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Drone Rules for Princess Juliana International Airport
Simpson Bay, ()
• Sint Maarten
Airport Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten
Lat: 18.0442 • Lng: -63.1134
Rules Edit History: Princess Juliana International Airport
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Mapped shape change
Old outline is gray. New outline is blue.
May 29, 2026 4:16 AM
Approved
• description, sources links, box and rules
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Approved
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Your proposed rule edit for Princess Juliana International Airport has been approved. The submitted source confirms that operating a drone near the airport is strictly prohibited, and the outline matches the restricted area.
Sources
- https://publicacoes.decea.mil.br/publicacao/ica-100-40 — As a remote pilot, your reputation depends on your strict adherence to SMCAA regulations. Flying near Princess Juliana Airport is widely considered a reckless act; it risks the lives of hundreds of passengers and will almost certainly result in immediate legal action, permanent seizure of your equipment, and significant criminal prosecution.
Changed fields
| Field | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Rule category | Ground | Air |
| Flight status | Unknown | NoFly |
| Summary | — | Fly Status: Strictly Prohibited. Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is globally famous for its low-altitude approach over Maho Beach, making it one of the most hazardous environments for drone activity. Operating a drone in its vicinity is a serious federal offense. |
Before
After
No-Fly Zones (NFZ): A 3-kilometer radius around the airport is a mandatory, strictly enforced No-Fly Zone. This area encompasses the entirety of Maho Beach, Simpson Bay Lagoon, and adjacent coastal zones. Entering this airspace without explicit written authorization from the St. Maarten Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA) is illegal. Legal Framework: Operations are governed by the Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Regulations (SMCARs). As of 2026, enforcement is exceptionally strict due to the "Respect the Sky" campaign. Violators face severe penalties, including fines of up to USD $55,555 (XCG 100,000) and imprisonment for up to two years. Negligent endangerment of air traffic can lead to even harsher criminal sentencing. Mandatory Requirements: Permits: Any flight within a designated NFZ or for commercial purposes requires a specific exemption permit obtained through the SMCAA. Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory for all drone operations on the Dutch side of the island. Registration: All drones, particularly those equipped with cameras, must be registered and marked with visible identification labels. How to be "Socially Accepted" and Lawful Do Not Fly Near SXM: Maho Beach is the most strictly monitored spot on the island. Local police and airport security forces actively patrol this area; any attempt to launch—even from a boat or rooftop—will be met with immediate intervention and equipment seizure. Verify Airspace: Always consult the official SMCAA No-Fly Zone map before planning any flight. If you are on the Dutch side, assume the entire airport perimeter and major tourist beaches near the airport are off-limits. Respect Privacy: Sint Maarten has strict laws regarding the recording of images of people and private property. Always obtain consent if your flight is near residential or private areas. Professional Conduct: If you require aerial footage for a project, you must apply for a permit well in advance via the SMCAA official government portal. Do not attempt to fly without a valid exemption letter in your possession.
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+ No-Fly Zones (NFZ): A 3-kilometer radius around the airport is a mandatory, strictly enforced No-Fly Zone. This area encompasses the entirety of Maho Beach, Simpson Bay Lagoon, and adjacent coastal zones. Entering this airspace without explicit written authorization from the St. Maarten Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA) is illegal. + + Legal Framework: Operations are governed by the Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Regulations (SMCARs). As of 2026, enforcement is exceptionally strict due to the "Respect the Sky" campaign. Violators face severe penalties, including fines of up to USD $55,555 (XCG 100,000) and imprisonment for up to two years. Negligent endangerment of air traffic can lead to even harsher criminal sentencing. + + Mandatory Requirements: + + Permits: Any flight within a designated NFZ or for commercial purposes requires a specific exemption permit obtained through the SMCAA. + + Insurance: Liability insurance is mandatory for all drone operations on the Dutch side of the island. + + Registration: All drones, particularly those equipped with cameras, must be registered and marked with visible identification labels. + + How to be "Socially Accepted" and Lawful + Do Not Fly Near SXM: Maho Beach is the most strictly monitored spot on the island. Local police and airport security forces actively patrol this area; any attempt to launch—even from a boat or rooftop—will be met with immediate intervention and equipment seizure. + + Verify Airspace: Always consult the official SMCAA No-Fly Zone map before planning any flight. If you are on the Dutch side, assume the entire airport perimeter and major tourist beaches near the airport are off-limits. + + Respect Privacy: Sint Maarten has strict laws regarding the recording of images of people and private property. Always obtain consent if your flight is near residential or private areas. + + Professional Conduct: If you require aerial footage for a project, you must apply for a permit well in advance via the SMCAA official government portal. Do not attempt to fly without a valid exemption letter in your possession.