Category: Press Releases

Minister of Justice Shalten Hato Installs PATH Signs at Curaçao Airport

WILLEMSTAD – On the occasion of International Anti-Human Trafficking Day, observed annually on July 30th, Minister of Justice Shalten Hato announced that 72 signs have been installed in all public restrooms at Curaçao’s international airport. This is part of an effort to raise awareness and inform people about the dangers of human trafficking, a crime that affects thousands of people around the world, including our island.

The signs installed at the airport are the result of an important agreement between PATH (Prevention of Abuse and Trafficking of Humans) and Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP). Their common mission is to work towards eliminating human trafficking and protecting potential victims of such crimes. With these signs in public restrooms, we hope to reach a broader audience, including those who may not be aware of the risks that human trafficking presents.

Minister Hato stated, “We have taken concrete steps to combat this crime and to protect our community. The signs in the various public restrooms provide necessary information and guidance for those who may find themselves in dangerous situations or who may notice indications of human trafficking.”

The signs offer information on how to report cases of human trafficking and provide contact details for the necessary authorities to seek help. This is an essential step in raising awareness and helping to prevent the crime of human trafficking in our community.

We appreciate the collaboration with Curaçao Airport Partners in this initiative, and we call on other organizations to follow their example and join the fight against human trafficking.

Opening of the ‘Falsidesk’ Office at Curaçao International Airport

WILLEMSTAD – As part of the Action Plan for Strengthening Border Control, the Curaçao Police Force has initiated the ‘Falsidesk’ project at CUR Airport. The Falsidesk is responsible for investigating documents that are false or suspected to be false. This includes not only passports but any other documents that need to be verified as officially issued. The Falsidesk department falls under the Unit for Immigration Control & Border Security of the Police Force. In this department, there is an expert from KMar – DOC 3 working, assisted by local colleagues certified at DOC 2 level. Currently, Curaçao has seven Immigration colleagues who have successfully completed the DOC 2 course.

The Falsidesk is staffed with personnel specially trained to recognize signs of falsification in travel documents. They use advanced technology and investigative techniques to verify the authenticity of passports, visas, and other necessary travel documents. This includes checking the physical characteristics of the documents, such as holograms, watermarks, and ink, as well as comparing with international databases to verify travel information.

For travelers, the Falsidesk provides greater security by ensuring that people arriving on the island are using legitimate documents. For immigration authorities, the Falsidesk provides a valuable tool to prevent and detect attempts at illegal travel, helping to protect our borders and maintain national security.

Additionally, the Falsidesk serves as a point of collaboration between various authorities, including police, customs, and international organizations, ensuring that efforts are coordinated and effective. In this way, we help prevent and eliminate human trafficking and other forms of crime that use falsified documents.

It is planned that by 2025, Curaçao will send a person to participate in the DOC 3 course in the Netherlands, so that we can have our own local expert.

Launch of the PATH Website on International Anti-Human Trafficking Day

WILLEMSTAD – On the occasion of International Anti-Human Trafficking Day, July 30th, the Ministry of Justice is proud to announce the launch of the new PATH website: www.path.cw. This platform is dedicated to combating human trafficking in Curaçao and reflects our commitment to protecting the community from this crime.

Human trafficking is a serious crime that affects victims around the world, including our country. With the launch of this website, we are taking an important step to inform and protect our people. The website offers information about the various types of human trafficking, the warning signs, and the steps people can take to seek help or report suspicious cases.

This is a significant moment for Curaçao, following our promotion from Tier 3 to Tier 2 in the U.S. State Department’s rankings. This demonstrates the progress we have made in the fight against human trafficking, but we know there is still much work to be done. The new status shows that our efforts are bearing fruit, and we are determined to continue working hard to achieve a safe environment for everyone.

We invite everyone to visit www.path.cw, a website that provides detailed and up-to-date information on human trafficking. The platform offers guidance on warning signs, victim stories, and information on what can be done to prevent and combat human trafficking. There is also a special section to report suspicious cases directly to the necessary authorities.

In the end, the effort and fight against human trafficking is a task that requires us all to work together. Only through unity and collaboration can we protect our most vulnerable and eliminate the crime of human trafficking forever.

We are happy to announce the arrival of CUR’s first Electric Vehicle (EV)!

This marks another significant milestone in our ongoing journey to becoming a greener airport, in line with our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESC) principles-one of the four pillars of our Strategic Plan.

