Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, also known as Paramaribo Zanderij International Airport and referred to locally simply as JAP, is an airport located in the town of Zanderij, 45 kilometers south of Paramaribo, the hub of the airline Suriname Airways. It is the larger of Suriname’s two international airports and is operated by Airport Management, Ltd./ NV Luchthavenbeheer. It is used as the primary port for private jet flights to the country.
Suriname private jet charter prices
Although Johan Adolf Pengel Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Paramaribo are as follows.
| Heavy Jet | 123.400 EUR |
| Long Range Jet | 152.350 EUR |
| VIP Airliner | 243.600 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport
Zandery Airport was used by Pan American World Airways (PAA) before World War II. In 1928, Pan American World Airways started mail flights from Miami to Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. The rich and famous Americans, mostly aviators, visited Suriname. On March 24, 1934, female pilot Guggenheim and male pilot Russel Thaw were forced to make an emergency landing because they could not find the Zanderij airport. The Lockheed plane was so severely damaged that it was sent back to the United States. On April 16, 1934, in a single-engine Lockheed Air Express, female aviator Laura Ingalls completed the first solo flight around South America, landing at Zanderij.
In 1937, aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart landed at Zanderij in a Lockheed Model 10 Electra and later disappeared in the central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island. In 1938, KLM launched a weekly service between Paramaribo and Willemstad (Curaçao), but the service was not a commercial success. On May 11, 1939, The Flying Hutchinsons arrived in Zanderij as part of a “family world tour” broadcast in a radio series sponsored by Pepsi Cola.
In summary, the history of Zandery Airport begins with its use by Pan American World Airways, which began operating mail flights to Suriname from 1928. The rich and famous Americans, especially aviators, visit Suriname. The airport is a place where airplanes sometimes have to make emergency landings and where important aviators such as Amelia Earhart have landed. KLM starts a weekly service from the airport to Willemstad, but it is not a commercial success. The Flying Hutchinsons arrive at the airport as part of a “family world tour” sponsored by Pepsi Cola.
In 1940, after the fall of the Netherlands by German forces, the United States obtained the right to base its military at the airport while the Dutch government was in exile. Suriname was an important source of bauxite for aluminum production at the time and needed protection. The first American armed forces arrived at the airport on November 30, 1941 and expanded the facilities as a shipping base to send Lend-Lease supplies to Britain by air across the South Atlantic Ocean. The runways were built by the American Corps of Engineers. The road from Onverwacht to Zanderij was also built in 1942.
With the entry of the United States into the war in December 1941, Zandery Field greatly increased in importance and became an important transport base on the Air Transport Command’s South Atlantic route. They transported personnel and supplies via Freetown Airport, Sierra Leone, and onward to the European and African theaters of war. Anti-submarine patrols were also conducted from the airfield along the Southern Caribbean and South Atlantic coasts.
Just before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the 99th Squadron was sent to Zandery Field in Dutch Guiana. Here, they were forced to leave their B-17 aircraft behind and were replaced by additional B-18A Bolos aircraft. The squadron was under the command of Trinidad Base and had been stationed in the area at the request of the Dutch government. In January 1942, the squadron received eight Curtiss P-40C Warhawks and were used for airfield defense. However, heavy flying in the first two months of the war reduced the squadron’s strength, and by the end of February, it was reported that three B-18As were operational but “none are now in the air”. The squadron was quickly reinforced and by March, six more aircraft and seven fighter crews were ready for duty.
Operations from Zandery Field consisted of beach, convoy and anti-submarine patrols. From October 9-16, the 4th Anti-Submarine Squadron was also attached to the Fleet. However, after October 31, 1942, the Anti-Submarine Command assumed the duties of the 99th Squadron and its aircraft and personnel were redeployed.
In the middle of World War II, on November 2, 1943, Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana visited Suriname from Canada. As the first member of the Dutch Royal Family, she landed at Zanderij in a KLM Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra PJ-AIM Meeuw. After the landing of Meeuw and the accompanying Dutch and US military aircraft, the Crown Princess was welcomed by Governor Kielstra and inspected the guard of honor.
With the end of the Second World War, Zandery Airport was reduced to a skeleton staff. It was closed as a military facility on April 30, 1946 and on October 22, 1947, Zandery Air Force Base was handed over to the Dutch authorities and converted into a civilian airport.
The Suriname government will invest another $70 million in the expansion and modernization of J.A. Pengel Airport. So far, $28.5 million has been invested and the development has completed the arrival hall, commercial center and parking lot. The runway has been renovated, the aircraft platform has been reorganized, the runway lights on the arrival side have been replaced and a backup electrical system has been installed. However, it is not enough to make the airport a true international hub. The departure and arrival halls are currently separate from each other, but in the future they are planned to be connected by bridges in the air. Lights have been installed on the departure side and the platform has been expanded to accommodate more aircraft. The fire response team barracks have been moved to a more central location. The expansion of the airport will involve not only building a new terminal, but also a 2.7 km taxiway that will run parallel to the long 3.5 km runway. The total investment includes approximately $205 million and the loan agreement approval will be submitted to the National Assembly of Suriname by the airport management in mid-2019. A new airport terminal with new and larger arrival and departure lounges is planned for the near future, receiving investment from China. Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport is making a continuous effort in route development management to attract more airlines. Suriname is looking at new markets through bilateral and open skies agreements with different countries.
List of places to visit in Paramaribo
Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname, is a place that many people around the world have not explored, but it is well worth a visit for its unique beauty and impressive historical heritage. The city’s narrow streets, colorful colonial buildings and historical monuments, all bearing traces of 17th-century Dutch architecture, are awe-inspiring. Paramaribo is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of Paramaribo’s most famous tourist attractions is the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Built in the 19th century, the cathedral is one of the largest churches in Suriname and has an impressive appearance with its white color and dome-shaped roof. Another historically interesting place is Fort Zeelandia. Built in the 17th century by the Dutch to strengthen colonial rule in Suriname, the fort is now a museum.
Other attractions in Paramaribo include Independence Square, Waterkant, Surinaams Museum and Central Market. Independence Square is where Suriname gained its independence from the Netherlands and is an important part of Surinamese social life. Waterkant is a street on the banks of the Suriname River and is one of the most touristy areas of Paramaribo. Surinaams Museum is a museum that tells the history of Suriname. Central Market is a market where various products are sold to meet the needs of the locals.
Places to visit in Paramaribo are not limited to historical and touristic places. The Culinaire Markt, for example, is an open-air restaurant serving a variety of dishes and drinks and is frequented by locals. Boat trips on the Suriname River are ideal for exploring the country’s natural beauty. Hippos, exotic birds and other animals can be seen during these tours.
Paramaribo is a place that offers visitors interesting historical, cultural and natural attractions. Suriname’s unique and diverse culture, combined with the city’s colorful streets and historic sites, make for an unforgettable travel experience.
Transportation from Johan Adolf Pengel Airport to the city center
Johan Adolf Pengel Airport is located 45 km south of Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. There are several options for getting from the airport to the city center. These include taxi, bus and private car rental options. The airport taxi stand is located just outside the terminal building and is about a 45-minute drive from the city center. Taxi fares are fixed and not negotiable.
Airport buses offer an easy transportation option to the city center. Buses depart from a stop outside the airport and reach the city center in approximately one hour. Bus services are regular and tickets can be purchased from the automatic ticket machines in the terminal building. However, bus services can sometimes be delayed or canceled, so it is important to inquire before traveling.
Finally, airport private car rental services can be easily arranged by booking in advance. These services offer a comfortable transportation option and can go directly to hotels or other popular destinations in the city center. There are offices of different car rental companies within the port.
