes, including fish or chicken with local sauces.

Prices at the airport are generally higher than in the city. Regarding specific dietary requirements (such as Halal, vegetarian, or gluten-free options), it is recommended to verify their availability directly with the staff at the establishments. Finding simple vegetarian options, for example, a salad or a vegetable sandwich, is usually not difficult. Most cafes and restaurants operate in accordance with the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey from Guadeloupe begins and ends without unnecessary hassle, take advantage of our tips for staying at Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport. Proper preparation will help save time and reduce stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before the departure of international flights and 1.5-2 hours before regional ones. This is especially relevant during the peak tourist season when queues for check-in and security can be longer. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides such a service.

Security Control: Security procedures here are standard. Prepare liquids in advance (in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag) and be ready to remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Customs control for flights to EU countries usually proceeds quickly, while for other international destinations, it may require more time.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection: Remember the general rules for carrying hand luggage: no sharp objects or flammable substances. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider that window seats will offer you stunning views of the Caribbean islands during takeoff and landing, while aisle seats provide more convenience and freedom of movement.

Tips for Transit Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, verify in advance whether you need to collect your luggage and check in again. Pointe-à-Pitre Airport is a significant hub for regional flights, so watch the signs for transit passengers carefully to avoid getting lost.

Economy and Flight Delays: To save a little, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled at drinking fountains after passing security. In case of a flight delay, there are several cafes and shops in the terminal. Do not hesitate to contact your airline representatives to enquire about your rights to receive meals or accommodation during a long wait.