Yrausquin

Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, commonly referred to as Yrausquin Airport, is the airport serving the Caribbean island of Saba, a special municipality of the Netherlands. It is the island’s only civilian airstrip and is renowned for its exceptionally short runway, one of the shortest in the world used for scheduled passenger service.

Location and runway

The airport is situated on the southern coast of Saba near the village of The Bottom. The runway is approximately 400 meters (about 1,312 feet) long and is designated 10/28. Its location between surrounding hills and the sea creates dramatic approach and departure conditions. The end of the runway over the sea and the surrounding terrain mean that operations rely on precise visual flight rules rather than an instrument landing system.

Operations and aircraft

Due to its limited length and challenging geometry, only small aircraft operate at Yrausquin Airport. Typical services are inter-island flights using light aircraft, such as the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, operated by regional carriers. Weather, visibility, and wind conditions can affect service reliability, and flights are generally conducted under daylight VFR.

History and naming

The airstrip was opened in the 1960s to provide air access to Saba. It is named after Juancho E. Yrausquin, a local pilot who played a key role in establishing air service for the island. The airport’s distinctive short runway and dramatic setting have made it a notable feature of Caribbean aviation.

See also

Saba; Transport in the Caribbean Netherlands; List of shortest runways.