Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA), the manager and operator of Queen Beatrix International Airport, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. James Fazio as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective August 1, 2025.
This leadership transition follows the successful conclusion of the Interim Management Team’s (IMT) period and mandate, which led the organization over the past 12 months through a strategic realignment, continued operations as well as the phased transition of all US-bound airlines in the new check-in hall and taking into use the new fully automated baggage handling system, increase in passenger volumes and operational challenges. The decision to appoint an interim CEO ensures continued focus on operational excellence, sustainability, and strategic priorities, as final steps are taken toward formalizing a new Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) between the Government of Aruba, AAA and Royal Schiphol Group (RSG). Within this role Mr. Fazio ensures we capitalize on his expertise to sustain operational excellence while his leadership bridges this critical period and lays the groundwork for the permanent CEO to seamlessly assume responsibility under the upcoming agreement.
Mr. Fazio, a seasoned airport executive with extensive leadership experience, previously served as CEO of Aruba Airport Authority N.V. from 2013 to 2019. His recent visit to the island in June 2025 reaffirmed his familiarity with Aruba Airport’s operations and strategic vision, making him well-positioned to guide the organization during this transitional phase.
“We are confident that James Fazio’s deep understanding of Aruba Airport and his proven leadership will provide strong continuity as we move through this important new transition,” said Marion Kan, Chairperson of the Board of Supervisory Directors (BOSD) of AAA. “His return reinforces our ongoing commitment to stability, safety, and long-term progress, even as we address occasional challenges that are expected with new equipment and processes in a capacity-constrained airport.”
Mr. Fazio’s interim appointment is part of the agreement with Royal Schiphol Group, AAA’s long-standing strategic partner, which provides the CEO function under the terms of the SCA. His role will focus on maintaining stability in daily operations, supporting regulatory compliance ahead of the DCAA audit, and ensuring smooth implementation of key initiatives such as maintenance planning and execution, as well the construction of Phase 1B and the acceleration of the next Phases 2 & 3 of the Gateway 2030 Terminal Expansion project.
The BOSD, shareholders of AAA, and RSG would like to thank the Interim Management Team — Aisha Anthony, Jurgen Benschop, and Barbara Brown — for their leadership, commitment and relentless dedication during the past year. Despite facing several challenges, their steady guidance ensured business continuity, progress, and resilience during a critical transition period for AAA.
About AUA Airport
About AUA Airport AUA Airport is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean region, with more than 25 different airlines operating into Aruba contributing to processing more than 3.2 million passengers per year and providing air service to 31 cities and 45 non-stop destinations worldwide. AUA Airport’s markets served comprise of 77% from the United States & Canada, 15% from Latin America, 4% from Europe, and 4% from Dutch Caribbean. AUA Airport attributes this to the island’s stable economic and political climate, hospitable and multilingual population, and safe environment. AUA Airport’s aspiration is to become one of the most Sustainable, Safe, and Future Proof airports of the Latin America & Caribbean region, providing a trusted workplace, modern airport facilities and excellent customer service which reflects Aruban hospitality, contributing to a prosperous future for Aruba.
Learn more about what’s happening at AUA Airport by visiting www.airportaruba.com and connect with AUA Airport on Twitter.com/Aruba_Airport, Facebook.com/ArubaAirport, Instagram.com/arubaairport/, TikTok.com/@arubaairport and Linkedin.com/ArubaAirport.
