# Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN)

> Aguadilla, US · 5 mi NE of Aguadilla city center

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/bqn
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/bqn.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: BQN
- **ICAO**: TJBQ
- **Timezone**: America/Puerto_Rico
- **Runways**: 1
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Official site**: https://aguadilla.airport-authority.com

## Overview

Rafael Hernández Airport (IATA: BQN, ICAO: TJBQ) is a small international airport serving the municipality of Aguadilla on the northwest coast of Puerto Rico. Located on the grounds of the former Ramey Air Force Base, it plays an important role in connecting the island’s Porta del Sol tourism region with major cities on the U.S. mainland. As one of Puerto Rico’s principal outlying commercial airports, it supplements San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International by offering non-stop links to Florida and the U.S. East Coast, easing travel for residents of the island’s western municipalities and nearby towns.

The airport has a single long runway capable of handling narrowbody jets, which supports regular scheduled passenger service by U.S. carriers such as JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines to destinations including Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and New York-area airports.[1][3][6] Over the years, Rafael Hernández Airport has evolved from a military installation into a civilian facility with cargo operations, general aviation, and commercial flights. Its relatively compact passenger terminal, straightforward layout, and proximity to beaches and resort areas make it a practical gateway for leisure and visiting‑friends‑and‑relatives traffic, while also supporting regional economic activity in northwest Puerto Rico.

## Terminals (1)

- **Main Terminal** — 4 gates · JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines
  A single, compact terminal handles all commercial passenger operations for arrivals and departures.

## Dining (3)

- **BQN Food Court Snack Bar** — Main Terminal · Snacks · Fast food · $
- **Mr. Special Bakery** — Main Terminal · Bakery · Coffee · $
- **Mr. Special Cafetería** — Main Terminal · Puerto Rican · Cafeteria · $

## Shops (2)

- **Gift Shop BQN** — Main Terminal · Souvenirs
- **Mr. Special Minimarket** — Main Terminal · Convenience

## Parking (1)

- **Main Public Parking Lot** — Surface lot · Adjacent to terminal

## Ground transport (8)

- **Airport Taxi Stand** — Taxi · 15–25 min to central Aguadilla · On demand
  Taxis wait outside the terminal exit and fares are typically metered or based on fixed regional tariffs.
- **Car Rental Shuttle Vans** — Shuttle · 5–10 min to off-airport rental facilities
  When rental offices are off-site, companies may provide small vans or courtesy transport from the terminal curb to their locations.
- **Hotel and Resort Shuttles** — Shuttle · 15–40 min to nearby hotels
  Some hotels in Aguadilla and nearby towns offer pre-arranged shuttles that must be booked in advance.
- **Local Public or Shared Transport** — Bus · 20–30 min to town, depending on route · Low, typically local fare level · Limited and may not align with all flights
- **Local Taxi Services** — Taxi · 10–15 min to central Aguadilla · Varies by destination; typically metered or flat-rate locally · On demand when flights arrive
- **Public Bus to Aguadilla** — Bus · 25–40 min to downtown Aguadilla
  Local buses or públicos can sometimes be boarded outside the airport access road; schedules are limited and may not align with all flights.
- **Rental Cars** — Shuttle · 5–15 min including paperwork · Daily rental rates vary by company and season · Available during posted counter hours
- **Rideshare Pickup (Uber and similar)** — Rideshare · 15–25 min to central Aguadilla · On demand
  Passengers request rides through the app and meet drivers at designated curbside pickup points outside the terminal.

## Insider tips

- _Weather_: Aguadilla has a warm, humid tropical climate with frequent showers, especially in the wet season; allow extra time during heavy rain or thunderstorms, as these can cause minor delays and make ramp and parking areas very slick.[3]
- _Connections_: Rafael Hernández Airport mainly offers point-to-point service to a few U.S. gateways, so if you need an onward international or mainland connection, book through hubs like Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Newark, or New York and keep sufficient layover time in case of schedule changes.[1][3]
- _Local_: Ground transport options around BQN are limited and services may not run late at night; arrange a taxi or rental car in advance, particularly if you are arriving on an overnight or early-morning flight.