On Saturday morning, Minister Wendrick Cicilia visited the Gateway 2030 expansion project at Aruba airport expansion, accompanied by members of the Aruba Airport Authority Supervisory Board, CEO Johnny Andersen, Parliamentarian Jennifer Arends-Reyes, and other key stakeholders.
Minister Cicilia emphasized the importance of the project, noting that it is essential for the airport’s facilities, the local economy, and the tourism sector. The Gateway 2030 initiative is a significant undertaking, involving an investment of over 500 million florins. It aligns with the vision of both Aruba Airport and the Government of Aruba, ensuring travelers continue to experience a modern, efficient, safe, and comfortable airport.
During the visit, the minister observed considerable progress. When he took office as Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Labor, the project faced several challenges, including poor communication among key partners: the Supervisory Board, the contractor, the Royal Schiphol Group, and the Ministry. Coordination was inefficient. However, since then, Minister Cicilia, along with the new Supervisory Board led by Marion Kan, has restored effective communication and coordination, creating the momentum needed to complete the project on schedule before 2030.
Despite inheriting delays and obstacles, Minister Cicilia has worked to accelerate progress. The new baggage handling system and check-in hall are already complete. The system can now process 2,000 bags in less than an hour and incorporates the latest technology.
The expansion is now entering a major construction phase, which will include three additional gates and a bridge connecting the airport facilities to the new gates. Phase 2 will focus on improving the airport’s daily operations. So far, all signs point to Phase 1B being completed this year. “With the project progressing as it is, we expect it to be finished before 2030,” Minister Cicilia said.
More than 80% of the workers on the project are local, which the minister sees as a positive sign. He expressed satisfaction with the professionalism and dedication of the team, confident that the project will be completed successfully.
