WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao has issued a three-year ban on drone and other low-altitude aircraft flights in the airspace surrounding the U.S. Consulate and the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. The restricted area extends 250 meters around the buildings and reaches a height of 1,300 feet (approximately 400 meters). 

Security-Driven Decision 

The flight restriction comes at the request of the U.S. Consul General, following security incidents at U.S. diplomatic missions in other parts of the world. According to international reports, drones have been used in the past for hostile surveillance and even to drop improvised explosive devices near American embassies and consulates. 

In response to these threats, personnel at all U.S. diplomatic missions have been instructed to treat low-flying drones as potential security threats. 

Exceptions Must Be Approved 

The government decree states: “For these reasons, it is necessary to designate an area around the U.S. consulate where drones are prohibited from flying.” 

Only the Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning may grant exemptions for drone flights within the restricted zone. 

The measure highlights growing global concerns over the misuse of unmanned aerial vehicles near sensitive diplomatic facilities and underscores Curaçao’s commitment to international diplomatic security standards.