NY to Curacao route gets bumped up

Strong demand for travel to the island of Curacao is driving JetBlue to increase flights to five days a week from major U.S. hub JFK Airport.

The Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) has announced that beginning on April 6, 2023, JetBlue will add two additional flights from John F. Kennedy International Airport, increasing the non-stop route from three days a week to five days. The additional service comes as a result of a steadily growing demand from the U.S. market as well as a longstanding and proven partnership with JetBlue and island stakeholders.

With the increased number of flights, roundtrip routes will be available on a Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday rotation. Flights will depart New York (JFK) at 8:00 a.m. and arrive in Curaçao (CUR) at 1:25 p.m. with a return flight from CUR to JFK departing at 2:25 p.m. and landing at 6:29 p.m. Booking for the additional flights is currently live on www.jetblue.com for those looking for a culturally rich getaway with plenty of sunshine for late spring, summer and beyond.

In the last year, Curaçao has experienced increased demand out of the U.S. market, and the momentum continues with a 20% projected increase in American visitors from 2022 to 2023. This increase is in large part due to the openings of several new resorts, along with the rebranding and renovations of existing resorts across the island.

Recent years have seen the grand openings and extensive overhaul of Sandals® Royal Curaçao, Zoëtry Curaçao Resort & Spa, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, Dreams Curaçao Resort, Spa and Casino, and Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino, as well as the brand new Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton, and the Wyndham branded Kunuku Aqua Resort. The increased development of properties backed by the world’s premier hospitality brands has helped visibility of the island and JetBlue’s implementation of increased flight service is expected to match the corresponding travel demand.

“2022 was a record-breaking year. As of November, total US arrivals exceeded our goals, achieving 152% of our target visitors out of the US market and we are confident this upcoming year will continue on that path. These additional flights are a testament to that,” said Ruisandro Cijntje, Curaçao’s Minister of Economic Development. “While welcoming new visitors, we remain dedicated to preserving that which makes our island so desirable – a place you can immerse yourself in our local art, culture, cuisine, sunshine and adventure – and we look forward to welcoming new visitors eager for something exceptional and sharing the beauty of our island.”