The Dutch Caribbean Airports Cooperation (DCCA) is proud to announce an innovative initiative to reduce the Passenger Facility Fee (PFC) for inter-island travel from the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) to the Dutch Caribbean. This initiative aims to strengthen regional connectivity and make travel more affordable for residents and visitors to the Dutch Caribbean.
Aligned with the Joint Strategic Plan, this initiative underscores DCCA’s commitment to improving mobility in the region. By reducing the PFC to $15 per passenger, travellers will benefit from lower ticket prices, with the adjustment clearly reflected in the fare distribution of participating airlines. Dutch Caribbean carriers Divi Divi Air, Z-air and Winair have expressed their support and the passenger facility charges will be reflected in the total price of their airfares.
Implementation will be phased, starting with Curaçao and Bonaire in January 2025 and Aruba in February 2025. The implementation date for St. Maarten will be announced at a later date. Bonaire, which already benefits from an inter-island PFC of less than $15, will not apply the annual indexation of this rate. Particular attention is being paid to the busy Aruba – Curaçao route, where the cost reduction is expected to have the most immediate and significant impact.
This initiative is the culmination of two years of research and planning. In 2023, DCCA conducted an in-depth price elasticity study, examining the relationship between ticket costs and passenger demand. The results, presented at the 2023 DCCA Congress, confirmed that lower fares could stimulate inter-island travel, laying the foundation for this strategic adjustment. This study was followed by a successful pilot project in Sint Maarten, where airport fees were reduced for neighboring islands Saba and Statia, allowing for affordable day trips.
“Airports are more than just gateways; they are vital connections that bring our islands together,” said DCCA Chairman Jonny Andersen, CEO of CAP. “By reducing the Passenger Facility Charge, we aim to make inter-island travel more affordable and accessible to all. This initiative not only strengthens the connections between our islands, but also supports regional tourism and economic growth.”
In addition to improving accessibility for residents and visitors, the DCCA sees the reduction as a way to encourage greater collaboration between the islands, further boosting the tourism industry, small businesses and cultural exchanges throughout the region.
About DCCA
The Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA)DCCA brings together the six Caribbean airports within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Its mission is to improve the quality of each airport through mutual assistance, knowledge sharing and collaboration, achieving economies of scale. The DCCA is dedicated to improving connectivity between the islands and presenting innovative air transport solutions for the Dutch Caribbean.
Source: Faxinfo https://faxinfo.fr/en/frais-en-baisse-pour-les-vols-entre-sxm-saba-statia-aruba-bonaire-curacao/
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