THE HAGUE – Curaçao can look forward to expanded air connections with Ecuador and Switzerland. The Council of Ministers of the Kingdom has approved two new treaties that give airlines greater freedom to operate flights to and from the island.
The so-called ‘Open Skies’ treaties establish that no restrictions apply to the number of flights, airlines or frequencies. This creates more room for new routes and competition between airlines. According to the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom, the agreements are intended to contribute to the growth of trade, tourism and investment between Curaçao and both countries.
The treaties replace older aviation agreements, which in the case of Ecuador date back to 1954 and with Switzerland as far back as 1949. The new agreements better align with current developments in international aviation, where flexibility and commercial freedom are central.
The agreements apply exclusively to Curaçao and not to the Netherlands, Aruba or Sint Maarten. The treaties will still be submitted for advice to the Council of State of the Kingdom, after which they can be approved by tacit consent.
