Forums39
Topics39,176
Posts317,620
Members26,630
|
Most Online3,676 Yesterday at 01:00 PM
|
|
16 registered members (Whale Tail, kaba, SXMScubaman, Tom, Manpot, Billtjw, JeanneB, Kmon, Call_me_Ishmael, cabokid, Fletch, 5 invisible),
3,192
guests, and 328
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Airport Going into Hibernation
#223466
04/02/2020 06:20 AM
04/02/2020 06:20 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
|
DAILY HERALD ARTICLEPlanning on two different scenarios, a 2 month shut down or a 6 month "hibernation". " The preparation for the airport’s reconstruction will continue despite the shutdown, said Van der Meiden." Not at all sure what this means, does reconstruction continue now or not?
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#223471
04/02/2020 08:48 AM
04/02/2020 08:48 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
|
I assume they are talking about from now, so two months from now is June 2, at a minimum...
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#223473
04/02/2020 09:01 AM
04/02/2020 09:01 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
|
No idea but sounds reasonable, if there is such a thing now.
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#223492
04/02/2020 10:57 AM
04/02/2020 10:57 AM
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,377
SXMWendell
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,377
|
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#223496
04/02/2020 11:09 AM
04/02/2020 11:09 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
|
Okay, guys - I’m confused here.
Does this mean there will be no passenger flights at all for the next two or possibly six months?
Assuming Covid-19 abates, Please say it isn’t so..... It would be heart-breaking to have to cancel two trips in one year but we’ll do what’s smartest and safest.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: pat]
#223498
04/02/2020 11:16 AM
04/02/2020 11:16 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
|
That's how I'm reading it, Pat. At least two months, possibly six, so that takes it past the first of June, for sure. That appears definite to me, as definite as things are these days.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: pat]
#223499
04/02/2020 11:20 AM
04/02/2020 11:20 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,592
St Maarten
|
Pat, I expect my flight to CT end of June will be cancelled. And even if it's not, I'm not sure I will be comfortable traveling for quite some time. Even if they open the airport.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: pat]
#223501
04/02/2020 11:22 AM
04/02/2020 11:22 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
|
No idea pat, just posting a link to what I read.
The airlines are going to have to play the game the SXM government way, which will be flights allowed back in when the PM says it is ok. Perhaps the 2 months is realistic, perhaps it is not but it would be better to give yourself a little "wiggle room" and if things work out, open things up sooner than announced versus continuing delays.
AA or any other airline can post what they want on their sites but the SXM government holds the keys to open the door for commerce and flights to come back to the island. It would only make sense they (SXM government) want the tourist and their $$$ bask ASAP but I also doubt they will take much chance of making a major error based on how quickly they reacted when this all broke.
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: BillandElaine]
#223503
04/02/2020 11:30 AM
04/02/2020 11:30 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
|
Pat, I expect my flight to CT end of June will be cancelled. And even if it's not, I'm not sure I will be comfortable traveling for quite some time. Even if they open the airport. I think you may be right, Elaine. With all that’s happening around the world right, well beyond the scope of just Sint Maarten, I’m in complete agreement with you. It was hard to cancel our trip for this month but really sad if November doesn’t happen. But the bottom line is we have to be safe. Comfortably safe. You’ve already had one crazy island exit and you sure don’t need another one.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#223506
04/02/2020 11:45 AM
04/02/2020 11:45 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
|
We are all in a "wait and see" mode and it could go on for some time. One of the absolute worst scenarios would be to open anything up too soon and then have a major relapse that may be worse than when this initially happened.
Some dog events we had planned on attending, well into May, have already been cancelled. One was a huge Ducks Unlimited/Purina event in TX at the speedway and it was cancelled 2 weeks ago and was for mid-May.
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: BillandElaine]
#223510
04/02/2020 11:55 AM
04/02/2020 11:55 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,995 Connecticut
The_Lurker
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,995
Connecticut
|
Pat, I expect my flight to CT end of June will be cancelled. And even if it's not, I'm not sure I will be comfortable traveling for quite some time. Even if they open the airport. I think you are right!! This isn't only about SXM, but the whole world---- I think we will know more, as time goes by, and can make good decisions then.
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#223547
04/02/2020 05:18 PM
04/02/2020 05:18 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540 Maine USA
doctorj
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540
Maine USA
|
The airlines need to update if that’s the case. Our May 16th on JB is still confirmed. Crazy World! I feel like I am in a movie. (a bad one!) Stay well, carib cheers, doctorj
It's Five O'Clock Somewhere........
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: pat]
#223758
04/04/2020 04:55 PM
04/04/2020 04:55 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,162 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,162
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
|
Pat, I truly hope this doesn't go on for that long, but yesterday we were warned by our public health officials that these measures could extend for 18-24 months to really eradicate this virus. If a vaccine becomes available before that time, things may change but it is all so indefinite. Stay safe and enjoy the nice spring weather at home. Not St. Maarten but better than winter weather for sure.
