Lower Inter-Island Passenger Fees
ORANJESTAD The Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA) announces 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 initiative aims to improve regional connections and lower travel costs for Dutch Caribbean citizens and tourists.
This project, in line with the Joint Strategic Plan, demonstrates DCCA's commitment to improving regional mobility. By reducing the PFC to $15 per passenger, travelers will benefit from lower ticket prices, with the adjustment reflected in the fare breakdowns of participating airlines. The Dutch Caribbean carriers Divi Divi Air, Z-air, and Winair expressed their support. Their total airfare will include these modified passenger facility fees.
The implementation will follow a phased timeline, beginning with Curaçao and Bonaire in January 2025 and Aruba in February 2025. St. Maarten's implementation date will be announced later. 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. It was followed by a successful pilot at Sint Maarten with decreased 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”, stated the 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 strengthens ties between our islands and supports regional tourism and economic growth".
In addition to enhancing accessibility for residents and visitors, the DCCA envisions this reduction to encourage greater collaboration among the islands, further boosting the tourism industry, small businesses, and cultural exchange across the region.