While we have already implemented numerous sustainable practices at CUR, such as waste management and energy conservation, this achievement further demonstrates our dedication to environmental stewardship. Stay tuned for more exciting updates coming soon!

Every small action counts towards a greener airport as we drive toward a more sustainable future.

Thank you all for your continued dedication and support.

Willemstad, June 7, 2024 |

Curacao International Airport is launching the first annual Travel Market on June 15, 2024, at the airport. which will be held on the Airport Boulevard from 9:00 AM till 12:00 noon.

This event will give you the opportunity to explore your next travel destination, whether it’s for a vacation, a special occasion, a staycation or a wellness getaway. Our airline partners will provide you with information, special deals and availability. In addition, our tour operator partners will offer on-island activities for a staycation. Additionally, gain valuable insights about the airport, such as immigration and screening processes, and more.

The CUR Travel Market is a family-friendly event with free entrance and free parking. Kids will enjoy a variety of activities, while everyone can enjoy delicious food and beverages.

Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the world of travel right here at CUR.

We look forward to welcoming you!

WILLEMSTAD/ORANJESTAD – As Joost Meijs will be stepping down as CEO of Aruba Airport Authority N.V. in the summer of 2024, the six airports in the Dutch Caribbean have appointed Jonny Andersen, CEO of Curacao Airport Partners N.V., as the next chairperson of the Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA). This decision was taken unanimously in the DCCA’s collective meeting of March 11, 2024. Joost Meijs has served as chairperson since the establishment of the DCCA in 2021.

Since its establishment the six airports in the Dutch Caribbean are cooperating more intensively through exchanging knowledge, performing safety and security audits, and working closely with other stakeholders on an improved connectivity (affordable, efficient, and sustainable) between the Dutch Caribbean islands. DCCA serves as a central point of contact in the Dutch Caribbean for important aviation industry stakeholders. The DCCA wants to improve the connectivity between the islands and sees the Dutch Caribbean as perfectly positioned to become a front runner in the world of new sustainable ways of flying.

Every year the DCCA organizes with the help of the host airport the convention “A Flight to the Future”; In 2022 the convention was held for the first time in Aruba. During this edition the first electric aircraft ever took off into the Caribbean airspace. In 2023 Curacao Airport gave a follow up and organized the second edition of the convention with an impressive drone demonstration. On 18 and 19 November 2024 the third edition will be held in St Maarten. During these conventions the whole aviation eco-system in the Dutch Caribbean come together to discuss ambitions, actual topics and new trends and innovations in the (regional) aviation industry.

Joost Meijs, departing chairperson: “I would like to thank my colleague CEOs of all six islands and other stakeholders for the inspiring collaboration in the last years. It is great to see and entertain all the ambitions that the airports have, and I am sure that by an open collaboration we jointly can lift the airport sector in the Dutch Caribbean to new heights. Jonny Andersen is a seasoned international aviation professional, and I have all the confidence in the world that he will lead the DCCA with enthusiasm, energetically and with the highest level of professionalism”.

Jonny Andersen, the incoming chairperson, extends his heartfelt appreciation to Joost Meijs for his visionary and outstanding leadership of the Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports

(DCCA). Under Joost’s guidance, the DCCA has become the voice of the Dutch Caribbean airports, representing the common interests of the six airports to governments, island communities, airline partners, and other stakeholders.

“On behalf of all six Dutch Caribbean airports, I want to thank Joost for bringing us together and for his visionary leadership,” Mr. Andersen said. “It is truly an honor to assume the role of Chair of the DCCA, and I am committed to continuing the work that Joost and the six DCCA airports have started. Together, we will further develop the Dutch Caribbean aviation sector, enhancing its safety, connectivity, ease of travel, sustainability, and relevance for the region.

Air connectivity, affordability, and ease of travel between the Dutch Caribbean islands will be among my highest priorities during my tenure as Chair of the DCCA. Currently, many find it too expensive and time-consuming to fly between islands, sometimes taking half a day or longer to travel between sister islands. This is a significant concern. We need to make air travel a viable option for our communities again. As a sector, we must do whatever we can to make inter-island travel more accessible, affordable, and convenient for the benefit of everyone in the Dutch Caribbean. As Chair of the DCCA, my goal is to make this a reality.”

End of press release.

For more information about the Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airport (DCCA) please check the: www.dccaairports.com

Date: May 21, 2024

Willemstad, May 2, 2024.

