Aruba Queen Beatrix Airport: Gateway To Paradise

Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Aruba is more than just a transportation hub; it's the first glimpse of paradise for millions of visitors each year. The airport blends modern conveniences with the warm, welcoming spirit of Aruba, making the arrival and departure an integral part of the island experience.

Landing in paradise

Named after the former Dutch monarch, Queen Beatrix, Aruba Airport is known for its sleek design and picturesque surroundings. The airport's single runway, measuring 2,743 meters (8,999 feet) in length, is capable of accommodating large aircraft like the Boeing 747.

Surrounded by the turquoise Caribbean Sea, the approach and takeoff from Aruba Airport offer stunning views, making it a memorable experience for both pilots and passengers.

The journey through Queen Beatrix International Airport

Flying into Aruba begins with the excitement of descending over the Caribbean Sea. Upon landing, you are immediately greeted by the warm tropical breeze and smilling staff of the airport, setting the tone for the rest of your holiday in Aruba.

The terminal is spacious, designed to handle the influx of over 2.5 million passengers annually. The airport is usually capable of handling it, however, departing on weekends is known to be a nightmare for US travelers who are advised to arrive as early as 5 hours before departure.

Aruba Airport walking tour

Get into island mood by walking trough Aruba Airport and imagine arriving to many people's second home.

The convenience of U.S. preclearance

One of the standout features of Queen Beatrix International Airport is its U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) preclearance facility. Aruba is one of the few Caribbean islands to offer this, allowing U.S.-bound passengers to clear customs and immigration before even leaving Aruba.

This means that upon arrival in the United States, travelers are treated as domestic passengers, bypassing the often lengthy customs lines, which significantly enhances the convenience of travel.

Plane spotting at Queen Beatrix International Airport

For aviation enthusiasts, Queen Beatrix International Airport provides several excellent plane spotting opportunities. The most popular spot is Surfside Beach where the pristine beach provides an excellent foreground for photos of landing planes with Renaissance Island behind them.

Recent operational challenges

Long waiting times on weekends

Queen Beatrix International Airport can experience significant congestion, particularly on weekends when the number of departing flights increases. This often leads to long waiting times at check-in, security, and baggage drop-off.

Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport at least 5 hours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. The airport has been trying to manage these challenges, but the surge in visitors during busy periods continues to strain its capacity.

Technical issues at Aruba Airport

Recently, Aruba Airport faced operational disruptions due to technical issues. Although operations have resumed, the incidents underscored the challenges of managing unexpected technical failures.

In August 2024, a major air conditioning failure caused a temporary closure, impacting 39 flights and around 4,000 passengers. Authorities halted operations until the issue was resolved to avoid health risks.

In June 2022, an island-wide power blackout affected the airport’s power supply, and the backup generators failed to maintain critical systems, leading to safety concerns. The airport was forced to evacuate passengers and temporarily close.

Proposed solution: Gateway 2030

To address these challenges, the airport is planning infrastructure upgrades to better cope with technical issues and the increasing number of annual visitors to Aruba. Project Gateway 2030 is an initiative to upgrade Aruba Airport to provide a world-class experience.

Aruba Airport facts and statistics

Here are some key details about Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba:

• Airport Code: IATA Code: AUA, ICAO Code: TNCA
• Website: Queen Beatrix Airport
• Phone Number: +297 524 2424
• Airport Arrivals: Live arrivals schedule
• Airport Departures: Live departures schedule
• Location: Oranjestad, Aruba
• Runway Length: 2,743 meters (8,999 feet)
• Elevation: 18 feet (5 meters) above sea level
• Annual Passengers: Approximately 2.5 million
• Airlines: American Airlines, Delta, KLM, JetBlue, and more (see below)
• Destinations: Direct flights to major U.S. cities, Canada, Europe, and other Caribbean islands

The History of Queen Beatrix International Airport

Queen Beatrix International Airport has an interesting history that reflects Aruba's development as a major tourist destination. Originally established as a modest airstrip, the airport has undergone several expansions and modernizations over the years to address the needs of the growing number of tourists visiting Aruba, particularly from the United States.

