WILLEMSTAD – The MFK parliamentary faction is questioning whether Curaçao's aviation safety charge generates sufficient revenue to finance the country's aviation oversight responsibilities after the fee was reduced by nearly 71 percent in 2024.
According to the faction's observations on the proposed Aviation Ordinance, the Passenger Safety Oversight Charge (PSOC) previously stood at XCG 3.11 per passenger before being reduced to XCG 0.91.
MFK wants the government to explain the reasons for the reduction and provide revenue projections for the next three years.
The charge is linked to departing passengers and contributes to financing the Curaçao Civil Aviation Authority (CBA), which is responsible for aviation oversight.
The faction is particularly concerned about whether the available revenue will allow the authority to maintain its independence and meet international safety requirements.
Referring to the CBA's 2025 annual report, MFK states that training, travel and accommodation, and advisory services accounted for 25 percent, 31 percent, and 19 percent of the relevant costs, respectively.
Together, these categories represent 75 percent of the costs identified by the faction.
MFK wants to know whether these expenditures represent initial investments associated with strengthening aviation oversight or recurring annual expenses.
The distinction is important because recurring costs could place continuing pressure on the authority's financial resources.
The faction has also requested a comparison of Curaçao's aviation safety charge with similar charges in neighboring countries.
With the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten anticipating further tourism growth, MFK wants to know how projected increases in departing passengers have been incorporated into the authority's financial planning.
MAN-PIN and PAR have separately demanded greater transparency about the collection and expenditure of aviation safety fees.
Both factions want detailed information about annual revenue, operating expenses, financial reserves, and measurable improvements in inspection and supervision.
PAR has also questioned what would happen if revenue declined or operating costs increased, warning that financial shortages must not lead to reduced safety inspections.
The committee report does not establish whether the current XCG 0.91 charge is insufficient. Instead, it records parliamentary requests for the financial information needed to evaluate the sustainability of Curaçao's aviation oversight system.