“Did you ever wonder why this small airport is right in the middle of the city?” That’s Zorg en Hoop Airport. Today, we will explore the story behind this bustling little airfield in Paramaribo.
Zorg en Hoop Airport plays a vital role in connecting Suriname. It links the capital to the interior and neighboring countries. This airport is not just a place for taking off and landing. It’s a symbol of Suriname’s aviation history.
Let’s step back in time to October 1952. Rudi Kappel and Herman van Eyck started the first Surinamese air company here. Their first aircraft was a Stinson Reliant. Its registration was PZ-TAA. The company Kappel-van Eyck built the first hangar here in November 1952. They soon added a second Stinson Reliant to their fleet.
In the summer of 1953, Zorg en Hoop Airport became crucial for developing airstrips in the interior. The first mail delivery and passenger flights in Suriname took off from here. The destinations were Moengo on August 22, 1953, and Coronie on September 28. Later, flights also went to Nickerie and Albina. These flights used the new Piper Cub named “Colibri”. Its registration was PZ-NAC.
Zorg en Hoop is suitable for smaller aircraft and helicopter flights. It maintains connections to several smaller airports in Suriname’s interior. It also provides charter flights to the Caribbean. The only regular international service is to Georgetown, Guyana. Trans Guyana Airways and Gum Air operate these flights.
Larger jet aircraft serve Paramaribo via Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport. It is located 45 kilometers south of the city at Zanderij.
Several airlines operate scheduled flights to and from Zorg en Hoop. Gum Air flies to Georgetown-Ogle. Trans Guyana Airways also serves Georgetown-Ogle.
Zorg en Hoop Airport has seen its share of challenges. Concerns have been raised about safety. The increase in flights strains the resources of the airport’s emergency services.
Despite these challenges, Zorg en Hoop remains a vital part of Paramaribo. It supports general aviation, flight training, and emergency medical services. It also handles charter operations. This small airport has a big story. It connects people and places within Suriname and beyond.
Zorg en Hoop Airport stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of Surinamese aviation. From its humble beginnings to its current role, it continues to serve Suriname. As we conclude our visit, remember the story of Zorg en Hoop. It is a story of innovation and connection.