WILLEMSTAD - Under CEO Ricardo Hernández, Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP) is transforming the island’s gateway into more than just a travel hub—it’s a driver of tourism, commerce, and community pride Business.
Leadership Rooted in Passion
Hernández, with over a decade of aviation leadership across Central America and the Caribbean, keeps his love for the industry alive through saying: “Once you smell the jet fuel, it’s hard to stay away.” His dual role in Costa Rica and Curaçao brings a strategic edge and a global mindset to CAP Business Enquirer.
Expanding the Passenger Experience
The airport’s 2019 terminal expansion was just the beginning. Designed to handle 2.5 million passengers annually, it paved the way for a complete passenger‑centric overhaul. Projects have included biometric e‑gates, the Curaçao Express Pass mobile app, new seating areas, and VIP lounge enhancements—all delivering far more than efficient travel. Customer satisfaction scores climbed from 3.8 to 4.2 thanks to these digital upgrades.
A Record-Breaking Year of Growth
In 2024, Curaçao International Airport welcomed over 2.11 million passengers, a whopping 24% jump from 2023—its busiest year yet. The rise in tourist stays—over 700,000 visitors in 2024—mirrored this trend, reflecting coordinated efforts between airport and tourism boards.
Key route expansions included:
Azul Airlines doubled service from Belo Horizonte (CNF)
Delta Air Lines introduced daily flights to Atlanta (ATL)
Air Canada boosted seasonal flights from Montréal
New seasonal flights by Wingo from Medellín and expanded Fort Lauderdale service
Towards a Global Cargo Hub
With its strategic location, CUR is eyeing leadership in air cargo, especially for high-value, time-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals and electronics. CAP is enhancing cold-chain logistics, customs coordination, warehousing, and partnerships to elevate Curaçao’s role in global commerce Business Enquirer.
Sustainability & Community First
CAP has earned Level 2 “Reduction” certification under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program—signaling real progress in carbon management. In parallel, community‑focused initiatives, from youth empowerment to infrastructure designed to ease tourist traffic, showcase CAP’s investment in local well‑being.
Define Performance Through Data
CAP's operational strategy thrives on transparency and metrics. Every department—from security to passenger flow—has defined KPIs. Hernández emphasizes: “As Peter Drucker said, you can’t improve what you can’t measure.” This data-driven ethos keeps the airport agile, efficient, and focused on continuous improvement Business Enquirer.
Why This Matters
Tourism thrives: Enhanced connectivity and customer experience mean travelers arrive happier and stay longer.
Economic growth accelerates: As cargo capabilities expand, Curaçao strengthens its position in global networks.
A beacon of sustainability: From carbon reduction to smart infrastructure, CUR is growing greener as it grows bigger.
A people-first ethos: The airport invests just as much in its people and neighbors as it does in its gates and runways.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, CAP is targeting:
New air routes—especially to U.S. West Coast and deeper into South America
Further digital tools like app-based check-in, biometric gates, and self‑service kiosks
Continued infrastructure upgrades, including an organized tour bus stop completed in December 2024 to ease traffic and curbside congestion.
From the warm Caribbean breeze that greets arrivals to the digital PassportPass app that speeds them through immigration, Curaçao International Airport is modernizing without losing its character. It’s more than an airport—it’s Curaçao welcoming the world, powered by innovation and anchored in community.
