Aruba’s airport enters a new chapter this month with the arrival of a new chief executive.
The Aruba Airport Authority officially begun the tenure of Jonny Andersen as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 2026, following his appointment by the Government of Aruba.
Andersen takes the helm at a moment when Queen Beatrix International Airport remains central to the island’s tourism economy, regional connectivity, and long-term infrastructure planning — and the airport just launched a major new project.
The appointment places a seasoned airport executive at the head of one of the Caribbean’s most strategically important gateways, one that handles millions of passengers each year and functions as a critical link between Aruba, North America, Europe, and the wider Caribbean.
A Career Built Across Global Airports
Andersen brings more than two decades of international airport leadership experience to Aruba. His career has spanned senior executive roles across airport organizations in Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean, giving him exposure to a range of operating environments, regulatory frameworks, and growth challenges.
His background includes overseeing complex airport systems, working across public and private stakeholders, and managing infrastructure in markets that balance tourism demand with local economic needs.
That experience arrives at a time when Aruba’s airport continues to evolve as both a high-volume tourism gateway and a piece of national infrastructure with outsized importance to the island’s economy.
Leadership Focus at a Pivotal Moment
Aruba Airport Authority described Andersen’s arrival as coming at an important stage in the airport’s development. The organization is in the midst of long-term planning and execution efforts aimed at strengthening operations while preparing for future passenger growth and changing travel patterns.
As Chief Executive Officer, Andersen will be responsible for guiding Aruba Airport Authority through its next phase, with a stated focus on safe, reliable, and high-performing operations. His mandate also includes advancing the airport’s long-term strategic priorities, most notably the continued implementation of the Gateway 2030 transformation program.
Gateway 2030 represents the airport’s multi-year framework for infrastructure, operational, and service improvements, designed to position Queen Beatrix International Airport for the demands of the coming decade. The program touches everything from passenger processing and terminal experience to sustainability initiatives and operational efficiency.
“I am honored to join Aruba Airport Authority and to work with such a committed and professional team,” Andersen said. “My priority in the first weeks is to listen, learn, and gain a deep understanding of the organization and its people. Aruba’s airport is critically important to the island, and there are no quick fixes.”
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-01-26 02:01:00