At last: Flightradar24 launches live streaming of aircraft at Princess Juliana Airport in St Maarten

Flightradar24 has launched a new 24/7 automated live stream from Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) in St Maarten, giving aviation enthusiasts around the world real-time visual and ADS-B-overlay tracking of aircraft operations at one of the world’s most famous flight-watching locations — Maho Beach on the Dutch side of St Maarten. 

How to watch the Flightradar24 SXM livestream and what to expect

• The Flightradar24 SXM live stream shows aircraft with an overlay of callsign, flight number, and altitude — helping spotters identify rare visitors instantly.
• ATC audio provides additional context, including pilot requests and clearances, offering a richer experience than video alone. 

The system uses Flightradar24’s ADS-B data, paired with a PTZ camera powered by CamStreamer, to automatically track arrivals and departures and provide live ATC audio from the control tower. This stream enables remote viewing of low-approach landings and powerful takeoffs. The same action draws thousands of spotters annually to the beach, where aircraft fly mere metres above spectators’ heads. 

Why SXM is a plane-spotting Mecca

Princess Juliana International Airport is globally famous for its extremely low approaches over Maho Beach, where commercial airliners pass just above sunbathers and photographers before touchdown.

This unique proximity, combined with a relatively short runway, creates one of the most dramatic civilian spotting experiences anywhere on Earth. 

Rare aircraft you can spot at Princess Juliana Airport

Some of the more “wow” aircraft, like the Boeing 747, which would graze over visitors on the beach, no longer operate scheduled flights to St Maarten.

According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, most of the currently scheduled commercial flights at Princess Juliana Airport are operated by narrow-body jets (such as A320/A321 and B737 family aircraft) from major North American and Caribbean airlines.

There are opportunities to spot the rarer Boeing 757, which will operate around 200 flights in the first quarter of next year. 

Widebodies are less common at the airport, though there are still a good number of Airbus A330s landing and a few Boeing 787 Dreamliners operating seasonal service. 

Regional aircraft (CRJs and ERJs) also operate a good number of flights and are likely to be spotted. There are also loads of turboprop flights to watch, including ATRs, Cessnas, DHC-6 Twin Otters, and Norman BN-2A Mk III Trislanders. 

Look out for special-mission flights that can add excitement, particularly during hurricane season (from July through November), with heavy lift or military aircraft delivering emergency supplies. Previously spotted rare birds include the Antonov An-124 and the Airbus A400M.  

All the aircraft scheduled to land at SXM over the coming year

The following table, based on Cirium data, shows all the aircraft with currently scheduled service through next year, by quarter. Spotters will note that the first quarter of the year has great opportunities to see aircraft with peak traffic of 9,052 inbound flights.

Spotting tips for the Princess Juliana Airport in St Maarten live stream

• Watch for unexpected widebody arrivals, ferry flights, and international charters — these are typically the most unusual aircraft types at SXM.
• Track seasonal cargo operations or relief flights; these are more likely to involve unique aircraft such as the An-124.
• Keep an eye on special flight tracking categories or pinned rare flights in apps like Flightradar24 for alerts when a notable aircraft is inbound. (Within Flightradar24, “special aircraft tracking” features can help identify unique flights.) 

Flightradar24’s new 24/7 automated live stream at SXM brings the thrill of one of aviation’s most dramatic runways directly to screens worldwide. While most flights are routine scheduled services, the airport’s history of rare and spectacular visitors means there’s always the potential for something thrilling. With live video, ADS-B overlays, and ATC audio, aviation enthusiasts now have a rich remote spotting tool to see more aircraft at St Maarten.

Featured Image: Thiago Trevisan | stock.adobe.com

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