Airport Pôle Air Caraïbes
Guadeloupe - Maryse Condé Airport: A strategic hub in the Caribbean
Guadeloupe - Maryse Condé airport, located in Les Abymes, is the archipelago's main air entry point.
Located at GPS coordinates 16°16'12.2 "N 61°31'36.1 "W, it is in the commune of Les Abymes, about 3 kilometers from Pointe-à-Pitre. Easily accessible via Route Nationale 1 (RN1), it is well served by public transport, cabs and car rental services. Its strategic location in the heart of the archipelago makes it a hub for travelers arriving from the Caribbean, Europe and America.
Modernized over the years, it is now a key infrastructure for Guadeloupe's regional and international connectivity. Here's a look back at its history, evolution and current role.
A history marked by adaptation and modernization
Guadeloupe’s aviation history began in the 1930s with the La Darse airfield in Pointe-à-Pitre. Although innovative for its time, this first site did not meet the growing demands of air traffic and had limitations in terms of safety and capacity. In 1953, Raizet Airport was inaugurated in Les Abymes, marking a turning point for the archipelago. With a longer runway and modern infrastructure, it quickly became a key hub for air transport in the Caribbean.
Over the decades, several expansion and development projects were undertaken to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. In the 1980s, the airport was renamed Pôle Caraïbes, reflecting its strategic role as an air hub in the region. These developments enabled the facility to meet the needs of long-haul aircraft and welcome millions of travelers each year.
A tribute to Maryse Condé
In September 2024, the airport was officially renamed Guadeloupe - Maryse Condé Airport in tribute to the internationally renowned Guadeloupean writer. This name change, approved by the President of the Republic, honors Maryse Condé’s exceptional contribution to literature and Guadeloupean culture. This symbolic gesture strengthens the connection between local culture and this key infrastructure, a gateway to discover the treasures of the archipelago.
A steadily growing traffic
Guadeloupe - Maryse Condé Airport is now one of the busiest airports in the French overseas territories. In 2022, it welcomed 2,077,233 passengers, ranking second after Réunion Roland-Garros Airport among overseas airports. Despite monthly fluctuations, traffic remains stable, and the airport continues to strive to meet the growing demand for services and international connections.
Passenger traffic in detail:
- Primarily focused on international flights : Guadeloupe is connected to mainland France by major airlines such as Air France, Corsair, and Air Caraïbes, with routes to Paris and other major French cities.
- Strengthened regional connections : Flights to neighboring islands like Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, and Martinique provide fast and efficient connectivity.
- Gateway to North America and Europe : Destinations such as Miami, Montreal, and Brussels position the airport as a strategic bridge to these international markets.
Cargo traffic also plays an important role, facilitating the import and export of goods between Guadeloupe and its trade partners.
A key player in economic development
Beyond the numbers, the airport actively contributes to the local economy by promoting tourism, creating jobs, and supporting commercial exchanges. Thanks to ongoing modernization, it remains competitive and plays a central role in Guadeloupe’s international presence.
Guadeloupe - Maryse Condé Airport is much more than just infrastructure: it is a showcase for the archipelago, embodying its history, ambition, and openness to the world.
