โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Les Bases Airport (GBJ), also known as Marie-Galante Airport, is a charming regional aviation facility located on the island of Marie-Galante in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe. Situated approximately 5.5 kilometers east of the main town of Grand-Bourg, the airport serves as a vital inter-island link, primarily connecting Marie-Galante to the larger hub of Pointe-ร -Pitre (PTP) on the mainland of Guadeloupe. The airport's location on this traditional 'sugar cane island' makes it an essential entry point for travelers seeking authentic Creole culture and world-renowned rum distilleries.
The terminal at Les Bases is a small and compact facility designed for simplicity and passenger convenience. Handling both arrivals and departures within its modest footprint, the terminal features a straightforward layout with essential check-in counters and a basic baggage claim area. While the airport lacks the extensive retail and dining options found at major international hubs, it offers a tranquil and efficient environment that reflects the island's relaxed pace of life. A small parking area is located directly adjacent to the terminal building, and rental car services are available on-site for those wishing to explore the island's many beaches and historic windmills.
Ground transportation to Grand-Bourg and other parts of Marie-Galante is primarily facilitated by local taxi services and private car rentals. The journey to the town center typically takes only 5-10 minutes, and while there is no regular public bus service, taxis are readily available at designated ranks. As a single-terminal regional facility, there are no inter-terminal transfers, and walking distances within the airport are minimal. Travelers should coordinate their flights with the local inter-island schedules, which are designed to support both tourism and the daily needs of the island's resident population.
๐ Connection Tips
Les Bases Airport (GBJ) is a small regional facility located on the island of Marie-Galante, part of the Guadeloupe archipelago in the Caribbean. The airport provides a vital air link between this quiet, rural island and the main hub of Pointe-ร -Pitre International Airport (PTP). Flights are short, typically taking only 15 to 20 minutes, and are operated by regional carriers using small turboprop aircraft. For international travelers connecting to Marie-Galante, you will first fly into PTP, where you must collect your luggage and clear customs before transferring to the regional terminal for your onward flight to GBJ. A common and often more frequent alternative to flying is the high-speed ferry service, such as the Express des รles, which runs from the Bergevin terminal in Pointe-ร -Pitre to Grand-Bourg on Marie-Galante.
The ferry takes about an hour and is popular with locals for its reliability and lower cost. If you choose to fly, the airport at Les Bases is conveniently located just 5 to 10 minutes from the main town of Grand-Bourg. Taxis generally meet the scheduled flights, but it is wise to have your hotel or guesthouse pre-arrange a pickup to avoid waiting. Facilities at Les Bases are extremely basic, reflecting the island's slow-paced, 'island time' lifestyle.
There are no commercial lounges or major shops. Travelers should handle any significant provisioning or currency needs (Euros are the local currency) in Pointe-ร -Pitre or Grand-Bourg. The island is known for its historic windmills and high-quality rum distilleries; if you are visiting for these, renting a small car or scooter at the airport or in town is highly recommended for exploring the scenic coastline and rural interior. Always double-check your flight or ferry times 24 hours in advance, as schedules can shift based on seasonal demand.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
65
minutes
Interline Connections
100
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Saint-Franรงois Airport operates as the Caribbean's first aero-leisure base, renamed in 2019 after aviation enthusiast Amรฉdรฉe Huyghues-Despointes. Located adjacent to the municipal golf course at the southeastern tip of Grande Terre island, the airport features a 584-meter hard runway and maintains a 5.7-ton maximum aircraft weight limit for general aviation operations.
Terminal facilities include a permanent building capable of accommodating customs operations, an active aero club with briefing room and flight simulator, aircraft maintenance workshop, and a terrace overlooking the golf course. The former terminal building gained fame as a filming location for the Franco-British series "Death in Paradise" and now serves specialized functions.
Operational characteristics focus on general aviation, flight training, and recreational aviation activities including private island tours, paramotoring, ultralight aircraft, autogyro operations, and parachuting services. The airport serves as an excellent base for inter-island flights, being 20 minutes from Pointe-ร -Pitre, 25 minutes from Marie Galante, and 35 minutes from Les Saintes.
Strategic importance lies in serving as Guadeloupe's premier general aviation hub, supporting tourism through aerial tours and private aircraft operations while providing essential connectivity for the eastern region. The airport's proximity to golf courses, marinas, and the scenic Pointe des Chรขteaux makes it a key gateway for leisure aviation in the French Caribbean.
๐ Connection Tips
Saint-Francois Airport (SFC) is a small airfield in Guadeloupe primarily used for private aviation, skydiving, and island-hopping charters. The airport is a popular entry point for visitors heading to the nearby golf course, marina, and Pointe des Chateaux. Operationally, the practical plan is the onward road or domestic transfer, not the building footprint, because the airport mainly keeps Saint-Francois tied into the regional network. The meaningful alternates are Pointe-a-Pitre, Les Bases Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Saint-Francois's time-saving link to the rest of Guadeloupe.
It does not host regular scheduled commercial airline service; most travelers fly into Pointe-a-Pitre (PTP) and drive approximately 45-60 minutes east. When delays ripple through the schedule, the practical plan is the onward road or domestic transfer, not the building footprint, because the airport mainly keeps Saint-Francois tied into the regional network. The meaningful alternates are Pointe-a-Pitre, Les Bases Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Saint-Francois's time-saving link to the rest of Guadeloupe.
For those arriving by private flight, local taxis and rental cars in Saint-Francois town should be pre-arranged. At street level, the practical plan is the onward road or domestic transfer, not the building footprint, because the airport mainly keeps Saint-Francois tied into the regional network. The meaningful alternates are Pointe-a-Pitre, Les Bases Airport, which is why the backup plan matters more than the terminal amenities. Scheduled service is carried by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, so the first bank of the day is the one to watch. In practice, that means the airport works as Saint-Francois's time-saving link to the rest of Guadeloupe.
โ Back to Les Bases Airport