โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
80
minutes
International โ Domestic
80
minutes
International โ International
95
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM), locally known as Zanderij, is the primary international gateway to Suriname, located approximately 28 miles (45 km) south of the capital, Paramaribo. The airport operates from a single passenger terminal that handles all international and regional flights, serving as the main hub for the national carrier, Surinam Airways. The facility is currently undergoing a phased modernization project to enhance its passenger capacity and technical infrastructure.
The terminal infrastructure provides a variety of essential amenities, including several cafรฉs and restaurants in both landside and airside areas, alongside duty-free shops like Paris Gallery. Travelers have access to free Wi-Fi through the Digicel network, on-site currency exchange services, and dedicated kiosks for local SIM cards in the arrivals hall. For premium passengers, the Sabuku Lounge is located airside on the upper level, offering a comfortable space with refreshments and quiet workspaces.
Ground transportation to central Paramaribo is primarily supported by shared minibus services and official taxis available 24/7, with the journey typically taking 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Major car rental agencies maintain desks directly within the arrivals hall, and several secure parking options are available in front of the terminal building. Travelers are advised to confirm their flight status directly with the airline, as the terminal may have restricted access or reduced services during late-night hours.
๐ Connection Tips
Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) is the primary gateway to Suriname, located approximately 45 kilometers south of Paramaribo. Ground transport is dominated by official airport taxis and private shuttles; the taxi journey to the city center takes about 70-80 minutes and costs roughly 250-350 SRD.
For a more economical option, private shuttle garages like 'Garage Ashruf' or 'Garage de Paarl' offer shared transfers for approximately $12-15 USD. Public buses run from the main road (Indira Gandhiweg) near the airport, but they are not recommended for those with heavy luggage as the walk to the stop is significant. Shared garages are popular for that reason, because they keep the route into Paramaribo predictable while avoiding the delays that sometimes build up when everyone lands at once.
The terminal is modern with basic duty-free, currency exchange, and cafes. Arrive 3 hours early for international departures The airport is modern enough that the real question is which transfer style fits your budget and timing, not whether you can find a ride at all. That leaves the terminal busy enough to be useful without feeling rushed, and the basic cafs and currency exchange counters are usually enough for a quick international handoff. Locally.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albina Airport (ABN), located near the town of Albina in Suriname, was a small regional airstrip primarily facilitating domestic flights. **However, it is important to note that Albina Airport permanently closed in 2025.** Prior to its closure, the airport operated a very rudimentary terminal facility, often consisting of a simple, basic building or a modest shelter that served as a waiting and processing area for passengers. Its layout was minimalist, offering direct access from the small landing strip to the boarding area.
In its operational period, ABN handled domestic flights, primarily connecting Albina to other parts of Suriname, with services often provided by Surinam Airways. There were no complex multi-terminal configurations or extensive ground facilities, and all operations were conducted within this singular, basic setup. Walking times within the terminal were negligible, typically mere seconds from arrival to aircraft, emphasizing its functional role for regional connectivity.
Amenities at Albina Airport were exceptionally sparse. Travelers should not have expected airline lounges, dedicated dining facilities, or retail shops. Any available provisions would have been extremely limited, possibly from a very basic local vendor nearby. Security procedures were minimal, consistent with its classification as a small regional airfield, focusing on local aviation safety protocols.
๐ Connection Tips
As Albina Airport (ABN) is permanently closed as of 2025, no air connections are currently possible at this facility. The information provided here offers historical context regarding its connections and is included for informational purposes only. Having been in operation since 1953, Albina was one of Suriname's oldest airstrips and served as a vital regional link for over seven decades before it was decommissioned. While no official reason for its permanent closure was publicly released, the cessation of its flights reflects the changing infrastructure landscape in eastern Suriname. Today, travelers who once relied on ABN must navigate alternative road and river routes to access both domestic and international air networks.
Prior to its 2025 closure, connections from Albina Airport were exclusively domestic and primarily linked the eastern border region with the capital city of Paramaribo. Scheduled and chartered services were frequently provided by small regional carriers such as Gum Air, Blue Wing Airlines, and United Air Services. Most of these flights originated from Zorg en Hoop Airport (ORG), a smaller facility in Paramaribo that specialized in domestic hops. These short flights were indispensable for local communities, government personnel, and business travelers who needed to bypass the often lengthy and challenging overland journey through the East-West Passage highway, especially during the rainy season when road conditions could deteriorate significantly.
Passengers needing to connect to international flights would typically do so via Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) in Paramaribo, which serves as Suriname's main international gateway. For such transfers, travelers would have needed to arrange ground transportation from Albina to Paramaribo, a journey that currently takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours by road. No inter-airline baggage transfers were available at the modest Albina airstrip, meaning all luggage had to be manually collected and re-checked at the international terminal. This two-step process required careful synchronization between the small domestic 'puddle jump' and the larger international departure, often necessitating an overnight stay in the capital to mitigate the risk of missed connections.
This historical transit situation highlighted the challenges of travel in remote regions without direct international air links. Beyond domestic air travel, Albina has always served as a major hub for cross-border movement across the Marowijne River to Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni in French Guiana. Travelers frequently used the airport as a transit point, followed by a 10-to-15-minute ferry or pirogue (water taxi) ride across the river. This regional connectivity continues today even without the airport, as the town remains a key point for international river transit and ground transport toward Paramaribo. Navigating these logistics still requires ample buffer time to account for river crossing schedules and potential delays on the coastal highway.
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