SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) once again opened its doors and runway to the community early Sunday morning for the third edition of the Princess Walk, bringing together an even larger group of participants in support of breast cancer awareness and early detection.
Following the success of last year’s event, the turnout for the 2026 Princess Walk was even stronger, with participants gathering at the terminal from as early as 4:00 a.m. before being transported by the airside for the walk along the airport runway. This year’s event was held under the message “Crown Yourself with Courage – Lace Up, Step Up, Check Up!”, reinforcing the importance of taking an active role in one’s health and encouraging women throughout the community to prioritize regular breast cancer screening.
Through the tremendous support of participants purchasing the official Princess Walk T-shirts, US$10,000 was raised this year, more than double the amount raised during last year’s walk. The funds will support the Elektralyets Foundation and Positive Foundation, both of which continue to advocate for breast cancer awareness, education and early detection, while helping make screening opportunities more accessible to women in St. Maarten.
The message of the day remains simple but important: Ladies, get checked. Early detection saves lives. Through initiatives such as the Princess Walk and the funds raised by the community, more women can be given access to potentially life-saving screenings. PJIA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Michael Cleaver, who joined the group from 4:00 a.m. and walked alongside participants, highlighted the importance of the initiative and the role the airport continues to play in supporting the community.
“The Princess Walk is about more than walking our runway; it is about awareness, prevention and helping create greater access to early detection. I am proud of our PJIA team for once again coming together across departments to make this event possible and for opening our airport to the community. Giving back is part of who we are at PJIA, and we remain committed to supporting initiatives that can make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Support for the Princess Walk was visible throughout the airport, with departments across PJIA contributing in their own way to the event. The Rescue and Firefighting Services team illuminated its fire trucks in pink, while the Electrical team transformed the runway lighting with pink accents in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. These efforts reflected the collective spirit behind the Princess Walk and demonstrated how teams across the airport came together to support the cause.
A special word of appreciation is extended to the entire PJIA team. Employees from multiple departments worked together behind the scenes and throughout the early morning hours to safely coordinate the event, support participants and once again open the airport’s doors and runway to the public. From Operations and Security to Airport Rescue and Firefighting Services, Electrical and supporting teams across the organization, each department played a role in making the morning possible.
PJIA also extends its appreciation to the Elektralyets Foundation and Positive Foundation for their commitment to breast cancer awareness and early detection in St. Maarten. The airport further recognizes the valuable support of this year’s sponsors: Menzies Aviation, Swiss Canonica, Subway and Avis Budget, whose contributions helped make the event possible.
For PJIA, the Princess Walk represents more than an annual event. The airport belongs to the people of St. Maarten and the pride employees take in welcoming the community onto the runway reflects that connection. Giving back to the community is part of PJIA’s DNA and the airport remains committed to using its platform to support initiatives that positively impact the island.
PJIA thanks every participant who woke up early, purchased a shirt, walked the runway, supported a loved one and helped spread the message of early detection.
Crown Yourself with Courage. Lace Up. Step Up. Check Up.
