Airports in Saint Kitts and Nevis

Saint Kitts and Nevis operates two well-equipped airports with all necessary amenities. Immigration procedures are clear and simple; travellers must declare their luggage and any currency and answer all questions patiently and accurately to ensure entry. Both airports offer flights from reputable international airlines.

R.L.B International Airport

Located to the northeast of Basseterre on the island of St. Kitts, Robert L. Bradshaw Airport, previously called Golden Rock Airport, serves as the island's primary international gateway. It is named after Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw, the first leader of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, which was the former name of what is now known as Saint Kitts and Nevis.

St. Kitts is easily accessible from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and continental Europe. Dozens of nonstop, connecting, and charter flights depart daily and arrive at Robert L. Bradshaw Airport.

R.L.B International Airport

Major Renovation and Expanded Flight Capacity

A major overhaul, completed in December 2006, included expanding the parking ramp to accommodate 6ft wide-bodied aircraft, resurfacing the 8,002 ft runway, and constructing a new taxiway. 

Started in late 2004, the upgrade improved the airport’s capacity, allowing it to handle jumbo jets and run scheduled non-stop flights to Canada, the United States, and regional commuter routes across the Caribbean.

The airport also serves cargo and jumbo jets. The largest aircraft to land here was a Boeing 747-500. In 2011, a chartered Sri Lankan Airlines Airbus A340-300 completed a nearly 10,000-mile flight from Colombo-BIA, Sri Lanka, marking an aviation milestone for the island.

Security Screening After Check-In

Every passenger is required to complete a security check after checking in and before moving to the departure zone.

Security officer scanning a passenger

Required Time For Check-In

Passengers are recommended to arrive at the check-in counters at least 2 hours prior to domestic departures and 3 hours before international flights. For the most current information, consult your airline.

Check-In Process

Please reach the airport punctually and follow all posted instructions for departure. Adhere to staff guidance to complete check-in efficiently.

  1. Travel Documents: The passengers are required to carry their tickets/boarding pass and eTA at the kiosks near departure gates.
  2. Government ID: Make sure that you carry a valid government photo id for security verification.
  3. Luggage & Pass Collection: The passengers must go to the check-in counters to collect their boarding pass and drop off luggage. Use the self-bag drop if available.
  4. Boarding Pass Check: Present your boarding pass for stamping as you pass through the security check.

Baggage Restrictions

All travellers must comply with the airport’s baggage regulations. These rules are set to ensure the safety and security of all passengers and crew. Passengers should review and follow the guidelines provided by the airport and airlines to avoid inconvenience during their journey.

Colorful suitcases displayed on shelves

Liquid Limit Rule

Liquid, aerosols, and gels must not exceed 100 ml each in hand baggage.

Sharp Items

Sharp objects, such as metallic or any kind of replica weapons, and objects that could disrupt the flight are not allowed. The authorities may confiscate these items.

Restricted Items

The passengers should avoid carrying unnecessary hand baggage and arrive early for security checks. The following items are not permitted in either hand or hold baggage.

Category

Examples/Description

Flammable Materials

Flammable liquids or solids

Oxidisers

Bleaching powders

Organic Peroxides

Chemicals that release oxygen and can cause fires

Tear Gas / Compressed Gases

Tear gas devices, gas cylinders

Infectious Substances

Live viruses, medical waste

Batteries

Wet-cell car batteries

Magnetic Devices

Magnetrons, strong magnetic materials

Mercury Instruments

Thermometers, barometers with mercury

Explosives

Fireworks, explosive materials

Matches & Igniters

Non-safety matches, firelighters, lighter fuel

Paints & Solvents

Paints, thinners, other corrosive substances

Poisons & Toxins

Cyanide, arsenic, weed-killer

Radioactive/Corrosive Substances

Radioactive materials, acids, alkalis, caustic soda

Other Hazardous Materials

Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper

Fuel System Components

Vehicle fuel system parts with fuel residue

Baggage Guidelines

Passengers can bring containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on bags, as long as they fit into a 1-quart resealable bag. These items are permitted through the security checkpoint.

Passenger Safety

It is expected of you as a responsible traveller to stay alert and actively contribute to airport safety. You must notify the security personnel or the terminal manager right once if you see any unclaimed luggage, suspicious objects, or strange conduct. The airport authorities are empowered to manage and take action against passengers who are showing unruly behaviour, which may include:

  • Consuming narcotics or alcohol leading to disruptive conduct 
  • Refusing to follow airport safety regulations
  • Engaging in verbal or physical confrontations or making threats to airport security personnels
  • Committing acts of abuse or harassment

Vance W. Amory International Airport

The island of Nevis, part of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, has one airport: Vance W. Amory International Airport. This airport handles commercial flights to and from the island, serving airlines like Cape Air, Coastal Air, Air Sunshine, Fly Montserrat, and Trans Anguilla, as well as cargo operators DHL, UPS, and FedEx

Vance Amory Airport features a 1,220-metre (4,026 ft) runway with a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) and a modern terminal building. The airport handles over 267,000 lbs of cargo, 81,000 passengers, and 9,600 aircraft movements annually, including 1,600 private aircraft movements.

The airport caters to high-end corporate travellers using business jets and welcomes general aviation enthusiasts, whether travelling alone or as part of a group or flying club, to experience Nevisian hospitality.

