Hewanorra Airport

Hewanorra Airport is the main gateway to Saint Lucia, welcoming travelers at the southern tip of the island. Its history is unique: during World War II, it served as a US military airbase. Today, it is a modern international airport, the name of which translates from the indigenous language as "land of iguanas." Located near the town of Vieux Fort, Hewanorra serves as the primary arrival point for the majority of tourists, opening the way to the island's tropical beauties.

Despite Hewanorra being the largest airport in Saint Lucia, it is distinguished by its compactness and convenient navigation. Its single runway is capable of accommodating large long-haul aircraft, including the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340, ensuring direct connections with cities in North America and Europe. Inside the terminal, passengers will find all necessary services for a comfortable wait: cafes, duty-free shops, business lounges, and currency exchange points. For the convenience of travelers, taxi services, car rentals, and bus connections are available, allowing you to reach any point on the island.

You can contact representatives of Hewanorra Airport (UVF) in several ways. Below are the main contact details for travelers.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority website (Saint Lucia SLASPA): www.slaspa.com
• Inquiry Phone: For general information, you may call: +1 (758) 457-6116.
• Address: Hewanorra International Airport, Vieux Fort, St. Lucia. Please note that the airport is located in the southern part of the island, approximately a 60-90 minute drive from the capital, Castries.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can write to: communications@slaspa.com.
• Social Media: Official news and airport updates can be tracked on SLASPA's social media pages, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage: Issues regarding lost or damaged luggage are handled by airline representatives. Please contact your carrier's support service directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance at the airport, please approach the information desks or use the main inquiry phone number.

Getting to Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) from the capital, Castries, is a small journey in itself, as the airport is located at the southern tip of the island, approximately 60 kilometers from the city. The trip typically takes from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions and the chosen mode of transport. Here are the main ways to cover this distance.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most popular and convenient option for tourists. You can find a taxi in Castries or book a transfer online or through your hotel in advance. This guarantees a fixed price and eliminates unnecessary hassle. The cost of a taxi ride usually ranges from $70 to $90 USD. This is a comfortable method, especially if you are traveling with a large amount of luggage. It is recommended to agree on the price before starting the trip.

Car Rental provides maximum freedom for exploring the island of Saint Lucia. If you have rented a car for your vacation, you can easily drive to the airport yourself. The road from the capital to the south is very scenic, but be prepared for winding roads and narrow sections. Hewanorra Airport has both short-term and long-term parking where you can leave your vehicle.

Public Transport (Buses) — the most economical, but also the slowest method. There is no direct bus route from Castries to the airport. You will need to take a shuttle bus to the town of Vieux Fort, which is located near the airport, and from there take a short taxi ride to the terminal. This option is suitable for experienced travelers with light luggage who have plenty of time. The cost of the entire trip by bus and taxi will be significantly lower than a direct taxi.

It is important to note that Castries has another airport — George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), which is located right by the city and serves mainly regional flights. Most international flights arrive specifically at Hewanorra (UVF), so always check which airport you are arriving at or departing from.

Hewanorra Airport (UVF) is distinguished by a simple and clear structure, making it very convenient for travelers. It consists of one two-story terminal that serves all arriving and departing flights, both international and regional. Thanks to its compact size and logical layout, getting lost here is practically impossible, even if you have flown to Saint Lucia for the first time.

The terminal layout is intuitive: arrival and departure zones are clearly separated by floors. The Arrivals Zone is located on the ground floor. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers proceed to the immigration control hall, then to the baggage claim area, and finally through customs inspection to the exit, where hotel representatives and taxis await them. The Departures Zone occupies the entire upper floor. Here you will find airline check-in counters, the security screening point, and the main waiting hall.

Check-in and security procedures at Hewanorra Airport usually proceed quite efficiently. However, during peak hours, especially when several large international flights are preparing for departure, queues may form. The standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport no less than 2.5-3 hours before your departure time. After passing through security, you will enter a comfortable waiting area with Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls, and several cafes.

Since all services are located in one building, no transfers between terminals are required. Navigation is simplified to the maximum: upon arrival, you simply move forward through all control zones on the ground floor, and upon departure, you proceed to the upper floor. Signs are clear and understandable. This simplicity is a great advantage of the airport, allowing passengers to avoid unnecessary stress and hustle before their flight.

The history of Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is closely linked to key events of the 20th century. Although the airport serves the capital Castries and all of Saint Lucia, it is located at the southern tip of the island, in the town of Vieux Fort. Its history began not as a civilian facility, but as a strategic military base. The airfield was built by the United States in 1941 during World War II and was originally named Beane Army Airfield. Its creation was part of the famous "destroyers for bases" agreement between the USA and Great Britain, and it played an important role in patrolling the Atlantic.

After the war ended, the military base was decommissioned, and the airfield was transferred to civilian management, becoming the island's main international air gateway. With the growth of Saint Lucia's popularity as a tourist destination in the 1970s and 1980s, the airport underwent several stages of modernization. The runway was expanded and lengthened to accommodate large long-haul aircraft from Europe and North America. It was during this period that the airport received its current name — Hewanorra, which is an ancient indigenous name for the island, meaning "land of iguanas."

In recent years, in response to constantly growing passenger traffic, a large-scale reconstruction program has been launched. A key element of this modernization is the construction of a completely new terminal, designed according to modern international standards. The project aims to significantly increase capacity, improve passenger comfort, and optimize all operational processes, from check-in to boarding. This is the largest infrastructure project in the airport's history, designed to strengthen its status as one of the leading airports in the Caribbean region.

