WILLEMSTAD - Curaçao failed in making Hato a category 1 airport again. That is the conclusion of the International Civil Aviation Organization. From 2 to 12 September the International Civil Aviation Organization carried out an investigation at Hato and the airport scored an insufficient: a 4.6. The civil aviation authority of Curaçao said that this is a provisional result and the island has 90 days to implement the recommended improvements. A final assessment follows.
Hato had a category 1 status for a long time, but it was degraded in 2012 because the airport did not meet all requirements. Since then, work has been underway on upgrading the airport to regain its former status.
Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning, who is responsible for the airport, Zita Jesus-Leito emphasizes that Hato is certainly safe: Curaçao scored well at 460 of the 1000 points and this must be 580. According to the minister, that is quite feasible.