As Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), the operator of Curaçao International Airport, steps into the future, its leadership under CEO Ricardo Hernández has been instrumental in shaping the airport’s expansion strategy and ambitions. The airport is no longer just a transportation hub; under Hernández’s guidance, it is transitioning into a central part of Curaçao’s tourism and economic growth. From major infrastructure upgrades to expanding air cargo capabilities and enhancing the passenger experience, Curaçao International Airport is positioning itself as a key player in the Caribbean and a global gateway for international commodities.
Ricardo Hernández brings a wealth of experience to the airport. His career spans over a decade in aviation, having worked on major infrastructure projects across Central America and the Caribbean, including metro stations and large-scale infrastructure initiatives. His passion for aviation, however, was ignited by the energy and complexity of the industry itself. As Hernández explains, “Once you smell the jet fuel, it’s hard to stay away.” This sentiment has been the driving force behind his career, leading him to take on various leadership roles before becoming CEO of Curaçao Airport Partners.
Hernández’s first foray into aviation was as CFO of Costa Rica’s airport, before eventually stepping into the CEO role there. His journey continued to expand, and today he continues to lead Costa Rica’s airport, while also serving as CEO of CAP, the operator of Curaçao International Airport, and holds a board position with Quito Airport. This unique perspective across multiple regions has shaped his approach to airport management, and it’s clear that Hernández is not just focused on infrastructure; he’s intent on creating a world-class experience for passengers that goes far beyond traditional airport operations.
Wilhelmus’ Ignacio’s career began +30 years ago in Schiphol, after which he was recruited to return to his birth nation to aid with the development of CUR by Curacao Airport Holding (CAH). Since debuting his aviation career, Ignacio sought to create impact with his practical yet innovative approach. The expansion was tackled in the same way. Its projects focused on realizing a modern terminal that would cater to 2.5 Million passengers, and also remedy the current bottlenecks being experienced by its stakeholders. In this CAH has been relentless, one such example is the VIP lounge which CAH fought to expand to include a larger space, dignitary room and separate VIP space. Another such example was actively collaborating with the Ministry of Justice to automate and digitize the border process. CAH started off its partnership by gifting the Ministry its first eGates, since then parties have actively collaborated to innovate the border process, creating one of the first biometric pre-enrolment border crossing solutions in the world.
One of the most significant developments has been the recent expansion of Curaçao International Airport’s terminal. Completed in 2019, this project was designed to increase the airport’s capacity to 2.5 million passengers annually, a marked increase from the previous benchmark. While this expansion was vital in terms of accommodating growth, Hernández explains that the objectives were much broader. “The initial contract for the expansion was signed in 2003, and at that time, passenger demand projections were very different,” he says. The revised strategy was designed with three core goals in mind: improving the passenger experience, future-proofing the infrastructure, and reinforcing Curaçao International Airport’s role as a regional aviation hub.
Today, the expansion has already exceeded expectations. Passenger numbers are not only on track to surpass pre-pandemic levels but have exceeded forecasts, a success that is a testament to the hard work and vision behind the project. However, Hernández is clear that success is not solely measured by volume. “It’s not just about numbers; it’s about creating an experience,” he says. The airport’s goal is to digitalise as much of the passenger journey as possible. By leveraging data-driven technology, the airport can enhance operational efficiency, track satisfaction levels, and ultimately streamline the experience for travellers.
In addition to the terminal expansion, Curaçao Airport Partners is working in tandem with the island’s tourism sector to prepare for the anticipated growth in visitors. According to Hernández, tourism is projected to increase by 50% by 2027, with a corresponding surge in hotel room capacity. As a result, the airport has developed a collaborative strategy that aligns with the island’s broader tourism goals. “We are working closely with hotels, airlines, and government stakeholders to create a seamless travel experience,” says Hernández. This approach involves integrating passenger processing into non-traditional spaces, such as hotels, to ease the flow of travellers.
Growing the airlift is a business pillar of CAH. Over the last 20 years significant efforts were made by CAH and the Curacao Tourism Board (CTB) in investing in air route development and destination marketing. As one of the leading partners in the airlift committee, Ignacio himself has travelled the world fostering relationships with airlines and pitching the route to Curacao. Over the last decade as the director of CAH, Ignacio has ensured CAH committed the financial investment needed by the airlines to establish new routes. As a result, CUR for the first time is connected to some of the major hub airports in the United States, Latin America and Europe. CAH’s vision has been one of ensuring exponential growth. It is because of this vision that all efforts were made during the COVID pandemic to regain market territory and establish Curacao as a leading vacation destination. The fruits of this labour are now resulting in the 50% increase in hotel room capacity and high airline load factors. In order to ready the infrastructure for the additional passengers traveling through the airport, CAH actively liaises with CAP regarding operational aspects to ensure excellency and ease of use for passengers. Taking into account the additional capacity, CAH continues to collaborate with the airlift committee to address the growing market and support tourism development.