An interesting fact: Hewanorra Airport is one of two international airports on the island. The second, George F. L. Charles Airport (SLU), located much closer to Castries, serves mainly short regional flights between Caribbean islands. Thus, Hewanorra specializes in receiving tourists arriving from distant countries and is the cornerstone of Saint Lucia's tourism industry, connecting this paradise island with the whole world.

Hewanorra Airport (UVF), despite its relatively small size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Here you will find several options for a snack or a full meal — from cafes with sandwiches and pastries to restaurants where you can try local cuisine. In the departure zone, Duty Free shops operate, offering a wide range of beverages, perfumes, tobacco products, as well as souvenir stalls where you can buy local specialties, spices, or handicrafts as keepsakes.

For those who value enhanced comfort or need space for work, VIP lounges are available at the airport, such as the Iyanola Executive Lounge. Guests are provided access to comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as faster Wi-Fi. This is an excellent place to rest from the hustle or work in a quiet environment. It is worth noting that there are no specialized conference rooms or a business center in the airport, so for official meetings, it is better to use the facilities of nearby hotels.

Staying connected at Hewanorra Airport is easy. Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging gadgets. If you need to handle financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service, where you can exchange major world currencies for Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD).

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs. There are ramps and specially equipped restrooms. To receive assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. Families with small children can use the mother and child rooms. In case of illness, a medical station operates at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

Although there are no hotels directly on the airport terminal grounds, many accommodation options are located a few minutes' drive from the airport — from cozy guest houses to comfortable hotels. This is convenient for those with an early departure or late arrival.

Hewanorra Airport (UVF) offers passengers several options for a snack or a full meal, mostly located in the departure zone after passing security control (airside). Although the selection is not as huge as in mega-hubs, you can find establishments for different tastes and budgets to spend time comfortably while waiting for your flight.

The majority of cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the general departure hall. Here you will find:

• Cafes and Coffee Shops: The popular Caribbean chain Rituals Coffee House is an excellent place for a cup of coffee, tea, smoothies, or a light snack like sandwiches and pastries. This is an ideal option for those in a hurry.
• Fast Food Restaurants: Usually, an international chain is present at the airport, for example, Subway, where you can assemble a sandwich to your taste. This is a good choice for a quick and filling lunch.
• Lounges: For those wishing to relax before their flight, a lounge area is available where you can order various beverages. This is a fine opportunity to try local Piton refreshments or famous Saint Lucia specialties, such as Chairman's Reserve.

Before passing control (landside), the choice of establishments is typically more limited and may be reduced to a small cafe or vending machines with snacks.

Regarding cuisine, the emphasis is on international and American dishes, but with Caribbean notes. In some cafes, you can find snacks inspired by local culinary traditions. If you are looking for vegetarian options, it is easy to create a vegetable sandwich in places like Subway. For stricter dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, halal), the choice may be limited, so it is recommended to verify the ingredients of dishes directly with the staff.

Prices at Hewanorra Airport correspond to the standard level for international airports — they are higher than in the city. You will pay a moderate amount for a cup of coffee and a pastry, while a full lunch with a drink will cost more. The operating hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule; they open a few hours before the first departures and close after the departure of the last aircraft.

Traveling through Hewanorra Airport (UVF), the main air gateway of Saint Lucia, will be a pleasant start or finish to your Caribbean adventure. To avoid rushing, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before the departure of an international flight. During the peak tourist season (from December to April), it is better to allow extra time, as queues for check-in and security may be longer than usual.

To save time, take advantage of online check-in, which most airlines offer. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are traveling light, to the security checkpoint. Be prepared for standard security procedures: pack all liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag in advance and be ready to remove electronic devices from your carry-on luggage.

Want to enjoy breathtaking views of the island from a bird's-eye view? When departing from Castries or approaching the island, choose a window seat. Many travelers note that on the left side of the aircraft during landing, a stunning view opens up of the famous Piton mountains, the symbol of Saint Lucia. This is an unforgettable sight!

When packing carry-on luggage, remember international rules: liquids only in containers up to 100 ml, no sharp objects. If you plan to take famous local specialties or sauces with you as souvenirs, do not forget to pack them in your checked luggage. Always check current baggage allowance rules on your airline's website to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Hewanorra Airport is not a major transit hub, but if you have a transfer scheduled, clarify with your airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. The airport is small, so navigation will not cause difficulties. Passengers with a long layover should find out in advance if their visa status allows them to leave the transit zone.

Passing through customs and border control in Saint Lucia usually goes smoothly. Typically, you will be given an immigration and customs declaration to fill out while still on the plane. Keep your passport, return ticket, and information about your accommodation on the island (hotel name and address) handy — this will speed up the process. Be prepared to honestly declare all goods subject to mandatory declaration.

To save money, book a transfer from the airport to the hotel online in advance — this is often more favorable than taking a taxi on the spot. There is free Wi-Fi in the airport building, and after passing security, you can find drinking water fountains to refill your bottle. Duty Free shops offer a good selection of local gifts and souvenirs at attractive prices.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for up-to-date information and clarification of your rights (for example, to receive vouchers for food and drinks). Hewanorra Airport offers several cafes and shops where you can comfortably spend time waiting for your departure.