Oranjestad, Aruba – Queen Beatrix International Airport has announced an extension of its temporary closure until 7:30 PM due to ongoing technical issues with the air conditioning system. The initial closure, expected to last until 1:30 PM, has been prolonged by six hours as repair efforts continue.

Airport Update

In the latest update, airport officials provided the following details:

During the night, a rupture occurred in the primary chiller pipe located in an underground tunnel. Locating the exact break point and excavating the area took considerable time. Currently, we are in the process of dismantling a valve to access the damaged section and replace it. We are awaiting the necessary materials to continue with the repairs. The estimated time to complete these repairs is approximately 5 to 7 hours.

As a result, the airport closure has been extended by an additional 6 hours, until 7:30 PM, due to the ongoing technical issue with our air conditioning system.

We are working diligently to resolve the problem as quickly as possible and will provide further updates as they become available.”

Health Risks and Precautionary Measures

The extended closure comes as a necessary precaution due to the significant health risks posed by the lack of air conditioning in the airport. With high temperatures in Aruba, the risks of heat exhaustion, dehydration, and respiratory issues are heightened, particularly in a crowded airport environment. The airport continues to accommodate passengers by providing alternative arrangements, including hotel stays and bus tours around the island, to ensure they remain in a cooled environment while awaiting further developments.

Ongoing Efforts

Airport authorities are committed to resolving the issue swiftly and are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and staff. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.