For example, the airport is rolling out initiatives that allow passengers to check in at hotels before arriving at the airport. By incorporating features such as hotel-based bag-tagging and check-in, the airport is reducing congestion and improving overall efficiency. “We don’t just want to accommodate more passengers; we want to elevate the experience for everyone,” Hernández notes. These strategies go beyond infrastructure; they are about enhancing the entire journey, from hotel check-ins to seamless airport processing.
As the airport sees a steady increase in passengers, it is preparing for the next phase of growth with further investments in infrastructure. In addition to the new jet bridges and fire trucks to accommodate larger aircraft, the airport is also enhancing its digital infrastructure. The introduction of automated security systems, self-check-in kiosks, and advanced baggage handling technologies is just the beginning.
The current infrastructure has reached its maximum capacity. It is CAP’s responsibility to present the new infrastructure development to CAH, and parties are actively collaborating to ensure that the infrastructural investments ensure that a future proof airport with leading digital technology and a seamless experience is realized. The current developments include additional aircraft parking spaces, larger processing areas and a revamping of the check-in, security, immigrations and customs areas.
Hernández underscores the importance of keeping safety and security as top priorities. “Safety is non-negotiable,” he says. “We are investing in fire trucks, jet bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure that we can handle the increase in capacity while maintaining the highest standards of security.” In addition to these physical upgrades, the airport is also focusing on optimising passenger flow through technology. Automated systems, such as self-service kiosks and automated baggage systems, are set to make the experience more efficient. This commitment to digitalisation aligns with the airport’s vision of offering a smoother, more streamlined process for passengers.
One of the airport’s most exciting future plans is its focus on expanding its role in international trade. With Curaçao’s strategic location, the airport is well-positioned to become a critical hub for air cargo, particularly for time-sensitive and high-value commodities such as pharmaceuticals and electronics. Hernández explains, “We are enhancing our cold-chain logistics capabilities and streamlining cargo processes to ensure that we can support the growing demand for these types of goods.”
In the past decade CAH has promoted the concept of CUR becoming a hub airport. Of specific interest has been developing the cargo area to ensure international commodities trading. As the owner of the airport asset and the territories surrounding it, CAH has ensured that its area development strategy aligns with that of the airport, ensuring businesses who seek to partake in commodities trading could easily establish themselves in the airport vicinity.
In terms of the airport, Ignacio can be credited with consistently advocating for this vision over the last decade, propagating its business benefits, executing the necessary analyses, and liaising with CAP shareholders and CEOs to ensure its realization came to fruition. Ignacio sees it as a personal achievement that the hub concept is finally being adopted by CAP into its strategy. CAH will continue to ensure all efforts are being made to develop our gateway, and both parties are keeping this in mind in the infrastructural development plans.
As part of this effort, the airport is conducting an analysis to identify which types of cargo make the most sense for Curaçao’s future economic development. By leveraging its ideal geographic location, the airport aims to position itself as a leader in regional and global air cargo. The airport is also working to improve its warehousing, customs coordination, and partner networks to support this vision.
“It’s a transformational year for the airport,” says Hernández. “We are laying the groundwork for the future, positioning ourselves as a preferred node for global air cargo flows.” This initiative is just one part of a broader strategy to diversify the airport’s operations and increase its impact on Curaçao’s economy.
In addition to infrastructure and cargo development, Curaçao International Airport is focusing on expanding its air routes to connect the island with key international markets. Over the years, Curaçao has evolved from a popular tourist destination for Europeans to a growing market for travellers from North America and South America. Hernández reveals, “Tourists from Europe now account for 33% of our traffic, the US 30%, and South America 17%.”
To tap into these growing markets, the airport is working on increasing the frequency of flights to major US destinations while exploring direct service to Argentina. “We are also looking at expanding our presence in Canada, a market that values the authenticity Curaçao has to offer,” Hernández adds. Strengthening regional connections, particularly within the Caribbean, is also a priority. As the airport continues to grow, Hernández’s team is focused on strengthening Curaçao’s connections with key markets in both North and South America, while continuing to build on the island’s appeal to European tourists.
The routes selected are outlined early on by the airlift committee and are in line with the tourism master planning. However, in the last years, Ignacio’s team has spearheaded the development of the Argentinian market. Connecting the south end of the world with Europe, CAH continues to propagate its unwavering belief in the hub concept for CUR. By being the sole stakeholder to actively invest in the development of this Argentinian route, CAH has demonstrated the added value of a hub and spoke network for airlines. Its route development project called “El Sueño Paraiso” has ensured that the Argentinian passenger numbers have doubled since its start. It is the current vision of CAH to continue to expand the Latin American market and connect it with the east side of the United States and western Europe. In doing so it is financially investing in the development of these routes along with its route development partner CTB.
Achieving these ambitious goals is no small feat, and Hernández is quick to highlight the importance of collaboration in making it all work. “We can’t thrive in this environment without strong communication and transparency,” he says. At Curaçao International Airport, collaboration is at the heart of operations. Hernández’s leadership focuses on fostering a data-driven, collaborative decision-making process, ensuring that all stakeholders, from airlines and airport authorities to government agencies, work together seamlessly.
