Ruth Haines
Aruba is a small island in the Dutch Caribbean with a single airport, the Queen Beatrix International Airport (IATA: AUA, ICAO: TNCA). The airport is located in the capital city of Oranjestad and is named after the former queen of the Netherlands, Beatrix. The airport offers flights to the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and more. Aruba's airport has a rich history, dating back to the early days of aviation in the region, and has undergone significant renovations and expansions over the years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Queen Beatrix International Airport |
| Other Names | Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix, Aruba International Airport |
| Location | Oranjestad, Aruba |
| IATA | AUA |
| ICAO | TNCA |
| Airlines | Aruba Airlines, American Airlines, TUI Airlines Netherlands, Winair, KLM, Arkefly |
| Facilities | US border preclearance, car rentals, shuttle service, taxi stand, bus stop, parking lot |
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What You'll Learn
Aruba's only airport
The airport offers flights to and from the United States, Canada, several countries in the Caribbean, the northern coastal countries of South America, as well as some parts of Europe, including the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. It normally receives over 150 flights per week from various cities in these regions. The airport is publicly owned and operated by the Aruba Airport Authority.
The history of aviation in Aruba began in 1934 when Manuel Viana launched a weekly mail and passenger service between Aruba and Curaçao. The KLM field, a graded runway, later replaced the original mud-flat runway. Scheduled flying was then introduced to Aruba in 1935 by KLM, which operated bi-weekly flights between Aruba and Curaçao until 1946. During World War II, the airport, then known as Dakota Field, was used by the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force to defend Caribbean shipping and the Panama Canal against German submarines.
Today, Aruba's airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers, including airport transfers, car rentals, and taxi services. It also provides US pre-clearance facilities for passengers travelling to the United States, allowing them to go through passport control and customs in Aruba before their departure.
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Airport name and history
Aruba's aviation history dates back more than 90 years. On 18 August 1923, two US Navy Curtiss H-16 long-range maritime patrol flying boats landed for the first time in the Paardenbaai Harbour of Oranjestad. The aircraft were from the Coco Solo Naval Air Station in the Panama Canal Zone.
In 1934, Manuel Viana launched a weekly mail and passenger service between Aruba and Curaçao, piloted by A.J. Viccellio. Commercial services were taken over by KLM from 24 December 1934. The KLM's Snip, the PJ-AIS, a Fokker tri-motor, along with the PJ-AIO, a three-engine Fokker, flew until 1946.
During World War II, the Aruba airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces Sixth Air Force to defend Caribbean shipping and the Panama Canal against German submarines. The airfield was renamed Dakota Field, and the terminal facilities became Dakota Airport. In 1942, the German Navy began anti-shipping operations using U-boats in the Caribbean. This prompted the Government of Aruba to build a 5,100-foot-long airstrip for the US Army Air Corps, along with a small terminal building. The Dakota Airport was inaugurated on 4 June 1942 and served as a base for the Sixth Air Force until it was disestablished after the war ended in October 1945.
In 1950, the Government of Aruba constructed a paved runway. The third terminal building was inaugurated on 18 March 1950. On 22 October 1955, the airport was dedicated to Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands during a royal visit and was renamed in 1980 after she ascended to the throne.
In 1962, plans were made to expand the airport to accommodate new jet aircraft. The first phase of this expansion, which included a runway extension, was completed on 10 April 1964. The first two jet landings in Aruba were the Jet Clipper "Aruba" of Pan American Airways and the Henry Dunant of KLM. Construction of the fourth terminal building began in 1965 and was inaugurated on 8 November 1972.
The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions since, including the Beatrix 2000 project, which began in 1997 and included a new arrival immigration hall, baggage claim, eight contact gates, and two separate check-in buildings for U.S. and non-U.S. flights. The airport received another transformative renovation in 2011 and is currently undergoing the Gateway 2030 expansion, which includes additional contact gates, bus gates, and an expanded selection of retail and food outlets.
Today, the airport is known as Queen Beatrix International Airport, located in Oranjestad, Aruba. It serves as a vital gateway for the country's economy, offering flights to the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, South America, and Europe.
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Airlines and destinations
Aruba is a small island in the Dutch Caribbean. Queen Beatrix International Airport, also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix, is located in Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba. The airport is named after Beatrix of the Netherlands, who was Queen of the Netherlands from 1980 to 2013.
