Very interesting. Thanks for posting.

So basically, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />, since the airport suffered major damages from Irma, the stopgap is a row of tents to attempt to accommodate people clamoring to return to St. Martin. I'm sorry but we all went thru the pitfalls of checking in, security, dropping off luggage and the oft happening hours long delays for a flight. Can you even imagine what it's going to be like when they rush to restart operations here. I am not at all surprised at the total lack of any obvious signs of work being done on the main terminal. Oh yes, it will commence on Island time. As a close friend of mine stated, hey, what could go wrong ? Wow.

I cannot understand your motivation for being so pessimistic. I think that's a fantastic job considering the circumstances. As they refurbish different areas it will get better and better week by week. For now, with the minimal commercial traffic to the airport, this is gonna work just fine. By the time the tourists start returning in greater numbers, the airport will be a lot less makeshift. You mention Island Time. Isn't that precisely the point?

What makes you think work isn't being done? You have xray vision to see inside? For starts they had to erect a whole new fence around the perimeter before they could open. I think this is a great beginning to help the island get back on it's feet.

Like the "old days" in the 1980's! Give them a chance, it will get better. Because of current limitations on the island, I'm sure that tourist volume will be way down. This contingent arrangement should work for the lower volumes. I would guess that the peak season (Nov - March) will be written off this year, since hotels, timeshares, restaurants, rental cars, etc. will be operating with very limited resources. With this in mind, tour operators will not be organizing visits to the islands affected by Irma and Maria for at least 6 months. The airlines will also be sharply limiting their services to SXM (we had a trip to SXM scheduled for November, originally direct thru Charlotte, was rerouted Charlotte to Miami with an overnite AA reinstated our miles to our FF acount).

OMG! Lack of work? Maybe from the lack of material so far. Its not gonna be perfect but the entire island is butting their butts. God bless all of them.

Mr. Hyman & colleagues,

Thanks for taking the time to document your efforts to bring some sort of normalcy to the airport operations with your phase 1 plans. You’ve had to return to some ‘old school’ steps while also integrating present day security requirements. For the travelers that will use this stop gap - crucial persons such as residents, owners, and those professionals coming to help the island recover - I am certain your efforts will be most appreciated since without it they could not re-enter.

For the casual/adventurous/patient visitor - we thank you in advance for the next phase that may allow those who wish to return and infuse the island in a personal way. Most of us recognize that your rebuilding not only the airport that is the gateway for the world to Sint Maarten/Saint Martin…but also YOUR own lives & homes. Your efforts are most appreciated and the limitations you are working within understood. Good on you all for making it to this step given the extreme hardship/circumstances.

Be sure to let everyone know when you are fully operational and “perfectly functioning” so that those who demand such can return….