45 m). It was renumbered from 09/27 in late 2008. Pilots guided by GPS take a more efficient approach than those operating under VFR. Local airport rules prohibit aircraft from flying lower than Arriving aircraft approach the island on the last section of the final approach for Runway 10, following a 3° glide slope flying low over the famous Maho Beach. The proximity of Maho Beach to the runway has made the airport one of the world's favorite places among planespotters despite the dangers. In 2017 a New Zealand woman died from injuries sustained by jet blast from a departing aircraft. Tourists have been often criticised for dangerous behavior on the beach. Apron The main apron measures with another on Eastern apron. For freight handling a dedicated apron of is available. Terminal Designed to handle some 2.5 million passengers annually, the new four-story terminal building offered (at least until the arrival of Hurricane Irma) of floor space and was fully air-conditioned. Available facilities included 46 check-in desks, 10 transit desks and 13 boarding gates. There were 20 immigration booths for arriving passengers and five exit-control booths for departing passengers. The building also featured 40 shops and food & beverage units—some unique to St. Maarten—promoted under the retail theme 'So Much More'. General aviation To accommodate the growing international and local traffic of private aircraft, PJIA has a fixed-base operator building, offering office space and private lounges with dedicated customs. Tower Since official opening of the new control tower, PJIA air traffic controllers have two radar systems at their disposal with ranges of and . PJIA controllers manage 4,000 square NM of airspace known as the Juliana TCA around the airport, roughly between and of the St Maarten VOR-DME. Besides providing approach, tower and ground control at PJIA, these controllers also provide approach control for Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (Anguilla), L'Espérance Airport (French Saint Martin), Gustaf III Airport (St. Barths), F.D. Roosevelt Airport (St. Eustatius) and Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport (Saba). Navigation PJIA is equipped with VOR/DME and NDB. The airport's official operating hours are 07:00–21:00. Airlines and destinations The following airlines provide daily or weekly service to the following destinations. Passenger Notes Winair operates between Aruba and Sint Maarten but the flight stops in Curaçao on selected days. Winair operates between Bonaire and Sint Maarten but the flight stops in Curaçao on both trips. Cargo Statistics Accidents and incidents