Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM)

Zandery, SR 🇸🇷 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

SMJP

IATA

PBM

Elevation

59 ft

Region

SR-PR

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: SMJP

Local Code: Not available

Location: 5.45283° N, -55.187801° E

Continent: SA

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Zanderij JAP International Airport JAPI Airport JAPIA ZY Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (SMJP (PBM)) in Zandery, SR, generally evokes a mixed to negative sentiment among recent travelers, with many experiencing significant frustrations despite some acknowledgment of its role as a regional gateway. While some improvements are noted in specific areas, common complaints revolve around operational inefficiencies and outdated infrastructure.

What Travelers Love
  • Regional Connectivity: The airport serves as a crucial point for both regional and international flights, facilitating travel to Suriname and neighboring countries.
  • Recent Departure Area Improvements: Starting in the third quarter of 2023, the departure area has seen modernization efforts, including more modern facilities and the introduction of new technology.
  • VIP Services: VIP Concierge Services, including Meet and Greet, VIP Lounge Access, and Chauffeur Transportation Services, are available to enhance the travel experience, helping to bypass long queues and provide comfort.
  • Parking Availability: Both short-term and long-term parking are offered adjacent to the terminal.
Common Complaints
  • Excessive Wait Times: Travelers frequently report extremely long queues at border control and security, with reports of only one out of eight immigration booths being open and security processes taking up to 45 minutes on a Monday evening.
  • Poor Customer Service: Many reviews highlight unhelpful, rude, and ill-mannered staff, particularly at border control, with some even noting officers smoking in the area.
  • Outdated and Limited Facilities: The terminal is often described as old-fashioned with limited facilities, including few and small departure monitors, restricted food and retail options, and a lack of comfortable waiting areas. Bathrooms are also cited as being practically unusable.
  • Slow Baggage Claim: The baggage claim process can be very slow, with bags being released in small batches.
  • Expensive and Unreliable Taxis: Taxis from the airport are often reported to overcharge, and travelers are advised to agree on a fixed price beforehand. Transportation options to Paramaribo are generally seen as few and expensive.

Overall, Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport appears to be an airport with significant operational challenges and a need for further modernization to meet international standards and improve traveler satisfaction. While efforts are being made to upgrade certain areas and VIP services are available, basic traveler experiences, particularly regarding wait times and staff interaction, remain a major point of contention.

Generated True weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
0 destinations displayed
Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
5 115 5 Dec 10, 2025
1 57 1 Dec 10, 2025
2 39 2 Dec 6, 2025
1 26 1 Dec 10, 2025
1 15 1 Dec 6, 2025
1 14 1 Dec 4, 2025
Fly Always
EDR / 8W
1 9 1 Dec 4, 2025
1 5 1 Sep 24, 2025
GlobalX
GXA / G6
1 1 1 Sep 12, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
11/29 11417 ft 148 ft ASPHALT Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP PENGEL APP (USE PENGEL TOWER: 118.5) 129.2 MHz
AREA CTRL PARAMARIBO CTRL 123.9 MHz
AREA CTRL PARAMARIBO CTRL (BACKUP FREQ.) 133.3 MHz
GND GND - USE PENGEL TWR FREQ 118.5 121.9 MHz
TWR PENGEL TWR 118.5 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
ZY Zanderij VOR-DME 114300 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall. The journey to the capital city, Paramaribo, is approximately 45-50 km and takes about 60-90 minutes. Fares are typically fixed, but it is highly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting your trip. Both private taxis and shared taxis (which are more affordable) are common options.

Rental Cars

Several international and local car rental companies have service desks inside the arrivals terminal, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and local providers like Ross Rental Cars. It is strongly advised to book your vehicle in advance for better rates and guaranteed availability. Note that in Suriname, traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Public Transportation

There are no direct, scheduled public bus, train, or metro services connecting the airport to Paramaribo. While local public buses may pass on the main road near the airport, they are not a practical or recommended option for travelers with luggage due to infrequent schedules and lack of direct routes. The primary and most reliable options are taxis, pre-booked shuttles, or rental cars.

Nearby Airports

Zorg en Hoop Airport
ORG • SMZO
Paramaribo, SR
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~40 km away
Eduard Alexander Gummels Airport
EAX • SMEG
Kwatta, SR
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~45 km away
Afobakka Airstrip
SMAF
Afobakka, SR
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~55 km away
Moengo Airstrip
MOJ • SMMO
Moengo, SR
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~89 km away
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni Airport
LDX • SOOM
Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, GF
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~128 km away
Zorg en Hoop Airport
ORG • SMZO
Paramaribo, SR
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~40 km away
Gross Rosebel Airstrip
SMGR
NoneSR
Small Airport
~41 km away
Jarikaba Airstrip
SMJA
Jarikaba, SR
Small Airport
~45 km away
Eduard Alexander Gummels Airport
EAX • SMEG
Kwatta, SR
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~45 km away
Brownsweg Airstrip
SR-0003
Brownsweg, SR
Small Airport
~48 km away
Afobakka Airstrip
SMAF
Afobakka, SR
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~55 km away
Henri Alwies Airstrip
SMHA
Antongron, SR
Small Airport
~65 km away
Nieuw Jacobkondre Airstrip
SR-0002
Nieuw Jacobkondre, SR
Small Airport
~69 km away
Gummels Heliport
SMHP
Paramaribo, SR
Heliport
~45 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.