In 1934, Manuel Viana initiated a weekly mail and passenger service between Aruba and Curacao, using a Loening C-2H Air Yacht PJ-ZAA, piloted by A.J. Viccellio from a mud-flat runway. Starting on December 24, 1934, KLM took over the commercial operations.

Operations later moved to a graded runway called KLM field. KLM's Snip, a Fokker tri-motor PJ-AIS, began scheduled flights in Aruba on January 19, 1935. Along with the "Oriol" (PJ-AIO), both aircraft flew until 1946 when they were decommissioned. During bi-weekly Aruba-Curacao flights, KLM transported 2,695 passengers on 471 flights.

During World War II, the airport served the United States Army Air Forces' Sixth Air Force, which was tasked with defending Caribbean shipping routes and the Panama Canal from German submarines. The airfield was renamed Dakota Field, and the terminal facilities became known as Dakota Airport.

On October 22, 1955, the airport was named in honor of Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands during a royal visit. In 1980, following her accession to the throne, it was renamed again.

On April 10, 1964, the completion of the runway extension marked the beginning of the jet age in Aruba. The first two jets to land were Pan American Airways' Jet Clipper "Aruba" and KLM's Henry Dunant. A year later, construction began on the fourth terminal building, which was inaugurated on November 8, 1972.

In 1997, the Beatrix 2000 project began, leading to a major expansion and renovation of the 1972 terminal. Completed on September 1, 1999, it introduced a new arrival hall, baggage claim, eight contact gates, a concession area, and separate check-in buildings for U.S. and non-U.S. flights. A 2011 renovation further transformed the airport, with an aesthetic upgrade that defines its current appearance.

The future of Aruba Airport

The Government of Aruba has taken steps to better accommodate the growing influx of tourists flying into Aruba through Gateway 2030. The first of the 2-phase project is expected to be completed in early 2025 and the second phase is to be commenced in October, 2024. Watch the video below to find out more on the upgrades to Aruba Airport.

Accidents at Aruba Airport

Despite its busy operations, Queen Beatrix International Airport has maintained an excellent safety record. There have been no accidents at Aruba Airport, however, there have been quite a few notable incidents in Aruban airspace.

Notable incidents

Bird strike on Delta Airlines Boeing 737

On March 19, 2024, a Delta Airlines Boeing 737 experienced a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Queen Beatrix International Airport. Flames were seen, but thanks to the quick response of airport authorities and the pilots' expertise, the situation was swiftly controlled. After circleing for 45 minutes the plane landed safely. Emergency services were on standby but were not needed.

Venezuelan cocaine smugler plane shot down

On January 29, 2015, a plane departing from Apure, Venezuela, with three people on board, was suspected of being on an illegal flight to the U.S. After failing to respond to ATC near Punto Fijo, Venezuelan authorities intercepted and shot it down. The aircraft crashed into the Caribbean Sea near Aruba, killing all three occupants. Over 400 boxes of cocaine were found at the crash site.

Plane from Amsterdam diverted due to bomb threat

On January 13, 2010, an ArkeFly flight from Amsterdam to Aruba was diverted to Shannon, Ireland, after a Dutch passenger made bomb threats. The Boeing 767, with 235 people on board, landed safely, and the man was taken into custody. No bomb was found during a police search.

Detached propelleres slice through fuselage

On July 14, 1990, a Lockheed L-188CF Electra cargo plane experienced a failure in the no. 3 propeller gearbox shortly after departing from Aruba. This led to the loss of both the no. 3 and no. 4 propellers, damaging critical systems. The crew successfully executed an emergency landing at Aruba with no fatalities, despite severe damage and limited control.

Facilities and services at Queen Beatrix International Airport

Queen Beatrix International Airport offers a wide range of services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for travelers. The terminal features duty-free shops to buy souvenirs, a variety of dining options, VIP lounges, and more.

Map of Aruba Airport terminal

Duty-free shopping

Restaurants and cafes

Alcohol, coffee & refreshments

Services at Aruba Airport

Parking at Aruba Airport

There are ample parking at Queen Beatrix International Airport. Pick up and drop off is also allowed in front of the terminal for immediate loading and unloading.