To facilitate this, the airport is developing key performance indicators (KPIs) for every aspect of its operations, from safety and security to passenger experience. By leveraging data and technology, the airport can continuously monitor performance and make adjustments where necessary. “As Peter Drucker said, you can’t improve what you can’t measure,” Hernández notes. This commitment to data-driven decision-making is central to the airport’s strategy for maintaining excellence across all areas of operation.
Technology plays a central role in optimising passenger flow and satisfaction at Curaçao International Airport. Hernández notes that the airport is already ahead of many of its counterparts in terms of digitalisation. The introduction of the Curaçao Express Pass, which allows passengers to bypass immigration queues using a mobile app, has already made a significant impact. “We have seen satisfaction scores increase from 3.8 to 4.2 over the last two years,” Hernández says. This is a testament to the airport’s focus on making the passenger experience as seamless as possible.
The airport is also looking at ways to further digitalise other aspects of travel, such as the check-in process and security screening. Hernández believes that by focusing on these digital initiatives, Curaçao International Airport can enhance its reputation as one of the most customer-friendly airports in the Caribbean. “In the next two years, we aim to be the most seamless airport experience in the region,” he says.
Ignacio is a born aviation specialist; he jokes that jet fuel runs through his veins. His expertise has been quintessential in the leadership of CAH over the past 2 decades. His international experience and his local origins have enabled him to have an accurate lay of the land. He has been director of CAH now for 1 of those two decades, and it has not been an easy feat balancing the commercial objectives with the public interests.
A mastery of the aviation industry and a devotion to realize a port of entry for Curacao that not only contributes, but drives its local economy, have been the key ingredients. CAH is a private limited liability company, and thereby operates as such, ensuring that the business values guarantee the high returns needed for its shareholders. Public opinion and the government’s vision for the country have always been regarded as leading input for CAH’s efforts. As CAH remains the owner of the asset, Ignacio’s team works hard to ensure that all developments are in line with what is best for CUR and Curacao. Having the responsibility to safeguard the business beyond the current concession term, allows CAH to operate out of longevity ensuring sustainable airport developments.
Beyond infrastructure and passenger services, Curaçao International Airport is also focused on its role in the local community. Hernández emphasises that the airport’s growth should benefit not just tourists but also the people of Curaçao. “It’s not just about enhancing infrastructure; it’s about enhancing the lives of the people who live here,” he says. The airport is involved in several projects aimed at improving the conditions of the local community, ensuring that its development has a positive impact on the island as a whole.
CAH’s goal is to develop its territories in line with its airport development. It is the vision to create an air enabled port of entrée which is a mecca for international business. Through fostering international investment, CAH aims to ensure the surrounding area is developed in a manner that ensures long-term economic growth both in terms of financial gain and improvement of the economic well-fare of the local population. The airport area is home to about 2000 aviation employee’s; CAH seeks to multiply this amount by promoting the developments it has in its Area Development Master Plan. The Master Plan was approved and endorsed by the government of Curacao and dictates the types of development that serve interests of both the private and public sectors. An example is to maintain a balance between urban development and the preservation of the eco-parks in this area. Ignacio states: “CAH has been collaborating actively with the Ministries involved to realize an eco-tourism park, the first of its kind on the island. In that same light, one of the first major developments is CAH’s own office, set to open in 2026, which will be the cornerstone of the area’s development potential”.
As the airport continues to expand and evolve, Hernández’s vision remains clear: Curaçao International Airport is more than just an aviation hub, it is a vital part of the island’s economic and social fabric. With continued investments in infrastructure, technology, and collaboration, the airport is poised to become a leading player in the Caribbean, setting new standards for excellence in passenger experience, air cargo, and regional connectivity.
Ignacio believes that the next five years will set the tone for the upcoming decade. Curacao’s in a unique development phase where it is gaining global recognition in terms of its destination as well as the business potentials. Due to a large influx of international investors, the island is growing at exponential speeds. Curacao has always set itself apart in the Caribbean being a blend of both the European and Americas. It has grown in its way of doing business, and as the markets continue to develop, the airport’s role in scaling these developments becomes even more crucial. “The current efforts to realize a seamless border entry process and scale this across airports in our region will be a game changer. Positioning CUR as an innovative seamless airport in the Caribbean connecting two sides of the world” says Mr. Wilhelmus Ignacio. Ignacio states: “The hub concept is no longer a concept, but a tangible reality for CUR. One that is being built as we speak. The next 5 years will be tone setting for the Caribbean hub that Curacao seeks to become. Dominating 4 languages, with a culture that speaks to both the European and American markets, not even the sky is our limit.”
Looking ahead, the future of Curaçao International Airport is bright. The airport’s growth is not only about increasing capacity but about creating an experience that integrates seamlessly with the island’s tourism, community, and economic development. As Hernández aptly puts it, the airport aims to be “a key part of the traveller journey,” offering not just infrastructure, but an enhanced and enriching experience for everyone who passes through its doors.