WILLEMSTAD – In light of the heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela in the Caribbean, Dutch Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans has clarified that it is up to Curaçao to decide whether to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for its own airspace.

Brekelmans made the statement in response to questions raised in the Dutch Parliament by MPs Paternotte, Van der Werf, and Bamenga (D66) about Venezuela’s recent military mobilization and the potential security impact on the Dutch Caribbean islands of Curaçao, Aruba, and Bonaire.

While The Hague remains in close contact with Washington over the U.S. naval deployment near Venezuela, the minister stressed that matters relating to the publication of NOTAMs fall under the jurisdiction of the autonomous countries within the Kingdom.

This means that Curaçao has the responsibility to assess whether aviation safety in its airspace requires additional warnings in the current situation.

The clarification comes at a time of growing unease in the region, with fears that Curaçao and the other Dutch Caribbean islands could be indirectly affected by geopolitical tensions between Washington and Caracas.