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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GPS Code: SMJP
Local Code: Not available
Location: 5.45283° N, -55.187801° E
Continent: South America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: Zanderij JAP International Airport JAPI Airport JAPIA ZY Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
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 While some improvements are noted in specific areas, common complaints revolve around operational inefficiencies and outdated infrastructure.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- Outdated and Limited Facilities: The terminal is often described as old-fashioned with limited facilities, including few and small departure monitors, restricted food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.
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Airport Routes
Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM) offers 16 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include Surinaamse Luchtvaart Maatschappij N.v., KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Caribbean Airlines and others. Popular destinations from Zandery include Miami Intl, Amsterdam Schiphol, Val de Caes Int'l, Cheddi Jagan Int'l and Hato Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Johan Adolf Pengel International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 154 | 5 | Jan 31, 2026 | |
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM
/ KL
|
1 | 81 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Caribbean Airlines
BWA
/ BW
|
2 | 55 | 2 | Jan 31, 2026 |
Copa Airlines
CMP
/ CM
|
1 | 38 | 1 | Jan 30, 2026 |
GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes
GLO
/ G3
|
1 | 20 | 1 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Amerijet International
AJT
/ M6
|
1 | 17 | 1 | Jan 30, 2026 |
|
Fly Always
EDR
/ 8W
|
1 | 12 | 1 | Jan 30, 2026 |
|
Turpial Airlines
VTU
/ T9
|
1 | 5 | 1 | Sep 24, 2025 |
|
Cargojet
CJT
/ W8
|
1 | 4 | 1 | Jan 27, 2026 |
|
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 |
Ground Transportation
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.
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