Issue #1

Growing with Curaçao: CAP’s contribution to employment generation

As Curaçao International Airport continues to evolve, so does its contribution to employment in Curaçao. Over the past decade, CAP’s employment figures have grown significantly, with a particularly strong increase in the last two years.

An airport is much more than a place where aircraft take off and land. It is a complex operation that requires people, expertise, technology, and continuous development. As the operator of Curaçao International Airport, Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) plays an important role in keeping this operation running while preparing it for the future. One of the tangible results is the growing number of employment opportunities generated over the years.

A decade of growth, with a significant recent increase

CAP’s employment figures reflect how the company’s needs have evolved alongside the airport’s development. Between 2017 and 2024, CAP recorded a total of 46 employment opportunities. In 2025 and 2026 alone, this figure reached 81, with 37 opportunities recorded in 2025 and 44 in 2026.

This marks a significant increase in recent years, reflecting the evolving demands of airport operations and development. As passenger traffic grows, connectivity expands, infrastructure develops, and preparations for the airport’s future progress, the need for people with the right skills and expertise continues to evolve.

Several developments help explain the changing demands on the airport. Following the pandemic, travel and tourism rebounded, while Curaçao’s air connectivity continued to develop. Increased passenger traffic, infrastructure expansion, operational improvements, and preparations for future airport needs all contribute to a more dynamic operating environment.

At the same time, aviation continues to evolve. New technologies, more advanced systems, changing operational requirements, and the need to maintain high standards of safety, security, and passenger experience require a broad range of skills and specialized expertise. As the airport grows, so does the need for people who can support its operations and future ambitions.
 

More than an airport operation

Employment generation is an important part of CAP’s broader contribution to Curaçao. Every new position adds to the people and expertise needed to operate, maintain, improve, and develop the airport. These opportunities also contribute to the island’s wider

CAP’s approach is to prioritize local talent wherever possible, while recognizing that the specialized nature of aviation sometimes requires expertise that may not yet be readily available on the island. That is why investing in people is just as important as investing in airport development. Through relevant training, professional courses, and skills development, CAP works to strengthen in-house expertise, equip employees with the knowledge required in an evolving aviation environment, and prepare them for new responsibilities and future career growth. In doing so, CAP not only supports its own operational and development needs but also contributes to building the knowledge and capabilities that Curaçao needs to benefit from the continued growth of its aviation sector.

CAP also supports the development of future professionals by providing internship opportunities to students who need practical experience to complete their studies and prepare for their careers. These internships allow students to apply their knowledge in a real working environment, gain valuable experience, and discover the many career possibilities within the aviation industry. In several cases, internships have also become a steppingstone to employment at CAP, with former interns now part of the team. This reflects CAP’s commitment not only to developing its own workforce but also to helping nurture the talent that will contribute to Curaçao’s future.
 

Building for what comes next

The increase in employment figures in 2025 and 2026 reflects a period of significant development for CAP and the airport it operates. As Curaçao International Airport responds to changing travel patterns, growing connectivity, and future operational requirements, the people behind its daily operations and continued development remain essential.

For CAP, contributing to Curaçao means more than operating an airport. It means helping create opportunities, supporting economic activity, and preparing an essential gateway for the island’s future.