Lower Inter-Island Passenger Fees in the Dutch Caribbean

The Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA) is proud to announce an innovative initiative to lower Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) for inter-island travel from the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) to the Dutch Caribbean. This effort is designed to further strengthen regional connectivity, making travel more affordable for residents and visitors amongst the Dutch Caribbean.

Aligned with the Joint Strategic Plan, this initiative underscores DCCA’s dedication to enhancing mobility within the region. By reducing the PFC to $15 per passenger, travelers will benefit from lower ticket prices, with the adjustment clearly reflected in the fare breakdowns of participating airlines. The Dutch Caribbean carriers Divi Divi Air, Z-air, and Winair have expressed their support and these adjusted passenger facility charges will be reflected in their total airfare.

The implementation will follow a phased timeline, beginning with Curaçao and Bonaire in January 2025 and Aruba in February 2025. The date for Sint Maarten’s implementation will be announced at a later stage. Bonaire, which already benefits from an inter-island PFC lower than $15, will not apply the annual indexation of this tariff. Special attention is being given to the heavily trafficked Aruba – Curaçao route, where the cost reduction is expected to have the most immediate and significant impact.

This initiative is the culmination of two years of dedicated research and planning. In 2023, the DCCA conducted a comprehensive study on price elasticity, examining the relationship between ticket costs and passenger demand. The findings, presented at the 2023 DCCA Congress, confirmed the potential for lower fees to stimulate inter-island travel, providing the foundation for this strategic adjustment. This was followed by a successful pilot at Sint Maarten with lower airport charges to the neighboring islands Saba and Statia allowing affordable day trips.

“Airports are more than just gateways; they are vital connections that bring our islands closer together,” said a DCCA Chairman, Jonny Andersen, CEO of CAP. “By reducing the Passenger Facility Charge, we aim to make inter-island travel more affordable and accessible for everyone. This initiative not only strengthens ties between our islands but also supports regional tourism and economic growth.”

In addition to enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors, the DCCA envisions this reduction as a means to encourage greater collaboration among the islands, further boosting the tourism industry, small businesses, and cultural exchange across the region.

“We are extremely satisfied with being able to finally have reached this milestone within the Joint Strategic Plan of the DCCA which was set out in 2022. The hard work and determination of the DCCA’s Action Force leading this effort, has finally become a reality starting February 1, 2025. A major step in the direction of making interisland travel affordable, being one of the main goals of the DCCA besides sustainability and connectivity”, said Barbara Brown, CCO of Aruba Airport.”