Here’s a refined overview of Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Aruba:
Quick Facts & Overview
Location: ~5 km southwest of Oranjestad; ~7 km from high-rise resort areas .
Codes: IATA: AUA, ICAO: TNCA .
Runway: One asphalt runway (11/29), 2,808 m long .
Annual Traffic: ~2.5–2.7 million passengers .
Operator & Hub: Owned by Aruba Airport Authority N.V.; hub for Aruba Airlines .
Destinations & Airlines
Direct flights: To ~14 U.S. destinations, Canada, Caribbean, northern South America, and the Netherlands .
Airlines include: Major carriers like American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, Air Canada, KLM, Aruba Airlines, Copa, Spirit, and others .
Gateway 2030 Expansion
New U.S. pre-clearance terminal opened April 2025 for airlines (e.g., Delta, United, Spirit) to streamline U.S.-bound departures .
Advanced baggage handling (BEUMER CrisBag®) allows checked baggage to bypass manual reclaim and extra checks .
Infrastructure upgrades include additional gates (3 contact + 2 bus), enhanced screening, sustainable building designs, and aiming for LEED Silver certification .
Passenger Experience & Tips
Single terminal, 2 floors: ground for check‑in/security/immigration; upper for departures, lounges, and dining .
Amenities: Free Wi‑Fi (1 h), charging points, family restrooms, medical center, ATM, prayer/meditation room, VIP lounges near Gates 2 & 8 .
Food & shops: Global brands (Sbarro, Panda Express, Cinnabon, Freshii, Juan Valdez), duty‑free, souvenirs, Aruba Aloe, Colombian emeralds, bars .
Parking: Covered and open options—short-term €1.50), long-term AWG 30/day .
Getting Around
Taxi: ~15‑20 minutes to Oranjestad, Playa etc.; regulated fares .
Bus: Arubus L1, L2, L8 run hourly from terminal to city center ~5–7 min outer ride, runs 05:15–00:30 .
Car rental: Available at airport; rates from ~$40/day .
