Airports · Nieuw Nickerie, Nickerie District, Suriname
Major Henk Fernandes Airport (Nieuw Nickerie)
Nieuw Nickerie, Nickerie District, Suriname
Major Henk Fernandes Airport (IATA: ICK, ICAO: SMNI), also known as Nieuw Nickerie Airport, is a small public airfield near Nieuw Nickerie, the capital of Suriname’s Nickerie District. It is one of Suriname’s oldest airports, in use since 1953, and is currently operated by Luchtvaartdienst Suriname (the national aviation service).
Local rules
According to the Luchtvaartdienst, the airfield is open only to agricultural aircraft and helicopters. This restriction reflects both infrastructure limitations and safety concerns identified in inspections (e.g., poor markings, vegetation, drainage issues). Key regulatory points (from Suriname’s Civil Aviation Regulations, CARS Part 11 – Aerial Work): Agricultural operations require a valid agricultural aircraft operator certificate issued by CASAS (Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname). Operations in controlled airspace around an airport require prior authorization from the relevant ATC facility. Operators must carry the certificate on board and comply with safety, personnel, and record‑keeping rules. There is no scheduled passenger service; use is essentially for crop‑dusting, aerial work, and charter/medevac‑type helicopter operations.
Nearest help
The airport is just outside/adjacent to Nieuw Nickerie; the town provides the nearest emergency and support services. Nearest hospital: Mungra Medical Centre (first hospital outside Paramaribo), Annastraat, Nieuw‑Nickerie. Police: Politiebureau Nieuw Nickerie – Oostkanaalstraat 1 Tel: 0231530 / 0231222 Fire department: Brandweer Hoofdbureau Nickerie – Cederstraat 5 Tel: 0231123 / 0232513 National fire alarm number: 110 Local emergency numbers (Suriname): Police: 115 Ambulance/medical: 113 (commonly used; local listings also show specific hospital numbers)
Last verified 2026-10-10 · version 1
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- Coordinates
- 5.95519, -57.041123
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Safety protocols to read before you travel
A01Guided activitiesUse a guide who knows the route and explains the safety arrangements.
Choose a guide through an established operator and ask about route experience, training, equipment and emergency arrangements. Follow the safety briefing, stay with the group and do not undertake an unfamiliar activity alone. Stop when conditions become unsafe.
Version 1 · Reviewed 2026-12-15 · Source SCSD project Revised Deliverable 2 and Workshop 1 protocol guidance
A02Jungle excursionsStay on known trails, share the route and carry essential supplies.
Stay on marked or known trails, tell someone the intended route and carry water, communications and a basic first-aid kit. Avoid excursions during severe weather.
Version 2 · Reviewed 2026-12-15 · Source Rev. - DELIVERABLE 2 REPORT - Tourism Awareness&Saferty SCSD project.docx, section 3.3; draft pending TCT/PIU approval
A03Water recreation and river hazardsCheck physical hazards and fresh-water health risks before an activity.
Ask the guide about currents, rocks, water levels and safe access before any water activity. Wear suitable flotation equipment for boating. Do not dive into unfamiliar water or enter rapids to swim or bathe, and keep children under close supervision. CDC advises avoiding swimming in unchlorinated rivers, lakes and ponds in Suriname because fresh water can carry infections. A locally designated swimming spot does not establish water quality.
Version 1 · Reviewed 2026-12-15 · Source SCSD project Revised Deliverable 2 and Workshop 1 protocol guidance; https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/suriname
A04Wildlife awarenessDo not approach or feed wildlife; report dangerous sightings.
Do not approach or feed wildlife and do not handle unknown plants or animals. Keep a safe distance and report dangerous wildlife sightings to the guide or responsible local contact.
Version 1 · Reviewed 2026-12-15 · Source Rev. - DELIVERABLE 2 REPORT - Tourism Awareness&Saferty SCSD project.docx, section 3.3; draft pending TCT/PIU approval