20 Years of JetBlue Service to Aruba
ORANJESTAD – Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA), together with JetBlue and the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.), is celebrating the 20th anniversary of JetBlue's nonstop service between New York and Aruba, recognizing the airline's significant contributions to the island's air connectivity and tourism industry.
JetBlue first launched service to Aruba on September 15, 2006, with a nonstop flight from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA). What began with this inaugural route has grown into a vital air connection, strengthening ties between Aruba and one of its key visitor markets while offering travelers greater choice when planning their journeys to and from the island.
Today, JetBlue connects Aruba with New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), continuing its role as an essential airline partner for the destination. The airline’s service supports Aruba’s tourism economy by providing convenient travel options for both visitors and local residents, while offering seamless connections across JetBlue’s expanding network.
Key Partner Statements
"For 20 years, JetBlue has been a valued partner in connecting Aruba with the United States and welcoming travelers through our airport. This milestone reflects the strength of our longstanding partnership and the dedication of the JetBlue teams who have supported operations throughout the years. We thank JetBlue for its continued commitment to Aruba and look forward to building on this relationship in the years ahead."
- Jonny Andersen, CEO of Aruba Airport Authority N.V.
"As we celebrate JetBlue’s 20 years of service to Aruba, we recognize the value of a partnership that supports both our tourism sector and our community. Every connection creates opportunities for visitors to discover our island, for local businesses to grow, and for residents to travel. We thank JetBlue for its continued confidence in Aruba and look forward to a future where strong connectivity supports quality tourism and our people’s well-being."
- Wendrick Cicilia, Minister of Tourism, Transport, and Labor
"Aruba has been an important part of JetBlue’s network for 20 years, and we’re proud of the connections we’ve built with the island and its people. We’re grateful for the longstanding partnership with the Aruba Airport Authority and Aruba Tourism Authority and look forward to continuing to connect customers to Aruba with the service and experience they know and love from JetBlue."
- Dave Jehn, Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships, JetBlue
"JetBlue has played an important role in helping connect our island with key markets in the United States and in providing travelers with the opportunity to experience and appreciate Aruba. Through its continued service over the past two decades, the airline has helped generations of visitors learn more about our culture and our people. We thank JetBlue for its continued support of and commitment to Aruba and are pleased to continue working together."
- Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority
Celebrating the People: Events in Aruba and New York
To mark the anniversary, AAA hosted a celebration with JetBlue's local team at Queen Beatrix International Airport on the morning of October 15 in the check-in hall. Team members were recognized for their dedication with celebratory cake, snacks, and commemorative cookies. Departing passengers on JetBlue flights that day also received branded commemorative gifts as a gesture of appreciation for their loyalty.
In New York, A.T.A. team members joined JetBlue at JFK Airport to celebrate the anniversary alongside the airline's crew and traveling passengers. The A.T.A. team connected with travelers at the terminal, inviting them to take the Aruba Promise before boarding. By taking the pledge, travelers committed to enjoying Aruba responsibly and helping preserve the island’s natural beauty, culture, and welcoming spirit for generations to come.
Looking Ahead
The celebrations in Aruba and New York honored not only the anniversary of the route, but also the crew members, partners, and passengers who have sustained this connection for two decades. The milestone underscores the shared commitment of AAA, JetBlue, and A.T.A. to reliable connectivity, an exceptional passenger experience, and the continued success of Aruba as a leading Caribbean destination.
As JetBlue enters its second decade of service to Aruba, AAA and A.T.A. look forward to continuing their collaboration and creating positive travel experiences for everyone passing through Queen Beatrix International Airport.