Oranjestad, August 9, 2024 – The situation at Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport has escalated into a significant crisis, with technical failures causing widespread disruptions. Minister of Tourism Dangui Oduber addressed the issue late Friday afternoon, expressing deep concern over the ongoing challenges. The minister described the situation as “extremely frustrating,” highlighting that technical teams have been working tirelessly to resolve the problem, with hopes to restore some flights by tonight.

The disruption has affected numerous passengers, leading to a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Tourism, the Aruba Airport Authority (AAA), the Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA), and the Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA). These organizations are working together to minimize the inconvenience caused to travelers.

Oduber stressed that the financial implications of this crisis are severe, though the exact figures are not yet available. He acknowledged that this situation represents a significant blow to the AAA, the entity responsible for managing the airport. The AAA has taken full responsibility for covering the costs associated with the disruptions, signaling their commitment to addressing the issue and preventing future occurrences.

The minister also emphasized the importance of resolving the technical issues as quickly as possible to avoid further disruptions and restore normal airport operations. The situation remains fluid, with all parties involved closely monitoring developments and taking necessary actions to mitigate the impact on both the airline industry and the broader tourism sector.