Aruba Airport: A Guide To Its Location And Features

The only airport in Aruba with scheduled flight traffic is Queen Beatrix International Airport, located near the capital, Oranjestad. The airport is publicly owned and operated by the Aruba Airport Authority. It offers US border pre-clearance facilities and has flight services to the United States, Canada, several countries in the Caribbean, northern coastal countries in South America, and parts of Europe, including the Netherlands. Aruba Airlines is the biggest airline operating in the region, with three Airbus A320 family aircraft and two Bombardier CRJ200.

The airport is named after Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands

The airport in Aruba is called Queen Beatrix International Airport, named after Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, who was queen from 1980 to 2013. The airport is located in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba, a Dutch Caribbean island. It is the only airport in Aruba with scheduled flight traffic and is publicly owned and operated by the Aruba Airport Authority.

Queen Beatrix International Airport has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion project, establishing itself as a prominent hub in the Caribbean. The airport offers a range of services and amenities, including shopping, dining, and lounges. It provides flight services to various destinations, including the United States, Canada, several Caribbean countries, northern South American countries, and select parts of Europe, including the Netherlands.

The airport has a notable history. During World War II, it was utilised by the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force, tasked with defending Caribbean shipping and the Panama Canal from German submarines. The airfield played a strategic role, and its name was changed to Dakota Field, with the terminal facilities known as Dakota Airport. Several flying units were assigned to the airfield during this period.

On 22 October 1955, the airport was named after Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands during a royal visit. When Princess Beatrix ascended the throne in 1980, the airport was renamed Queen Beatrix International Airport to honour her new title.

Queen Beatrix International Airport is known by different names in different languages. In Dutch, it is called "Internationale luchthaven Koningin Beatrix," while in Papiamento, it is referred to as "Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix."

It is located near the capital, Oranjestad

The airport in Aruba is called Queen Beatrix International Airport (IATA: AUA, ICAO: TNCA). It is located near the capital, Oranjestad. This airport is the only airport in Aruba with scheduled flight traffic and is located on the Dutch Caribbean island. It is named after Beatrix of the Netherlands, who was Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 to 2013. The airport was previously called Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands Airport, after a royal visit by the Princess in 1955. However, it was renamed in 1980 when she ascended to the throne.

The Aruba Airport Authority operates and manages the airport, ensuring its safety, security, and financial sustainability. The airport has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion project, establishing itself as a prominent hub in the Caribbean. It offers a range of services and amenities, including shopping, dining, and lounges. Additionally, the airport provides US Border pre-clearance facilities, although it does not have special provisions for avoiding the traditional US domestic procedure of physically walking baggage through customs inspection.

Queen Beatrix International Airport offers flight services to various destinations, including the United States, Canada, several Caribbean countries, northern South American countries, and select parts of Europe, such as the Netherlands. The airport is served by multiple airlines, including Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Airlines, KLM, and United Airlines.

It offers US border pre-clearance facilities

The Queen Beatrix International Airport (Dutch: Internationale luchthaven Koningin Beatrix; Papiamento: Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix) is the only airport in Aruba with scheduled flight traffic. It is located near the capital, Oranjestad, in the Dutch Caribbean. The airport is publicly owned and operated by the Aruba Airport Authority. It was previously named the Dakota Airport during World War II when the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force used it to defend Caribbean shipping and the Panama Canal from German submarines.

The Aruba Airport Authority has invested heavily in the Queen Beatrix International Airport, making it a prominent hub in the Caribbean. The airport has undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion project, ensuring it provides a safe, secure, financially self-sustainable, and customer-oriented service.

One notable feature of the Queen Beatrix International Airport is that it offers United States border pre-clearance facilities. This is a significant advantage for travellers heading to the US, as it allows them to go through US Customs and Immigration before departing Aruba. This process involves several steps. First, travellers must check their baggage and then pass through Aruba immigration to formally exit the country. After collecting their baggage, they proceed through US CBP pre-clearance immigration and customs inspection. Once they have successfully cleared this stage, they re-check their baggage and head to their designated departure gates. It is important to note that this airport, unlike others with pre-clearance facilities, does not have special provisions for bypassing the standard US domestic procedure of physically walking baggage through customs inspection.

The availability of US border pre-clearance facilities at the Queen Beatrix International Airport streamlines the travel experience for those travelling to the United States. By completing customs and immigration checks in Aruba, passengers can save time and avoid potential delays upon their arrival in the US. This pre-clearance process enhances the airport's appeal as a convenient gateway to the United States for travellers departing from Aruba.

Aruba Airlines is the local airline

Aruba Airlines is currently the only airline based at Queen Beatrix International Airport, which is located in Oranjestad, Aruba. The airport has a single runway and terminal building and offers flights to the United States, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, South America, and the Caribbean. It is named after Beatrix of the Netherlands, who was Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 to 2013. The airport was previously served by Air Aruba, which ceased operations in the early 2000s, and Aruba Airlines has since stepped in to fill the gap.

Aruba Airlines offers scheduled and charter air transport to 13 destinations across the Caribbean and Colombia, with indirect flights to Miami, US. The airline's fleet includes Airbus A320 and Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft, and it provides a smooth and professional Economy Class service, with food and drinks offered on all flights. Each passenger is seated comfortably, with a 3 x 3 seat formation on all flights.

The airline has a baggage policy that allows one piece of carry-on luggage and one piece of checked baggage per passenger. The maximum weight for carry-on luggage is 8kg, with dimensions not exceeding 50cm x 35cm x 23cm, while checked baggage should not exceed 23kg.

Aruba Airlines does not offer online check-in, and passengers are required to check-in at the airport three hours prior to their scheduled flight time. Additionally, there is no in-flight entertainment system available on board, but the airline may provide an in-flight magazine on certain routes.

It has won several prestigious awards

The Queen Beatrix International Airport (Dutch: Internationale luchthaven Koningin Beatrix; Papiamento: Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix) in Aruba has won several prestigious awards. The airport has been recognised for its marketing and promotional efforts, as well as its contribution to the economic growth and development of Aruba.

In 2007, 2010, 2016, and 2019, the airport was recognised by the AOG Routes Americas Airport Marketing Awards, winning the award in 2007, 2010, and 2016. These awards highlight the airport's successful marketing and promotional strategies, which have contributed to its recognition in the aviation industry.

Additionally, in 2016, the airport was awarded the ASQ Best Improved Airport in the Latin America and Caribbean Region award. This award acknowledges the significant enhancements made to the airport's facilities and services, elevating its status in the region. The same year, the airport also placed third in the ASQ Best Airport by Region award, further emphasising its positive impact on the aviation industry in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Aruba Airport Authority, which manages and operates the Queen Beatrix International Airport, plays a crucial role in the airport's success. By prioritising safety, security, financial sustainability, and customer satisfaction, the authority has established the airport as a prominent hub in the Caribbean. The authority also fosters a prosperous airport business community, contributing to the economic growth and development of Aruba.

The Queen Beatrix International Airport, the only airport in Aruba with scheduled flight traffic, serves as a gateway to the island. It offers flights to various destinations, including the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe. With its state-of-the-art facilities and focus on customer satisfaction, the airport has raised the bar for aviation in the region and continues to be a significant contributor to Aruba's economic prosperity.

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