Flying to Guadeloupe

General Information

Since the airports of Marie Galante, Les Saintes, and La Désirade no longer have service, Guadeloupe now has only one airport (Guadeloupe-Pôle Caraïbes Airport, formerly Le Raizet), located on the outskirts of Pointe-à-Pitre. It receives flights from around a dozen airlines connecting it to about fifteen cities, mostly in the region, apart from mainland France and Quebec. It also serves as a hub for Air Caraïbes and Air Antilles Express.

Types of Flights

Local Airlines

There are two local carriers in Guadeloupe: Air Caraïbes, which is the result of a merger of several West Indian airlines, and Air Antilles Express. Both have their main base on the island.

Charters, Scheduled, and Low-Cost Flights

Apart from a few seasonal charters, including some from mainland France, Guadeloupe only welcomes scheduled flights.

Promotions and Special Offers

The destination regularly benefits from promotions and special offers. While these don’t always apply exclusively to flights, they often include combined deals like "flight + accommodation." That said, such promotional packages can be very appealing.

From France

Departing from Mainland France

Orly (Air Caraïbes + Air France + Corsair + Level) and Roissy (Air France) are directly connected to Guadeloupe in about 8 to 9 hours of flight time (depending on direction). Prices: 420 to 850 €.

As for other regions, there are no direct flights, and travel involves a connection via Paris by plane or train.

Direct Flights or with Connections

Direct flights from Paris are almost exclusively operated by French airlines. As for foreign carriers, only American Airlines, via Miami, occasionally appears. However, given the price, the detour, and U.S. transit requirements, it’s not recommended. In short, for Guadeloupe, the best option is to fly direct.

Selection Criteria

Since (from mainland France) the choice is limited to four airlines (Air Caraïbes, Air France, Corsair, Level), options are quickly reviewed, with direct flights being the priority. Note that during Christmas and peak holiday periods, airfares to the French West Indies tend to rise significantly.

From the "French West Indies" and French Guiana

There are direct connections between Guadeloupe and Martinique for roughly 150/200 € round trip (Air Antilles Express + Air Caraïbes + Air France), as well as Saint Martin (Air Antilles Express + Air Caraïbes) and Saint Barthélemy (Air Antilles Express + Air Caraïbes + charters). There are also flights to/from Cayenne (Air France).

From Another Country

Belgium and Switzerland

No direct flights from Belgium, Switzerland, or elsewhere in Europe outside France (and very occasional charters). Therefore, a connecting flight, often via Paris, is required.

Quebec

There is a weekly Air Canada flight between Montreal and Guadeloupe, increasing to two flights per week in winter. Similarly, Air Transat operates the same route during the winter season (roughly from December to April).

Other

North America: Boston, New York, and Washington (Norwegian), Miami (Air France + American Airlines).

Caribbean: Antigua (Air Antilles Express + LIAT), Dominica (Air Antilles Express + LIAT + Winair), Haiti (Air Caraïbes + Air France), Puerto Rico (Seaborne Airlines), Dominican Republic (Air Antilles Express + Air Caraïbes), Saint Lucia (Air Caraïbes). Note that LIAT, based in Antigua, also offers connections to other islands with an immediate stopover at its hub.

Guadeloupe - Pôle Caraïbes Airport

Formerly known as "Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet," this is now the archipelago’s only airport since those on Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and Les Saintes no longer receive regular flights. It is located on the outskirts of Pointe-à-Pitre, in the municipality of Les Abymes.

Name: Guadeloupe - Pôle Caraïbes Airport

IATA Code: PTP

Hub: Air Caraïbes and Air Antilles Express (and secondary for Air France in the region)

Number of Terminals: 2

Annual Passenger Capacity: 2.5 million

Passenger Traffic: 1,976,000 (2013)

Distance from City Center: 4 km from Pointe-à-Pitre

Website: http://www.guadeloupe.aeroport.fr

Services

The airport offers most essential shops and services. You’ll find currency exchange, a post office, luggage storage, a pharmacy, a vaccination center (including yellow fever), and several car rental agencies. Free Wi-Fi is available for 2 hours per 24-hour period. There is also assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

Sleeping at the Airport

Transportation

There is no public transport serving the airport, and taxis hold a monopoly on transfers, with prices to match—around twenty euros to reach downtown Pointe-à-Pitre. A planned tram network for the Pointe-à-Pitre area may eventually pass near the airport. Note that if you’re staying at a hotel or guesthouse, they can often arrange pickup upon arrival.