ORANJESTAD – As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience, Aruba Airport is preparing to open its brand-new U.S. check-in terminal for airline and passenger operations. To ensure a seamless transition, Aruba Airport, in collaboration with Chrysalis Global Consulting, a specialist in Operational Readiness and Airport Transition (ORAT), conducted a series of mock trials.
These trials, conducted over a week, involved volunteer passengers who participated in simulated check-in processes. This allowed Aruba Airport to test and refine various aspects of the new check-in terminal, including the baggage handling system and passenger flow. The trials provided valuable insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the new facilities, ensuring that all systems are optimized for the official launch.
The successful rollout of this new facility is made possible through the collaboration and dedication of airline partners and ground handlers, who play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition for travelers. Their ongoing support and participation in training and trial runs are essential to successfully complete the final phases of preparation.
As of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, the soft opening will commence. On this date, all airlines with General Air Services as ground handler will transition to the new check-in terminal. This includes Delta, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit. By Tuesday, April 29, 2025, it is anticipated that all US Carriers, including those with AGS/Swissport as ground handler, will be operating from the new check-in terminal. The final phase of the transition will include JetBlue and American Airlines.
The timeline for implementation is as follows:
March – Completion of training and trial runs with the Aruba Airport Authority (AAA) team, airlines, and ground handlers.
April – Initial airline teams begin operations in the new check-in terminal.
May – Full opening, offering a smoother, more efficient check-in experience for all U.S.-bound travelers.
“This transition marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to enhance the airport experience. By working closely with airline partners and ground handlers, all systems are being put in place to provide passengers with a streamlined check-in process,” said Marylou Van der Linden, Operations Manager at Aruba Airport.
The patience and cooperation of passengers and stakeholders are greatly appreciated as preparations are finalized. Further details will be shared in the coming weeks as the full opening in May approaches.
About AUA Airport
About AUA Airport AUA Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean region, with more than 25 different airlines operating into Aruba contributing to processing more than 3 million passengers per year and providing air service to 31 cities and 45 non-stop destinations worldwide. AUA Airport’s markets served comprise of 77% from the United States & Canada, 15% from Latin America, 4% from Europe, and 4% from Dutch Caribbean.
AUA Airport attributes this to the island’s stable economic and political climate, hospitable and multilingual population, and safe environment. AUA Airport’s aspiration is to become one of the most Sustainable, Safe, and Future Proof airports of the Latin America & Caribbean region, providing a trusted workplace, modern airport facilities and excellent customer service which reflects Aruban hospitality, contributing to a prosperous future for Aruba.
Learn more about what’s happening at AUA Airport by visiting www.airportaruba.com and connect with AUA Airport on Twitter.com/Aruba_Airport, Facebook.com/ArubaAirport, Instagram.com/arubaairport/, TikTok.com/@arubaairport and Linkedin.com/ArubaAirport.
