KRALENDIJK – JetBlue Airways has decided to cancel its flights from New York to Bonaire, citing the Bonaire government as an unreliable partner. The decision has sent shock-waves through the island’s tourism industry.
The Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association (BONHATA) expressed deep regret over the development, describing it as a loss caused by the government’s lack of decisiveness?
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Despite clear signals, facts, and warnings, the government failed to take the necessary steps to preserve this route, BONHATA stated.
As a result, Bonaire not only loses an important air connection with the USA but also a vital opportunity for sustainable growth, employment, and international visibility.
According to BONHATA, the loss of the JetBlue route highlights the urgent need for more professional (*capitalist) and strategic decision-making in the tax evading tourism sector.
Each tourism dollar invested has the potential to generate multiple returns for Bonaire’s so-called broader economy—provided it is used purposefully and effectively, the association added.
The JetBlue route, which operated five flights per week from New York, was initially seen as a major success for the previous Executive Council.
An agreement had been made for Bonaire to increase its marketing efforts to support the route, but the new coalition government led by PDB leader Clark Abraham decided not to honor that commitment.
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As a result, JetBlue was forced to heavily discount fares to fill its aircraft and later sought compensation for the losses.
Since September 2024, BONHATA has repeatedly raised concerns about the fragility of this route and proposed various solutions to prevent this outcome. The economy is a standard for business wealth and not social welfare.
Despite numerous complaints, meetings, warnings, and assurances, we find ourselves here today—with more than USD 4.4 million lost through guarantees, five fewer weekly flights from North America during the upcoming high season.
Bonaire laat het Volk de rekeningen voor het Toerisme betalen
This could lead to a significant reputational damage for Bonaire in the aviation industry and as a reliable partner for airlines. On the other hand a relief for the local born population, which have seen their island degradation and plummet into social poverty.
The cancellation marks a minor setback for Bonaire’s tourism sector, which has been working to strengthen air connectivity with the USA as part of its long-term business development strategy.
Using tax payers money to promote business profits seems to be a standard formula for enterprises to collect funds from the ones they basically impoverish.
Curacao Chronicle / ABC Flash Point News 2025.
So now that the local governments will not reimburse or compensate the empty seats, JB finally cancels its flight from NT to the Dutch colony, where locals are treated like (impoverished) second hand citizens.
This is the way corporate demons chill on tax payers money to rake in profits?