WILLEMSTAD - Fire department personnel at Hato Airport are temporarily working from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM due to ongoing mold problems in the airport's fire station. Four employees have fallen ill as a result of the issue.
Early yesterday morning, the fire department staff gathered at the ABVO headquarters to discuss the situation with union leadership. After receiving the complaints, ABVO chairman George Hernandez contacted the Public Health Inspectorate.
The inspectorate visited the station yesterday and found that, although most areas of the fire station are in good condition, some changes are still needed.
The fire station now closes at 10:00 PM after the last flight, meaning fire department staff are no longer present at Hato 24 hours a day. They resume duty at 5:30 AM when the first flight departs from Curaçao. This temporary measure also means that personnel will no longer stay overnight at the station.
The Health Service Inspectorate and the airport’s management, CAP, are collaborating to resolve the mold issues and prevent further illnesses. This temporary measure will remain in effect until the situation is fully resolved and the building can be safely used again.