After a long wait, everything seems to be returning to normal. Curaçao is looking forward to the reopening of its air traffic with Venezuela, after four years of closure, because in addition to providing a greater opportunity for the industry, it will also stimulate tourism and the entire economic component of the island.
The Council of Ministers of Curaçao agreed to propose to Venezuela April 3 as the date for the reopening of the common border. The Venezuelan Foreign Ministry accepted the proposal and said that the decision will contribute to the economic development of both nations
“Curacao Airport Partners (CAP) is excited about the reopening of the border with Venezuela and stands ready to assist travelers in their purchases between both markets,” company president Jonny Andersen said in a statement.
“A centuries-old connection and bond is reestablished. CAP could not be more excited to facilitate the reconnection,” she added.
closed borders
The borders between the two countries have been closed since February 2019, after Juan Guaidó declared himself “interim president” of Venezuela, the vice president of the South American country, Delcy Rodríguez, announced at the time.
This caused the Venezuelan opposition to try to force their way into Venezuelan territory with humanitarian aid from Brazil, Colombia and the Dutch Caribbean islands of Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba.
The official decision made by the Venezuelan Government included the suspension of flights and the closure of its air traffic with Curaçao.
However, in December 2022, both governments began a series of meetings to face the situation and reach a solution.
Andersen further assured that the Curaçao international airport was preparing for this long-awaited moment.
“This historical connection between Curaçao and Venezuela is not strange to us, but we can say that this is a ‘reconnection’ and even a rediscovery of both countries,” he said.
Andersen also stated that they long to receive visitors from Venezuela, in order to turn Curaçao into an important hub for other destinations to visit the Caribbean island as a bridge to go to the neighboring country.
The executive also said that the reopening of the border will help increase the number of passengers from other Latin American countries and creates a better balance in the number of travelers in the area.
“This not only has a positive impact on local economic development, but also on the cultural and human side. We congratulate all those responsible for making this possible,” Andersen said.
The reopening of air traffic between Venezuela and Curaçao was announced by the Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yvan Gil, on February 25 of this year.