Each year, May 2^nd brings bittersweet memories to those who were close to the events on the fateful day that Ms. Margareth Abraham boarded what would be her last flight. This remains an impacting event for our local aviation industry and even after more than five decades later, it still causes great sadness to her loved ones and all who knew her.

Margareth Abraham was one of the flight attendants on ALM’s flight 980 departing from New York’s JFK international airport to St. Maarten, on May 2, 1970. She secured the safety of many passengers before the aircraft ditched near the coast of St. Croix. She put their lives first and unfortunately, she lost her own. The 24-year-old Margareth Abraham was honored by naming our airport address after her: Margareth Abraham Plasa.

“There is so much to this story that we wish to preserve and ensure it keeps being told for generations to come. It is not permissible for her selfless act to ever be forgotten. “We believe this transcends just a tragic event”, said Mr. Jonny Andersen, CEO of CAP.

Therefore, during a special ceremony on May 2, 2024, commemorating the 54^th anniversary of her tragic passing, CAP proudly unveiled a captivating mural honoring Margareth Abraham. Prominently situated on the airport façade outside the Arrival Hall, the mural, painted by local artist Bagira, meticulously portrays Margareth’s likeness based on one of her favorite pictures. In addition, the mural incorporates a QR code located on the right side, which directs viewers to CUR’s dedicated webpage to learn more about her remarkable story: https://curacao-airport.com/history-margareth-abraham/

During the commemoration ceremony, the lineup of speakers featured notable figures such as Mr. Jeffrey Abraham, representing the family as the youngest son of Margareth’s late twin brother, Carol Abraham, and Mr. Tobias ‘Tito’ Cordeiro, the sole surviving steward from the flight. Additionally, Mr. Robby Schouten, Margareth’s fiancé, who resides abroad, sent a heartfelt video message which was played during the ceremony. Furthermore, Ms. Margy Bond, the Consul General of the USA, Mr. Ruisandro Cijntje, the Minister of Economic Development and Mr. Charles Cooper, the Minister of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning also presented their speeches during the ceremony.

The much-awaited unveiling of the mural was done by Mr. Jonny Andersen together with Mr. Wilhelmus Ignacio, Managing Director of Curaçao Airport Holding, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and Minister Cijntje. Furthermore, Mr. Andersen presented a mini painting, a replica of the mural, to Mr. Jeffrey Abraham as representative of Margareth’s family. This gesture ensures that they have a replica of the mural to cherish in their homes.

The plaque sent to Margareth’s family by the then President of the United Sates, Mr. Richard M. Nixon, as a thankful tribute to her, has been temporarily relocated to the Arrival Hall, as CAP makes adaptations to provide it with a prominent permanent new spot within the Terminal. It was adorned with beautiful flowers, and all attendees had the opportunity to pass by, admire it, and read its inscription.

Mr. Andersen concluded the event with a surprise announcement, revealing that the creation of Margareth Abraham’s documentary, directed by our own local storyteller and extraordinary director, Selwyn de Wind, had already begun. This carefully planned initiative, aimed at immortalizing her legacy, seeks to ensure that her remarkable story lives on for generations to come. The premiere is scheduled for May 2, 2025, which marks the 55^th anniversary of her tragic passing, and will take place at The Movies Otrobanda. Furthermore, Mr. Andersen expressed his heartfelt thanks to Mr. Wilhelmus Ignacio, Managing Director of Curaçao Airport Holding (CAH), for his invaluable support as one of the partners of this documentary. Without hesitation, Mr. Ignacio readily embraced the opportunity when approached about his involvement.

With initiatives such as this mural, the documentary, and the placement of her plaque in a prominent location within the airport terminal, Margareth Abraham’s legacy will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.

Willemstad, March 28, 2024.

Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) is pleased to announce that the students who presented the CAP pitch have emerged as winners at SustainaBUL 2024: the Student Sustainability Awards, held on March 26, 2024.

This dynamic group of students showcased their innovative project aimed at reducing carbon emissions in high-traffic areas by accommodating large transportation buses within the parking area and incorporating a solar car park. Their captivating digital mock-up of the solar car park impressed both the live audience and the jury.

Their participation in SustainaBUL 2024 exemplifies their eagerness to contribute to meaningful progress in sustainability and reflects their passion for creating a more environmentally friendly future.

CAP congratulates them on their well-deserved victory and looks forward to continued collaboration with these talented students of the UoC.

