Mustique Airport: Portal to the Enchanted Grenadines
Introduction
Located right in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, Mustique Airport (IATA: MQS; ICAO: TVSM) is a private airfield that acts as the main access to participate in one-way or round-trip flights directly from London to/from this paradisiacal island situated within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The middle-level airport, owned by Mustique Company Limited, provides an experience of a lifetime in traveling by offering the necessary facilities to private jets, charters, and sometimes even scheduled flights from the surrounding islands.
Airlines and Destinations
It is served by the national carriers of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, SVG Air and Mustique Airways. The airlines also enable LYB to connect through the Grenadines and on larger hubs in Antigua or Grenada. As a single-engine general aviation airport, the runway and limited facilities restrict the types of aircraft to mostly light singles and twins, with turboprops being less common.
Passenger Numbers and Flights
Passenger traffic at Mustique Airport differs significantly, with peaks during the winter months when visitors frequent its exclusive resorts and unspoiled beaches. The airport is simply recognized as an airport in the Bahamas, and while this particular international facility does not move traffic like a Miami, Los Angeles, or London Heathrow, it is essential as a gatekeeper for getting consumers there.
How to Get Here
Getting to Mustique Airport is somewhat of an odyssey; crucially, it's a remote island that requires at least two flights and maybe some boat transfers. Guests can fly to nearby islands with larger airports such as Saint Lucia, Barbados, or the recently opened Argyle International Airport in neighboring St. Vincent, followed by a short connecting flight or boat ride onto Mustique. However, the airport's short runway and lack of instrument landing systems restrict some types of aircraft that can operate here, so visitors need to plan their travel arrangements accordingly.
Parking
Designed to cater mainly for private jets and chartered flights, Mustique Airport has no public parking facilities. Guests traveling by private plane will have to arrange parking directly with The Mustique Company or their aviation service of choice.
Transportation Prices
Transportation to and from Mustique Airport can be expensive or it may not be. Private transfers will always be more expensive than shared shuttle services or boat transfers, but not as much if you are comparing it to a taxi. We suggest doing some research to decide and book the transportation in advance so you don't have FOMO or pay peak prices.
Terminal Layout
Mustique Airport is a small airport with a single terminal building. The terminal accommodates check-in, passenger airboarding walls (facilitating departures), and security screening services for departing flights, as well as baggage reclaim facilities upon arrival. While not a large terminal, it is nevertheless expected to operate smoothly and efficiently with the airport's relatively affluent private-aircraft customer base.
Navigate the Airport
Given the terminal's small size and lack of facilities, finding your way through Mustique Airport should be pretty intuitive for most travelers. The signs are easy to read, and there is plenty of airport personnel walking around in case you have any questions or concerns.
Getting Between Terminals
There is only one terminal at Mustique Airport, so passengers do not need to travel between terminals. This is another facility where all arrivals and departures are taken care of within the same compact building.
Services and Amenities
Although Mustique Airport (located only 3.5 miles from the Cotton House and serviced by many commercial airlines) might not have all the bells and whistles of larger international airports, it offers travel essentials that cater to its sophisticated clientele, a rarity in today's world. Basic amenities like restrooms, a small waiting area, and limited food and beverages will be available to the passengers.
Restaurants and Shops
The sparse commercial offerings at the airport are indicative of this isolated quality. There is a small café or snack bar for visitors, but larger dining and shopping experiences will generally be available on the island's resorts and private villas.
Security and Customs
Both are private airports, and in both instances, we have some of the most advanced security protocols to ensure that our guests' departures and arrivals enter or leave with impunity. This means that passengers must undergo standard security screening - baggage and personal identification checks. All international arrivals must also go through customs clearance, with government officers monitoring the process.
Accessibility
Mustique Airport takes care of every traveler, including those with disabilities. The terminal building and its amenities are accessible, with airport staff on hand to help as required.
Travel Tips
You should arrive at this airport with that in mind before heading over to Mustique for your itinerary. If you are planning to travel during the peak seasons, remember that booking flights in advance will not only offer lower fares but also better availability. Additionally, travelers should be aware that the airport has limited facilities and no instrument landing systems, so they may experience weather-related delays or cancellations when inclement weather approaches.