WILLEMSTAD – The Government of Curaçao, working together with several public and private organizations, provided emergency assistance to hundreds of Venezuelan passengers who became stranded on the island after powerful earthquakes forced the closure of Venezuela's main international airport.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, June 24, when two major earthquakes caused extensive damage in Venezuela. A flight traveling from Spain to Venezuela was unable to land in Caracas due to the emergency. With the aircraft unable to immediately return to Spain, it was diverted to Curaçao, bringing approximately 350 passengers to the island.
Under the coordination of Curaçao's National Crisis Team, authorities quickly organized assistance for the stranded passengers.
Justice Minister and Acting Deputy Prime Minister Shalten Hato instructed the National Crisis Coordinator to oversee the emergency response. Several organizations joined the operation, including the Curaçao Red Cross, Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), the Curaçao Police Force (KPC), Venex, and numerous volunteers.
Together, they secured temporary accommodation and other forms of assistance for passengers unable to continue their journey.
Among those arriving in Curaçao was a sports delegation consisting of 14 minors and their coaches. A local resort offered accommodation for the group, while a volunteer hosted approximately 10 passengers in a private residence. Another 44 passengers were accommodated at a separate location.
Meanwhile, around 160 passengers eventually boarded flights back to Spain after their travel plans were disrupted by the earthquakes.
The Government of Curaçao expressed its appreciation to everyone who contributed to the humanitarian effort, thanking the organizations, volunteers, and businesses that helped provide shelter and support during the unexpected emergency.
The government also extended its best wishes to neighboring Venezuela and to the Venezuelan community in Curaçao as rescue and recovery efforts continue following one of the country's deadliest natural disasters in recent years.