UoC students engage in CUR’s sustainability journey.

Willemstad March 19, 2024

Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) proudly announces its participation in the SustainaBUL 2024 Program, a collaboration with 2030 HUB Caribbean, aimed at promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustainability initiatives in Curaçao. As part of CAP’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its ongoing strategic plan for the development of CUR Airport, CAP has joined this program, facilitated by the University of Curaçao (UoC), to engage second-year students of the Finance & Control field in a sustainability challenge.

Jonny Andersen, CEO of CAP, expressed enthusiasm for this initiative, stating, “It was a natural decision for us to become part of this project. We believe in investing in our youth and contributing to platforms that enhance education and personal development, molding future leaders of our community.”

Thirty students participated in a Green Tour, visiting local companies involved in the program. During their visit to CUR, the students received insights from CAP’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) team on existing sustainability efforts and future plans to create a greener airport. Three students were selected to tackle CAP’s sustainability challenge, which involves developing a plan to accommodate large transportation buses within the parking area, reducing carbon emissions in high-traffic areas, and incorporating a solar car park.

Andersen emphasized the importance of education and consciousness-raising efforts, stating, “There are challenges ahead to achieve collective awareness on this global issue. CAP sees partnerships with programs like ‘SustainaBUL’ and 2030 HUB Caribbean as instrumental in creating awareness and helping bring a shift in mentality.”

The students will present their results to a live audience and jury during SustainBUL 2024: the Student Sustainability Awards on March 26, 2024, and CAP eagerly anticipates the outcome of the student team’s project. The pitch and report to be presented, will surely contain valuable insights and perspectives of a group of dynamic students who are eager to contribute to change, leaving their own mark in our airport’s sustainability journey.

CAP extends its best wishes to all participating students and companies involved in this transformative initiative, ultimately benefiting the entire community of Curaçao.

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Willemstad, March 8, 2024 – Duck Donuts officially opened its doors at Curaçao International Airport, located outside on the Airport Boulevard, with opening hours daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Duck Donuts is part of an American franchise, and this is the first store in the Caribbean. What makes Duck Donuts unique is that they are made fresh to order and served warm. Additionally, customers can choose their desired flavors for their donuts or select one from the many flavors on the menu. Introducing an innovative twist, soon Duck Donuts will be offering breakfast-style donuts, with eggs, cheese, bacon, etc. To sweeten the deal, locals receive a discount when they present a valid ID. Owner Willem-Jan Paardekoper also mentioned plans to open one more branch in Curaçao, likely in the Punda/Otrabanda area.

Come and treat yourself to some irresistibly scrumptious donuts at 𝗖𝗨𝗥!

Click HERE to watch the video.

The only Caribbean airport nominated in the under 5M passenger category.

Willemstad February 2, 2024 – Curaçao Airport Partners NV (CAP), proud operators of Curaçao International Airport (CUR), has been notified by the Routes Americas Awards 2024 committee of its recognition by the airline community for excellence in route development marketing activities. 2023 has been one of the airport’s all-time best performing years, with 1,76M passenger movements, route network expansion with three (3) new valued airline partners, two (2) additional gateways and seven (7) airline partners adding additional flights. CAP could not have envisioned a better ending to a successful year than with the honor of a shortlisted nod by the airline community.

The prestigious Routes Awards recognize excellence in route development across the Americas’ airlines, airports, and destinations. Curaçao International Airport is the only Caribbean airport shortlisted in the Under 5 million Passengers category. CAP is humbled to share the category with four (4) other outstanding airports in the Americas.

The judges, comprised of airline planners, will be judging the airports on route development content, air service results and effectiveness, relations with airline partners and innovative marketing campaigns. The successful rebranding of our airport through a well-received new logo, CUR, representing the destination’s warmth, vibrancy, and hospitality, will be at the center of our supporting documents.

CAP is grateful to our valued airline partners, our tourism partners, our airport and the local community for their continued support and partnership. CAP congratulates our supporting partners at the Curaçao Tourist Board, CTB, with being shortlisted for their efforts promoting the destination. The Routes Americas Award winners will be announced during Routes Americas 2024 in Bogota, Colombia, March 19 – 21, 2024.

More info:
https://shorturl.at/adxKP

Curaçao International Airport reports near record breaking passenger traffic figures for 2023, marking one of its best performing years ever.

