ORANJESTAD – Colombian low-cost carrier Wingo yesterday launched a direct flight connection between Barranquilla and Aruba. The airline will now operate this route year-round. In addition, Wingo is maintaining a seasonal connection with Bucaramanga this summer.
The first flight from Barranquilla arrived in Aruba yesterday afternoon with all 156 seats filled. The route will be operated every Thursday and Sunday.
The seasonal connection between Bucaramanga and Aruba already launched on June 17. This route is operated every Wednesday and Saturday. The final flight is scheduled for August 15.
Five cities
With the two new destinations, Wingo now flies directly from Aruba to five Colombian cities. The airline already maintained connections with Bogotá, Medellín and Cali.
According to Aruba Airport Authority, Colombia is one of Aruba’s most important growth markets in Latin America. The expansion is intended not only to attract additional tourists, but also to facilitate travel for family visits, business contacts and medical care.
The government and the tourism sector are using the new routes to further diversify the origin of visitors. Aruba remains largely dependent on travelers from the United States and Canada. According to the airport, approximately 18 percent of passenger traffic comes from Latin America.
Wingo describes Aruba as an important destination within its regional network. The airline says that with its five connections it offers more direct flights between Colombia and Aruba than any other carrier.
Aruba Airport processes more than 3.4 million passengers annually, according to the airport. From the island, approximately 45 destinations in thirty countries are served directly.
