Curaçao International Airport – Passenger Traffic Overview first calendar half year of 2023

Curaçao Airport Partners NV, CAP, is pleased to share the passenger traffic results of Curaçao International Airport. The first six months of 2023, total passenger movements (all arriving and departing passengers through our terminal) were 770,000, a +17% increase compared to the first six months of 2022. During this period, there were 304,500 International departing passengers, a +16% increase compared to the same period of 2022, Dutch Caribbean departing passengers were 64,847, a +38% increase compared to the same period of 2022, and arriving passengers 366,034, a +20% increase compared to the same period of 2022. The overall growth in passenger traffic is reflected in the average load factors over the first six months of 2023. The average load factor was 84% whilst the average load factor over the same period in 2022 was 81%.

‘If you build it, they will come’.

A classic movie line from ‘Field of Dreams’ and relatable to Curaçao’s growth. The destination strategy to pursue further diversification of market share out of North America and South America is proving successful and is further stimulated by the growth of overall accommodation inventory. More demand and more rooms positively influence air service capacity. Year to date 2023, The Netherlands accounts for 38% market share; Dutch Caribbean 18%; USA 20%, South America 15%, and Canada 4%.

Additional and New Air Service Development

The Canadian market has returned with a vengeance after the borders reopened for the winter 22/23 season. Air Canada increased weekly non-stop service from Toronto during the summer season from one (1) weekly flight prior to the pandemic to three (3) weekly flights. In addition, WestJet has announced a second (2nd) non-stop weekly flight from Toronto for winter 2023. From the USA, even though there are still crew, staffing and ATC challenges, JetBlue increased non-stop service from JFK as of April 2023 from three (3) weekly to five (5) weekly flights. American Airlines has announced additional non-stop flights from Charlotte increasing from weekly to daily as of winter 2023. In addition, Delta has announced weekly non-stop Saturday service from Atlanta effective December 16, 2023. The additional and complimenting service from the USA will further grow the market share in a sustainable manner.

From South America, Copa Airlines fully resumed its pre-pandemic daily non-stop service schedule from Panama. In addition, Avianca has increased non-stop service from Bogota from daily to eight (8) weekly flights. On June 24, 2023, our South American route network was complimented by the launch of non-stop weekly service by Azul Airlines from Belo Horizonte. During the inaugural event, Azul announced a second weekly non-stop flight from Belo Horizonte as of December 2023. Non-stop service from Brazil provides more opportunities between our South American Airline partners to further grow passenger traffic from important feeder markets.

The Dutch market will be enhanced by the launch of additional non-stop service by Corendon Airlines commencing with three (3) weekly flights and increasing to five (5) weekly flights as of December 2023. Corendon Mangrove Beach Curaçao is adding close to 400 additional hotel rooms to the property increasing to close to 1,000 rooms inventory. In addition, TUI will increase its winter schedule to Curaçao with four (4) additional direct and non-stop weekly flights from Amsterdam.

According to Cirium, the seat capacity growth, will increase capacity from The Netherlands by +35%; the USA by +22%; Canada +48% and South America by +35%.

CAP is pleased with the continued growth of passenger traffic figures and the retention, growth, and diversification of the destination’s route network. It anticipates continued growth throughout the last six months of 2023 and positive results for 2023 and continues to work closely in partnership with the Curaçao Tourism Board and the Hospitality Tourism Association.