Curaçao Airport Partners NV, CAP, is pleased to report the year end 2023 passenger traffic results of Curaçao International Airport. Total 2023 passenger movements (all Arriving and Departing Passengers through our terminal) were 1,707,889, a +17% increase compared to year end 2022 movements. CUR was one of the first Caribbean destinations to recover passenger traffic figures by year end 2022 and in further comparing 2023 total movements with 2019, the increase is of +18%. For 2023, CAP reported 665,389 International Departing Passengers, an +16% increase compared to 2022; Dutch Caribbean Departing Passengers, 134,534 an +20% increase compared to 2022; Arriving Passengers, 817,910 an +18% increase compared to 2022.

In 2023, Curaçao International Airport increased seat capacity through airline partners who added frequencies, launched new service and or up gauged equipment. Total capacity was 2,111,140 seats (in- and outbound), an +11% increase over 2022 with an average Load Factor of 84%, a 4-point growth over 2022.

Diversification Strategy Successful

Post Covid, CAP focused on the recovery, and revised the short-term strategy towards retention and diversification of the route network. The emphasis was placed on South America and the USA as the primary regions for further growth and stimulating diversification. The increase in demand for the destination through public and private tourism partnership initiatives and further supported by a significant growth in room inventory, contributed to positive 2023 results. CUR recovered passenger traffic in 2022 and grew significantly in 2023.

The 2023 passenger traffic market share per region was distributed as follows, The Netherlands, a 37% share; Dutch Caribbean 17%; USA 20%, South America 16% and Canada 4%.

Additional and New Air Service Development

In the fourth quarter of 2023, air service from the Amsterdam gateway increased significantly with the launch of non-stop service from Corendon Airlines commencing with three (3) weekly flights and increasing to five (5) weekly flights as of December 2023. TUI increased to double daily non-stop and direct flights as of the winter schedule from Amsterdam. KL introduced the new business and premium comfort class seating on the B777 aircraft and increased flights to double daily service during the winter peak demand periods. In addition, the strongest feeder cities from Europe via Amsterdam were Frankfurt, Berlin, Paris-CDG, London-Heathrow, München, Zurich and Düsseldorf.

From the USA, even though there are still crew, staffing and ATC challenges, JetBlue increased non-stop service from five (5) weekly New York-JFK frequencies to daily. American Airlines increased non-stop Charlotte frequencies from weekly to daily as of winter 2023. To further compliment CURs route network, Delta launched weekly non-stop Saturday service from Atlanta. In addition, the strongest feeder cities from the USA to Curaçao are Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, New-York JFK, Washington-National, Atlanta, Boston and Orlando.

The Canadian market has increased with Air Canada non-stop service from weekly to three (3) weekly year-round flights.  In addition, WestJet has announced a second (2^nd) non-stop weekly flight from Toronto for winter 2023.

The South American market gained additional flights from Bogota and Panama. Copa Airlines increased from five (5) weekly to daily non-stop flights from Panama. Avianca increased non-stop service from Bogota from eight (8) to eleven (11) weekly flights. In June, Azul Airlines launched non-stop, and shortly thereafter, increased flights to twice (2x) weekly service from Belo Horizonte to Curacao. The launch of non-stop service from Brazil has been an important achievement for the destination and the further diversification of the route network. Curaçao is Azul Airlines’ first Caribbean destination. The strongest feeder markets from South America are Sao Paulo-GRU, Medellin, Buenos Aires-Ezeiza, Cali, Santiago de Chile, Lima and San Jose, Costa Rica.

The Dutch Caribbean demand for inter-travel increased primarily to visit family and friends, for business purposes and sports and social events.

Curaçao International Airport’s route network comprises of nineteen (19) airline partners, and twenty-three (23) gateways.

CUR 2024 outlook – a record breaking year

The outlook for 2024 passenger traffic results is that of a record-breaking year through a moderate growth of 6%. The 2023 total passenger movement figures fell 2% below the airport’s highest year-end passenger traffic results in 2015. CAP does remain aware of the volatile airline industry. The geo-political issues in various regions are causing tensions on a global level. In addition, aircraft, crew and staffing issues continue to impact the industry.

Route network retention and contained traffic growth will be the focus for CAP in 2024. CAP anticipates the volumes of daily movements throughout the airport to remain at the current pace and the airport community continues to ensure an efficient, safe and secure passenger experience. In addition, CAP continues to work in close partnership with public and private tourism partners to further grow the demand for the destination in a sustainable and profitable manner.