The authorities of Curaçao and Venezuela agreed on February 10 to reopen the borders, closed after four years. The island’s businessmen are eager because they see the opportunity to boost the economy and tourism. Meanwhile, it is unofficially handled that there are three airlines already approved by INAC to fly; although it seems that there are delays on the part of the islanders in giving the permits
The date came to formalize the reopening of the air and sea connections between Curaçao and Venezuela, which implies a total reopening of the border between the two nations on April 3; unlike Bonaire and Aruba, which decided to do it first by sea and gradually open them up. This Monday, as in Curaçao, Bonaire opens the maritime route with Venezuelan territory and Aruba will wait until May 1 for the same.
Curacao Airport Partners (CAP), a company from that country, stated in a statement that it is anxious that, after four years of being closed, the border be reopened because this will provide a greater opportunity for the industry and stimulate tourism in the island.
The president of the aforementioned company, Jonny Andersen, indicated via a statement that “a connection and a centuries-old link is reestablished. CAP could not be more excited to facilitate the reconnection” and emphasized that it is prepared to assist travelers in their purchases between both markets.
In the same way, he pointed out that the authorities have prepared the international airport of Curaçao. In this sense, Andersen emphasized that this milestone in the history of the two countries represents “even a discovery” between both nations.
Andersen also stated that they long to receive visitors from Venezuela, in order to turn Curaçao into an important hub for other destinations to visit the Caribbean island as a bridge to go to the neighboring country.
*Read also: Seafarers trading with Curaçao suffer slow Saime and high passport costs
For the reopening of the air border this Monday, April 3, the authorities of the two countries have already agreed that they will negotiate a new aviation agreement. But for now, the National Institute of Civil Aeronautics (INAC) has already authorized three airlines to fly: Laser, Avior and Albatros, according to sources consulted by Chronicles of the Caribbean.
The authorities of Curaçao and Venezuela already signed an agreement on Friday, March 31, to open the air borders; It will be done in three phases: 1) April 3 for charter flights contracted by one or more specific clients; 2) May 1 for general aviation; and 3) on July 1st regular flights will begin.
However, the journalist Jhonattam Petit warned unofficially on his social networks that this Monday there will be no sailing for the sailors to Curaçao because they do not have money to pay the insurance policy that they are required to enter; so the departure of the boats is expected after Easter.
*Read also: ALAV believes that the reopening of the border with Curaçao could encourage Bonaire and Aruba
In addition, he pointed out that the Albatros airline said that it only has a 20% installation at the Las Piedras airport, Falcón state, and warns that it is likely that it will not be able to fly as planned because they still do not have permission from the Curaçao authorities.
It also alerts that those who are exporters in Falcón have not completed the shipment of products to the island because, they point out, that Colombia monopolized the market. Therefore, in Curaçao they want to buy at the same price. In this sense, the social communicator points out that a freight from Vela de Coro can cost up to 4,500 dollars for 10 tons of products.
Official sources: the airline @albatrosairve It only has a 20% installation at Las Piedras airport and although the authorization has already been given to fly this April 5 and 7, it is likely that it will not materialize due to the late response from Curaçao. The airline evaluates the profitability
— Jhonattam Petit (@soypetititygarcia) April 3, 2023
Meanwhile, Pedro Chacón, from Veleño and political leader: “tomorrow will be a historic day because tomorrow the maritime exchange that fishermen have fought for four years will be restored, that is the important thing that must be highlighted,” he commented.
— Jhonattam Petit (@soypetititygarcia) April 3, 2023
The Minister of Foreign Relations, Yván Gil, responded on social networks on february 10 to the statement previously issued by Curaçao on its proposal to open the borders on April 3, saying that the administration of Nicolás Maduro “greets” the reopening of the maritime and air border with the island on the aforementioned date.
With additional information from EFE
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