On October 13, 2021, the Minister of Tourism Dangui Oduber, paid a visit to the Aruba Airport Authority (AAA) in connection with the progress of phase 1A of the airport expansion project.
AAA CEO Joost Meijs escorted the Minister and other project leaders through the expansion sites to see the advancements that have been made so far with the project “Gateway 2030”.
Gateway 2030 is a project that has a price tag of more than $140 million and will generate between 200 and 300 direct and indirect employment with AAA. This major project will have a positive economic spin-off effect for Aruba, as it will generate revenue for the Government in the form of taxes. It is a crucial project for the expansion and renovation of our Airport. Local contracting companies carry out the expansion work, and most of the construction materials are acquired locally. According to the plans, phase 1A will be completed in 2024. It also includes the expansion of the US departure hall that will become twice the size of the current one and a new state-of-the-art baggage hall. “This will be one of the best baggage halls in the world, and certainly the best in the Caribbean”, minster Oduber stated. The expansion is a costly investment but once completed, the airport will offer a better service and experience to the visitors. Based on the projected growth in tourism, it is necessary to expand as planned. Failing to expand will result in a lack of service to the visitors. Initially, the budget for the Gateway 2030 project was $250 million before the Covid pandemic. The pandemic changed the entire scope of the project, and now the investment has been reduced to $140 million. According to the Minister, the project had to be reviewed and split into phases. It is not an easy project to execute as the airport facilities should remain operational at all times. On behalf of the Government of Aruba, the Minister thanked all involved in this project for their effort, commitment, and cooperation.q
