Aruba’s Queen Beatrix International Airport set new records for passenger traffic last year, Caribbean Journal has learned.
The airport saw a 13 percent increase in traffic compared to 2022 — and an 8 percent improvement over its numbers in 2019, before the onset of the pandemic.
Traffic totaled 1,368,129 departing, revenue-generating passengers.
“These outstanding numbers are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the trust and preference of travelers who choose Aruba as their destination,” said Joost Meijs, CEO of Aruba Airport Authority.
The United States continued to dominate traffic to Aruba, accounting for 72 percent of all passengers.
The airport’s performance “surpassed all expectations,” according to statement from the airport.
“This surge in traffic not only reflects the increasing popularity of Aruba as a travel destination but also signifies the positive economic impact on our local community,” airport officials said.
Aruba officials are projecting more than 1.4 million revenue-generating passengers in 2024, which would be a 3 percent year-over-year jump.