Aruba Airport strengthens capacity and connectivity in 2026

Aruba Airport has started 2026 with solid results, supported by steady passenger demand, continued route development, and progress on the Gateway 2030 program. 

Q1 2026 strong performance

In Q1 2026, Aruba Airport welcomed 460,747 revenue-generating passengers (RGPs), representing a 6.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Total departing passengers reached 486,794, while seat capacity totaled 571,853 seats. These results reflect continued engagement from airline partners and sustained demand for Aruba as a destination.

The United States remains Aruba’s largest market, contributing 69% of total RGPs. Latin America now accounts for 18%, followed by Canada at 6% and Europe at 4%. By airline market share based on RGP, JetBlue and American Airlines led the quarter with 17% each, followed by Delta Air Lines at 14% and United Airlines at 13%. In terms of seat capacity by gateway, New York represented 17%, Boston 11%, while Bogota and Amsterdam each accounted for 7%. 

Gateway 2030 progress

 Aruba Airport continues to make important progress with Gateway 2030, the airport’s long-term development program focused on improving capacity and enhancing the passenger experience. A key milestone this year was the opening of the new US Check-In Hall that includes modern passenger facilities and an advanced baggage handling system.

Construction continues with Phase 1B near Gate 8, adding three waiting areas, three boarding bridge gates, three departure bus gates, and one arrival bus gate. These facilities are expected to become operational by mid-December 2026.

Preparations for Phase 2 are starting in May, requiring temporary terminal adjustments. The Main Concession Area will become a temporary US processing facility. Selected shops and restaurants will be relocated to the gate areas. A temporary corridor will guide US-bound passengers to the existing US CBP area, helping maintain normal operations during construction.

Once completed, the temporary US CBP facility will be relocated to the new Phase 2 facilities and the Main Concession Area will be transformed into a new non-US retail and food & beverage plaza.

Gateway 2030 is designed to improve passenger flow and efficiency, create more space and comfort, and deliver a more modern airport experience. Through continued investment in infrastructure and connectivity, Aruba Airport remains committed to expanding capacity, enhancing the passenger experience, and creating new opportunities for its airline partners.

For more information on Aruba Airport’s performance and Gateway 2030 program, visit www.airportaruba.com