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#223763
04/04/2020 05:25 PM
04/04/2020 05:25 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,162 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,162
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
|
This was reported by our Canadian health officials and our Prime Minister. It will probably not apply to you as under President Trump your country is going an entirely different route.
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#223808
04/05/2020 08:59 AM
04/05/2020 08:59 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,677
Brookfield, CT.
|
Hi, Leona,
Where’ve you been?
I can easily believe your July trip could be cancelled as we’re missing our first SXM April vacation in 47 years and oh do we miss it!
But what I can’t quite come to terms with is that it’s been almost ten years already since you and Andre quite literally took the plunge. Time goes by fast when we’re having fun?!
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: GaKaye]
#224736
04/15/2020 08:55 AM
04/15/2020 08:55 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
|
Strange as this should open automatically. as it is part of the post.
It is a letter on airport letterhead, dated April 9, that discusses the before mentioned airport situation. It mentioned the "lockdown", the "hibernation" and subsequent "The back to business" of the airport. It reconfirms the approx. 2 month "hibernation" and also mentions the potential of a 6 month period. Pretty much what the Daily Herald article indicated but I thought it might mean a little more to those who think they may be going in May since it is actually from the airport. It is reaffirms the flights will be limited to cargo, relief and medical during this time period.
If you want to pm me your email address, I can try getting it to you that way.
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: CaribEagle]
#224794
04/15/2020 04:14 PM
04/15/2020 04:14 PM
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
|
Yes, I have never seen ANY kind of a specific date as to when the airport will reopen, or even a definite date as to how long it will be closed for sure.
Carol Hill
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: bran]
#224795
04/15/2020 04:17 PM
04/15/2020 04:17 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763 Ohio
ruralcarrier
OP
Traveler
|
OP
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,763
Ohio
|
bran, The initial article was published in the Daily Herald on April 1. This letter is dated April 9 so you have an 8 day difference that I really doubt will make any difference in the grand scheme of things. I personally have no idea when the airport will open, I just wanted to reinforce the article in the paper with the "official" letter as some on here have tickets for May that have not been cancelled yet and some seem to think the US airlines will govern flights going back into SXM. I highly doubt that.
I wish I had the answers for you. Is July 1 possible? I hope so but I would not make a huge bet on it at this point. I saw things unravel very quick when this all started. In the matter of 18 hours, a LOT changed and changed drastically. I highly doubt anything will be put back online with regard to the airport, tourism and cruises in a hasty manner. Just like here in the US, you screw up "opening" things back up and this reignites, you likely have a much worse problem and dilemma than you started with.
Regarding cruise ships, I think onshore spending has been dwindling for some time. An exception would be a person on a cruise who has an existing relationship with a business, as in jewelry store. The bigger loss with be the port fees to the harbor/government and probably some of the politicians missing out on what they would otherwise pocket from "deals" they had made with the harbor or others "in the business".
J.D.
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#224796
04/15/2020 05:31 PM
04/15/2020 05:31 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 734
bran
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 734
|
bran, The initial article was published in the Daily Herald on April 1. This letter is dated April 9 so you have an 8 day difference that I really doubt will make any difference in the grand scheme of things. I personally have no idea when the airport will open, I just wanted to reinforce the article in the paper with the "official" letter as some on here have tickets for May that have not been cancelled yet and some seem to think the US airlines will govern flights going back into SXM. I highly doubt that.
I wish I had the answers for you. Is July 1 possible? I hope so but I would not make a huge bet on it at this point. I saw things unravel very quick when this all started. In the matter of 18 hours, a LOT changed and changed drastically. I highly doubt anything will be put back online with regard to the airport, tourism and cruises in a hasty manner. Just like here in the US, you screw up "opening" things back up and this reignites, you likely have a much worse problem and dilemma than you started with.
Regarding cruise ships, I think onshore spending has been dwindling for some time. An exception would be a person on a cruise who has an existing relationship with a business, as in jewelry store. The bigger loss with be the port fees to the harbor/government and probably some of the politicians missing out on what they would otherwise pocket from "deals" they had made with the harbor or others "in the business". You got that right........................ I agree, going to take some time......
|
|
|
Re: Airport Going into Hibernation
[Re: ruralcarrier]
#224797
04/15/2020 05:36 PM
04/15/2020 05:36 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,909
Bahston
Traveler
|
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,909
|
There's a difference between the airport being closed and the airport terminal building being in "hibernation" for 2 to 6 months. Note the line in the letter which reads “In the interim, operations of medical, relief, cargo flights, or other, will be possible from the FBO building.” The FBO was used after Irma, and before the tents were installed. If SXM chooses to allow passenger flights, and if airlines choose to operate them, they can be handled through the FBO.
Personally, I'm in no hurry to go anywhere farther than my local grocery store.
|
|
|
|