Aruba has taken another step toward expanding its global travel connections by signing a new aviation agreement with Switzerland. A delegation from Aruba recently traveled to Switzerland to meet with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA), where they finalized a major bilateral air transport deal.
The agreement, known as an “Open Skies” treaty, allows for unlimited flights between Aruba and Switzerland without restrictions. This means airlines from both countries can now operate as many flights as they wish, opening the door for direct air service between the two destinations.
This development is part of the broader strategy of Aruba’s Minister of Tourism, Mr. Wendrick Cicilia, who is focused on strengthening Aruba’s tourism industry and expanding its reach into new international markets. The agreement also supports the efforts of the Aruba Tourism Authority and the airlift committee, particularly in their ongoing work across Europe.
The Aruban delegation was led by Edwin Kelly and included Maritza Evertsz and Albert Boekhoudt. On the Swiss side, Christian Andres headed the delegation, joined by Laurent Noël and Roza Sikon.
Officials from both Aruba and Switzerland remarked on the strong alignment in their vision and working methods, which contributed to a positive and productive negotiation process. After several weeks of discussions, the two parties reached an agreement. The “Open Skies” accord was officially signed on June 16.
Minister Cicilia said he is proud of the outcome and emphasized that expanding and modernizing Aruba’s air transport agreements remains a top priority. Agreements like this, he noted, are crucial for maintaining steady airlift and helping diversify the island’s tourism base.
With this new agreement in place, Aruba is better positioned to welcome visitors from Switzerland and strengthen its ties with European travel markets.
