Willemstad- The expansion of Hato International Airport is slowly but surely taking form, with the bridge connecting the new terminal to the old terminal and the drastically enlarged departure lounge being the most noticeable changes.

The expansion project will create much more seating capacity, but also more gates for arriving and departing planes. Additionally, the VIP lounge will be drastically expanded and enhanced.

The expansion has become necessary due to the growth in passenger using the airport since the opening of the new terminal. Especially during peak hours with KLM, Tui and American Airlines leaving around the same time in the afternoon, seating can be difficult to come by.

At the same time, the airport has recently become noticeably more quiet -especially in the early morning and evening hours- since the cancellation of Insel Air’s international flights.

The upgraded airport will also see new retail and food outlets, with sandwich and salad chain Subway being one of the planned additions to the present food options.