Family walking with luggage in airport

Flight Schedule From Vance W. Amory International Airport

Trans Anguilla Arrivals

Day

Time

From

Sunday

3:40 AM

Anguilla

Tuesday

10:45 AM

Anguilla

Thursday

10:45 AM

Anguilla

Friday

3:40 PM

Anguilla

Trans Anguilla Departures

Day

Time

Destination

Sunday

4:00 PM

Anguilla

Tuesday

11:45 AM

Anguilla

Thursday

11:45 AM

Anguilla

Friday

4:00 PM

Anguilla

Cape Air Arrivals

Day

Time

From

Sunday

6:30 PM

St. Thomas

Monday

6:30 PM

St. Thomas

Tuesday

6:30 PM

St. Thomas

Wednesday

6:30 PM

St. Thomas

Thursday

6:30 PM

St. Thomas

Friday

6:30 PM

St. Thomas

Saturday

6:30 PM

St. Thomas

Cape Air Departures

Day

Time

Destination

Sunday

10:15 AM

St. Thomas

Monday

10:15 AM

St. Thomas

Tuesday

10:15 AM

St. Thomas

Wednesday

10:15 AM

St. Thomas

Thursday

10:15 AM

St. Thomas

Friday

10:15 AM

St. Thomas

Saturday

10:15 AM

St. Thomas

Winair Arrivals

Day

Time

From

Sunday

6:55 PM

St. Maarten

Friday

6:55 PM

St. Maarten

Saturday

6:55 PM

St. Maarten

Winair Departures

Day

Time

Destination

Sunday

8:00 AM

St. Maarten

Monday

7:30 AM

St. Maarten

Saturday

8:00 AM

St. Maarten

Facilities At The Airport

The airport offers key services and facilities to support travellers, with access available throughout the terminal for ease and comfort.

Row of colorful ATM machines indoors

1. Wheelchairs

Your selected airline should provide you with a wheelchair if you require assistance to or from your flight. You are required to request this service from the airline in advance, but if you may also do so at the ticket counter when you check in.

2. Postal Service

The travellers can find the post office located in the public area of the departures terminal. They can mail their letters and packages and purchase stamps or package materials. On Mondays, opening hours are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. From Tuesday to Friday, hours are 8:00 am to 3:15 pm.

3. Ambulance Centre

The Ambulance Centre, located in the public area of the departures terminal, is open daily from 6:00 am till 10:00 pm for passengers, airport visitors, and staff. Contact your airline representative if needed. Charges may apply for these services.

4. ATMs

ATMs are available in the public area of the departures terminal and inside the retail mall after the security checkpoint. They dispense only XCD currency notes; these ATMs can support Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express cards.

5. Money Exchange

The Cambio is in the departure terminal and is open every day from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm, including bank holidays. Services include selling travellers’ cheques, cash exchanges for local and foreign currencies, cash advances on Visa credit cards, and converting travellers’ cheques to Barbados currency. On Christmas Day, the Cambio opens at 1:30 pm.

6. Porter Services (Red Caps)

Red Cap porters are available in the public area to help departing passengers move luggage from the curbside to check-in. Arriving passengers can use porters in the baggage reclaim hall to take their luggage out to the public area.

Customs and Immigration

The R.B.L. airport has greatly increased its airport since 2001. It has made it mandatory for all the passengers to carry a valid passport and a valid return ticket, regardless of nationality, and now includes Americans and Canadians.

Customs Nothing to Declare sign

Along with these documents, they are also required to provide proof of stay. Passengers arriving at the airport are required to complete an immigration and customs form.

Visitors to St. Kitts should note that, alongside airline regulations, there are strict laws on certain items that cannot be brought into the island. These items are prohibited by law, and penalties may apply. Please follow the guidelines below:

Duty-Free

The island of St. Kitts allows travellers to bring a certain amount of items free of customs duty charges. Each person over 18 years of age can do the below-mentioned duty-free:

  • 1 litre of spirit and 1 litre of wine
  • 60 ml and 300 ml of other kinds of perfumes
  • Gifts upto value of EC$100

Prohibited Imports

The following items are prohibited from being brought into the island:

  • Foreign rum
  • Matches
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables (unless grown in designated areas and with permission from the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs)
  • Articles made of camouflage material

Advisory: Contact the Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs for details on importing fresh produce, meat, and the required permits.

MiniBus and Taxis

Taxis and mini-bus services are available at R.L.B. International Airport. Fares can be obtained from airport dispatchers or your hotel front desk. A 50% surcharge applies between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Passenger bus driving on road

For independent travel, rental cars, vans, SUVs, and motorbikes are available with airport pick-up. Inquire with rental companies for more details.

Conclusion

Saint Kitts and Nevis offers a smooth travel experience with SKB and Vance W. Amory Airport, serving international destinations with amenities like ATMs and currency exchange. Review customs regulations for a smooth entry, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

The airport features Sky Grill Restaurant, offering meals made with the freshest local ingredients.

Vance W. Amory International Airport handles cargo services with DHL, UPS, and FedEx.

Passengers can contact airport staff or their airline for assistance with baggage, lost items, or other services.

Yes, Vance W. Amory International Airport offers flights from airlines like Cape Air, Coastal Air, and Trans Anguilla

 

Content Disclaimer: Last updated in June 2025. Please verify with relevant authorities, embassies, and airlines for accuracy.