Zorg en Hoop Airport (ORG)

Zorg en Hoop Airport (IATA: ORG, ICAO: SMZO) is a key domestic and regional airfield located directly within Paramaribo, the capital of Suriname. Unlike the country's main international gateway, Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (PBM), which lies an hour south of the city, Zorg en Hoop serves as a vital hub for flights into Suriname's vast and largely inaccessible interior. It plays a crucial role in connecting the capital with remote communities, mining operations, and eco-tourism lodges scattered throughout the Amazon rainforest.

Established in 1952, the airport has a long history intertwined with the development of local aviation. Its primary function has always been to facilitate travel where road networks are non-existent. The airport is situated in the Zorg en Hoop neighborhood, a residential and commercial area just a few kilometers southwest of the historic city center. This central location makes it easily reachable for travelers, typically via a short 10-to-15-minute taxi ride from downtown hotels and guest houses. Public transport options are limited, with private cars or arranged taxis being the most common and reliable means of access.

Operations at Zorg en Hoop are characterized by small, propeller-driven aircraft. The airport is the home base for local airlines such as Gum Air and Blue Wing Airlines, which operate scheduled and charter flights to numerous airstrips across the country, including destinations like Albina, Stoelmanseiland, and Palumeu. These flights are essential for both residents and visitors heading to jungle resorts. While predominantly domestic, the airport also handles some regional charter flights to neighboring countries like Guyana and French Guiana. It does not service large commercial jets or long-haul international routes.

The facilities at Zorg en Hoop are functional and reflect its role as a small domestic airfield. The single terminal building is modest, containing check-in counters for the resident airlines, a basic waiting area, and limited options for refreshments. Travelers should not expect extensive shopping, restaurants, or lounges. For those traveling to or from the airport, it is advisable to arrive approximately 90 minutes before a scheduled departure. Due to the small aircraft used, passengers must be mindful of strict baggage weight and size limitations. A critical point for travelers is that any connection between a domestic flight at Zorg en Hoop and an international flight at Johan Adolf Pengel Airport (PBM) requires a separate ground transfer of about 45-60 kilometers, which can take over an hour by car.