The airport offers flights to and from destinations in the United States, Canada, several countries in the Caribbean, the northern coastal countries of South America, as well as some parts of Europe, including the Netherlands. Over 150 flights depart from and arrive at the airport weekly.
Several airlines operate flights to and from Aruba, including American Airlines, which celebrated 50 years of flying to and from the island in 2021. Southwest Airlines also offers flights to Aruba, with the option to bundle flight bookings with hotel or rental car bookings for additional savings.
Other airlines that have offered flights to Aruba include Air Aruba, ALM Antillean Airlines, Tiara Air, and Aruba Airlines. Aruba Airlines is a local airline that was established in 2013 and has its hub at Queen Beatrix International Airport. The airline operates a fleet of three Airbus A320 family aircraft and two Bombardier CRJ200.
In addition to the airlines mentioned above, TUI Airlines Netherlands operates flights between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao on selected days. Winair also offers flights between Aruba and Sint Maarten via Curaçao on certain days.
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Transport to/from the airport
Aruba's airport, Queen Beatrix International Airport, is located in the capital city of Oranjestad. There are several transport options for getting to and from the airport.
Taxi
Taxis are available outside the arrivals terminal and are a fast and comfortable way to get to your destination. The fare to Oranjestad is set at $22 (€19.80) and includes one piece of luggage and one personal item. Additional items incur a surcharge of $2 (€1.80) per item. There is also a $3 (€2.70) surcharge for taxi rides on Sundays, public holidays, and between 23:00 and 7:00. Taxi rates are fixed and should be checked beforehand. You can book an airport taxi in advance or take one on the spot.
Bus
For a more budget-friendly option, you can take the Arubus service (bus line L2) from the airport to the Oranjestad bus terminal in the city centre. The bus stop is located just outside the airport complex, a short walk from the terminal. The journey takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic, and tickets cost $2.60 (€2.34) one-way. You can purchase tickets from the bus driver in USD or the local currency, Aruban Florins. Buses are equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and USB charging ports, and are a convenient way to get around once you're in the city centre.
Car Rental
If you want to explore the island during your stay, renting a car is a good option. Car rental services are available at the airport, and some companies offer transfer services to and from the airport. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even rent a jeep to explore beyond the tarmac roads.
Private Transfer
For a more luxurious option, you can book a private transfer from the airport to your destination. This option provides a modern, air-conditioned vehicle and a more comfortable travel experience.
Remember that if you're staying at a hotel or resort, transfers to and from the airport may be included in your reservation, so be sure to check before arranging alternative transportation.
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Airport facilities and services
Aruba's airport is called Queen Beatrix International Airport, and it is located in Oranjestad, the capital of Aruba. It is 2.5 kilometres or 1.6 miles from the city centre. The airport offers a range of facilities and services to enhance the passenger experience and make travelling through the airport efficient and enjoyable.
One of the key services offered at Queen Beatrix International Airport is the Fastrack VIP service. This service provides a personalised meet-and-greet experience for passengers, with a representative welcoming guests by name in the arrivals area. The Fastrack VIP greeter assists with entry requirement forms and expedites passengers through the document control line, security, immigration, and customs processes. This service is highly recommended by travellers, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey through the airport.
The airport also offers United States border preclearance facilities for passengers travelling to the USA. Guests are escorted to the USA facility airside and are invited to relax in the executive lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks while waiting to board. It is recommended that passengers travelling to the USA arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before their scheduled departure time to complete the necessary procedures.
Queen Beatrix International Airport is served by a range of airlines, including Avianca, American Airlines, Delta, Euroairlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, Aruba Airlines, and Tiara Air. The airport has a terminal for private aircraft, which opened in 2007. Additionally, the airport provides essential information and contact details for non-emergencies, ensuring that travellers can easily access the assistance they need during their time in Aruba.
Overall, Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba is well-equipped to handle a variety of passenger needs. With its range of facilities and services, including the Fastrack VIP programme and US border preclearance, the airport strives to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all its visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport in Aruba is called Aeropuerto Internacional Reina Beatrix, also known as Queen Beatrix International Airport. It is located in Oranjestad.
Airlines that fly to Aruba include American Airlines, TUI Airlines Netherlands, Winair, KLM, and Aruba Airlines.
There are several transportation options available from the airport to your resort. These include airport transfers, car rentals, taxis, and public buses.
The recommended check-in time for flights departing from Aruba is two to three hours in advance, but it is always best to verify with your airline.
