Dutch Cabinet studies air and ferry links for Statia and Saba

The Dutch Cabinet said on Monday 5 October that it will work with the governments of St. Eustatius and Saba on options to improve air and sea links, including a possible Public Service Obligation for air routes. A study will examine service frequency, ticket prices, operations and funding for air and ferry services.

The Cabinet identified St. Maarten as the transport hub connecting the islands to the region and international destinations. It said Dutch officials will consult St. Maarten authorities where needed as the plans are developed.

According to the Cabinet, a roundtrip flight between St. Maarten and either St. Eustatius or Saba costs about US$300. A roundtrip ferry trip costs about US$140. The ferry service carried about 35,000 passengers a year from 2022 through 2025 and is receiving €1.5 million a year in funding in 2026 and 2027.

The Cabinet said neither air nor sea travel is a replacement for the other because weather can disrupt one mode while allowing the other to operate. It said long-term funding for air and ferry links has not been secured beyond 2027 and will be considered when coalition-agreement funds are allocated for 2028 and later years.