CUR Airport celebrates historic milestone: 2 million passengers in 2024
Willemstad, Curaçao, December 27, 2024 – Today, Curaçao International Airport (CUR), managed by Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), proudly celebrated an extraordinary milestone: the departure of the 2 millionth passenger for the year 2024. This achievement marks the first time in the airport’s history that it has welcomed over 2 million passengers in a single year, a remarkable testament to the growth and resilience of Curaçao’s aviation sector and tourism industry since the pandemic.
The 2 millionth passengers, Mrs. Kathleen Nelson and Mr. Stephen Bruce Nelson from Michigan, USA, were visiting Curaçao for the very first time. The couple initially traveled with United Airlines to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, before continuing their journey aboard Azul Airlines to Curaçao. Now, they are on their way back home, flying with Azul Airlines to Fort Lauderdale. Mrs. Nelson, a former travel agency professional, had been searching for the best snorkeling destinations in the Caribbean when Curaçao's name appeared at the top of her list. Inspired by its reputation for crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, the couple decided to experience Curaçao’s underwater paradise for themselves.
In honor of this special occasion, the Nelson family was warmly greeted by the Minister of Traffic, Transportation, and Urban Planning, also Minister of Economic Development, Mr. Charles Cooper; Policy Advisor for the Economic Cabinet, Mr. Raymond Jamanika; Managing Director of Curaçao Airport Holding (CAH), Mr. Wilhelmus Ignacio; Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) Director, Mr. Muryad de Bruin; CEO of the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA), Ms. Anuschka Cova; and CEO of CAP, Mr. Jonny Andersen.
“Achieving 2 million passengers in one year is an extraordinary milestone that reflects the trust and loyalty of our travelers, the commitment of our airline partners, the cooperation and hard work from our government and our dedicated partners CAH, CTB and CHATA, along with the dedication of our entire team,” said Jonny Andersen, CEO of CAP. “This achievement underscores the strong growth trajectory of our airport and the increasing appeal of Curaçao as a premier travel destination.”
This unprecedented growth has been fueled by an increase in flight frequencies from key airlines such as Avianca, Delta, and Azul, as well as the addition of new destinations like Brussels (TUI), Fort Lauderdale (Azul), and Medellín (Wingo). The holiday season has further amplified passenger traffic, with peak days, including December 20, 28, and January 5, expected to see daily volumes surpassing 8,500 passengers.
To support this surge in passenger numbers, CAP has implemented measures to enhance the travel experience. These include streamlined operations and close collaboration with stakeholders to ensure smooth airport processes during this busy period. “While high volumes may lead to occasional queues, our teams are working tirelessly to deliver a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers,” Andersen added.
The 2 millionth passenger milestone is not only a celebration of the airport’s growth but also a reflection of the island’s increasing prominence on the global tourism map. Curaçao International Airport remains committed to providing world-class service and fostering connectivity that benefits both residents and visitors alike.
Congratulations once again to Mr. and Mrs. Nelson for being part of this historic moment. Curaçao Airport Partners extends its heartfelt gratitude to all travelers, airline partners, dedicated partners and stakeholders who contributed to making this landmark achievement possible. Here’s to continued success and growth in the years ahead!