Hato Airport Curacao hopes for better times

Hato Airport Curacao expects a 65% reduction in passengers in 2020 compared to a year earlier. This is reflected in figures presented for the third quarter. According to CAP (Curacao Airport Partners) the number of arriving and departing passengers has dropped to 500,000 this year. Nevertheless, there is reason for optimism. Air traffic to Curacao seems to have recovered slightly in the last month.

KLM and TUIfly

In September, the number of passengers increased by more than 75% compared to July. This is partly due to KLM and TUIfly resuming their flights to Curacao. However, the borders with America, Columbia and Panama are still closed. These are important markets for Curacao.

CFO Paulo Mazzali of Hato Airport Curacao indicates that air traffic is highly dependent on matters beyond the control of Hato Airport. The declining passenger numbers are causing major losses. As a result, considerable cutbacks will have to be made in the coming years. There will also be no increase in salaries for employees at Hato Airport in the coming years. Mazzali hopes, through close cooperation with airlines, governments and tourism partners, that the recovery in passenger numbers will be successful. However, everything depends on the global COVID pandemic.

(c) Photo: TUI – Boeing 787 at Hato Airport Curacao