Parking fee:

• Hourly rate: 3 AWG (1.67 USD)
• Lost ticket: 75 AWG (42 USD)
• Towing fee: 75 AWG (42 USD)

Aruba Airport transfers

Queen Beatrix International Airport is conveniently located just a short drive from Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba. The airport is well-connected to all major resorts and attractions on the island, making it an ideal starting point for your Caribbean adventure.

Car rentals at Aruba Airport

There are a wide range of car rentals at Queen Beatrix International Airport. Some of them are located at the airport, while some offer shuttle service to their office.

Taxi service at Aruba Airport

There are three taxi and several private companies offering shuttles to and from the Aruba Airport. Check the official Aruba taxi price list before arrival. Note that there are reforms happening to better regulate airport taxis so this price list might change soon.

Arubas Transfer Tour & Taxi C.A.

(+297) 5822116 / 5822010

Taxi Address Service (24h)

(+297) 5875900

tas@setarnet.aw

Aruba Taxi Company

(+297) 587-1300

info@arubataxicompany.com

Public transport at Aruba Airport

Bus stops are right outside of the airport terminal serviced by Aruba’s transportation company, Arubus. For bus schedule to and from Aruba Airport and fees visit Arubus's website. You can ride the bus from the airport to both San Nicolas and Arashi Beach through Oranjestad, Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.

Connectivity and accessibility

Aruba Airport is well connected to major cities in Europe, the United States and South-America and other Caribbean islands. There are well over 20 airlines serving Queen Beatrix International Airport. To find the cheapest flights to Aruba, book your tickets between June and November, which is off-season.

List of airlines flying to Aruba Airport

Direct flights to Aruba Airport

• Amsterdam, Netherlands (Schiphol Airport - AMS)
• Atlanta, USA (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport - ATL)
• Baltimore-Washington, USA (Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport - BWI)
• Bogotá, Colombia (El Dorado International Airport - BOG)
• Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands (Flamingo International Airport - BON)
• Boston, USA (Logan International Airport - BOS)
• Cali, Colombia (Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport - CLO)
• Charlotte, USA (Charlotte Douglas International Airport - CLT)
• Chicago, USA (O'Hare International Airport - ORD)
• Curaçao, Curaçao (Hato International Airport - CUR)
• Dallas-Fort Worth, USA (Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport - DFW)
• Fort Lauderdale, USA (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport - FLL)
• Houston, USA (George Bush Intercontinental Airport - IAH)
• Lima, Peru (Jorge Chávez International Airport - LIM)
• London, United Kingdom (Gatwick Airport - LGW)
• Medellín, Colombia (José María Córdova International Airport - MDE)
• Minneapolis, USA (Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport - MSP)
• New York, USA (John F. Kennedy International Airport - JFK)
• New York, USA (LaGuardia Airport - LGA)
• New York, USA (Newark Liberty International Airport - EWR)
• Orlando, USA (Orlando International Airport - MCO)
• Panama City, Panama (Tocumen International Airport - PTY)
• Paramaribo, Suriname (Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport - PBM)
• Philadelphia, USA (Philadelphia International Airport - PHL)
• Philipsburg, Sint Maarten (Princess Juliana International Airport - SXM)
• Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport - PTP)
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (Punta Cana International Airport - PUJ)
• Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (La Isabela International Airport - JBQ)
• Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (Las Américas International Airport - SDQ)
• St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda (V. C. Bird International Airport - ANU)
• Toronto, Canada (Toronto Pearson International Airport - YYZ)
• Washington, USA (Washington Dulles International Airport - IAD)

A Gateway to the Caribbean dream

Queen Beatrix International Airport is more than just an airport; it’s the gateway to the Caribbean dream. With its modern facilities, stunning surroundings, and friendly staff, it ensures that every journey to and from Aruba is smooth, enjoyable, and memorable. 

Whether you’re arriving for a relaxing beach holiday or departing after an unforgettable stay, Queen Beatrix International Airport leaves a lasting impression.