WILLEMSTAD – The Parliament of Curaçao has unanimously adopted a motion demanding greater transparency and stricter coordination regarding foreign military aircraft operating in or near Curaçao’s airspace.
The motion, approved during the public parliamentary session of December 15, stresses that the safety of civil aviation over Curaçao is a vital public interest, not only for the protection of citizens and infrastructure but also for maintaining international air connections that are crucial to tourism and economic stability.
Parliament expressed concern over the presence of aircraft that may partially or fully withdraw from civilian monitoring systems, including by switching off transponders. Such so-called “dark aircraft” pose risks to air traffic safety, public order, border control, and national security.
Lawmakers emphasized that civilian air traffic control is primarily designed to manage regular, identifiable air traffic and has limited capacity to detect or track non-cooperative aircraft without additional support.
The motion calls on the government to immediately inform Parliament of any incidents involving foreign military aircraft in Curaçao’s airspace or Flight Information Region (FIR), underscoring the legislature’s demand for oversight and accountability.