Minister seeks review of US preclearance plan for Princess Juliana airport

TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten asked Parliament to reconsider a US Customs and Border Protection preclearance facility at Princess Juliana International Airport. During her presentation on the ministry's draft 2027 National Budget, she referred to preliminary plans prepared in 2018 by architectural firm Corgan, which carried an estimate of about US$82.6 million.

Heyliger-Marten said the earlier plans included terminal expansion, dedicated passenger-processing facilities and supporting infrastructure. She said the estimate was historical, rather than a current construction budget or approved investment, and called for a new feasibility assessment.

US preclearance would allow eligible passengers bound for the United States to complete US immigration and customs procedures before departure from Princess Juliana International Airport, the minister said. She said any project would require technical, financial and operational assessments, along with arrangements and approvals involving US authorities.

The minister also called for permanent Fixed Base Operator facilities for private aviation. She welcomed temporary facilities involving ExecuJet and Signature Aviation, but said the long-term approach should allow additional qualified operators to participate while meeting aviation safety, security and service standards.

Heyliger-Marten said the government should also examine whether preclearance arrangements could eventually extend to general aviation. She presented that as a future possibility requiring separate operational consideration and US approvals.