Curaçao Brings Island Color to Chicago as First-Ever Nonstop Flight Takes Off, Marking a Major Milestone for Midwest-Caribbean Travel
On a crisp and frosty December evening, as winter gripped Chicago in its familiar chill, the Curaçao Tourist Board transformed a corner of the city into a vivid, tropical escape. The celebration marked a historic moment: the launch of the first-ever nonstop air service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to the island of Curaçao. Operated by American Airlines and officially taking flight on the morning of December 6, the new route represents a breakthrough opportunity to connect Midwestern travelers with one of the Caribbean’s most culturally rich and naturally stunning destinations.
For decades, U.S. travelers—especially those in the Midwest—have typically accessed Curaçao through connecting flights in Miami, Charlotte, or other major hubs. Now, with the introduction of a direct, five-hour weekly flight, Chicago residents and neighboring states gain unprecedented, hassle-free access to Curaçao’s turquoise waters, dynamic culture, and warm island hospitality. To celebrate, Curaçao brought a piece of the island’s heart straight to Chicago.
A Night in Chicago Transformed Into Curaçao’s Colorful World
To commemorate this aviation milestone, the Curaçao Tourist Board hosted an immersive launch event titled “Takeoff to Curaçao” at Moonlight Studios in Chicago’s Fulton District. The venue was fully reimagined to evoke the spirit, aesthetics, and rhythms that define the island, offering attendees a rare opportunity to step into a Caribbean paradise without leaving the city.
The moment guests entered the space, they were greeted by an extraordinary 20-foot recreation of Handelskade, Curaçao’s most iconic waterfront strip. The installation featured the district’s signature row of pastel-colored Dutch colonial buildings—an architectural hallmark that instantly transports visitors into the island’s historic capital, Willemstad.
Above, strings of café lights and brightly colored flags recreated the inviting, festive ambiance of the Pietermaai Historic District, a lively area known for its boutique hotels, vibrant nightlife, and cultural charm. The combination of visual authenticity and atmospheric design turned Moonlight Studios into an oasis of warmth amid Chicago’s winter backdrop.
At the center of the experience stood a bespoke, circular wooden bar serving as both centerpiece and social hub. Here, mixologists crafted a menu of signature cocktails using locally beloved spirits such as AnnaBay Club Rum and the world-famous Genuine Curaçao Liqueur by Senior & Co. Drinks like the Tumba Tamarind, Curaçao Cooler, and Dushi Daiquri added tropical flavor to the night, each inspired by Curaçao’s culinary traditions and rhythmic musical heritage.
To heighten the immersive effect, the walls came alive with floor-to-ceiling digital projections showcasing Curaçao’s most breathtaking scenery. Videos and imagery highlighted the island’s diversity—from tranquil beaches and rugged coastlines to its unique blend of Dutch, African, and Caribbean influences. Cultural celebrations such as Carnival, the Seu Harvest Festival, and the renowned Curaçao North Sea Jazz Festival flashed across the screens, transporting guests into the heart of the island’s festive energy.
Art, Music, and Culture: A Celebration of Curaçaoan Creativity
A standout moment of the evening came from Curaçao-based artist BAGIRA, who painted live during the event. Guests watched as she created a vibrant piece celebrating the strength, beauty, and cultural pride of Curaçaoan women. Her finished artwork, Fearless, served as a powerful tribute to both Curaçao’s artistic community and the island’s enduring sense of identity.
Adding to the creative ambiance was the music curated by DJ Alain Voigt, flown in from Curaçao exclusively for the event. His eclectic mix—featuring salsa, reggaeton, pop, and Caribbean rhythms—kept the energy high throughout the evening. The music provided more than entertainment; it offered an authentic soundtrack to the Curaçaoan experience, grounding attendees in the culture that awaits travelers on the island.
Before the main festivities, the Curaçao Tourist Board also hosted a dedicated travel trade showcase for Chicago-area travel agents. Key representatives from Curaçao’s top hotels and resorts provided presentations, answered questions, and strengthened relationships with the region’s travel industry professionals. For many agents in attendance, the new nonstop route represents an opportunity to promote Curaçao more confidently as a convenient, accessible Caribbean destination for Midwestern travelers.
Tourism Leaders and Chicago Partners Join in Celebrating the Historic New Route
Nearly 200 guests attended the launch event, including journalists, travel agents, airline partners, social media influencers, and leaders from both Curaçao and Chicago. The gathering demonstrated the shared enthusiasm on both sides of the route for expanding tourism and building stronger ties between the two destinations.
Notable attendees included:
- Zulaika Mook MSC, Interim Secretary General and Director of Economic Development and Innovation at Curaçao’s Ministry of Economic Development
- Muryad de Bruin, Managing Director of the Curaçao Tourist Board
- Mimi Luttge, Chairman of the Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA)
- Eric Strating, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chicago
Also in attendance were executives from leading Chicago organizations, including the Illinois Restaurant Association, which organizes Chicago Gourmet—one of the city’s most celebrated food festivals.
Members of the media also joined the festivities, with editors from Chicago Magazine, and national travel publications such as The Points Guy gaining firsthand exposure to what Curaçao offers. Influencers including Chef Mike Hard, Cori Hanna, Sherrie Tan, Olga Goffman, and Jeremy Joyce shared the evening’s highlights with their online audiences, extending the island’s reach even further into the Chicago market.
Curaçao Extends a Warm Invitation to the Midwest
In his remarks, Muryad de Bruin expressed both pride and excitement surrounding the new route:
It was such a joy to bring a taste of our island’s spirit and energy to the Windy City for this launch event, and to share the excitement of Curaçao with our friends, partners, and travelers. From the music to the flavors and the lively atmosphere of our island, we loved giving everyone a true Curaçao experience. Consider this our official warm welcome—and an open-arms invitation—to all Chicagoans and Midwesterners to visit us this winter season.
De Bruin emphasized that the nonstop flight not only represents a new travel convenience but also reflects Curaçao’s commitment to expanding its presence in the U.S. market—particularly in regions with high tourism potential.
A New Gateway From Chicago to the Caribbean
The weekly nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Curaçao International Airport (CUR) is scheduled to operate every Saturday through April 2026, aligning perfectly with the peak travel period for beach vacations and winter escapes.
For Midwesterners, the new route offers:
- A direct, five-hour flight to 80-degree sunshine
- A seamless connection to one of the Caribbean’s most diverse islands
- Easier access to top experiences—from snorkeling and diving to nightlife, art, cuisine, and history
As a culturally vibrant and visually stunning island located outside the typical hurricane belt, Curaçao has become an increasingly attractive destination for U.S. travelers. Now, with this new direct flight, the island stands to welcome more visitors than ever from Chicago and the surrounding Midwest states.
With its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, inviting hospitality, and now its first-ever nonstop connection to Chicago, Curaçao is poised to become a top winter getaway for Midwestern travelers. The launch event provided Chicagoans a preview of everything the island has to offer—and sent a clear message: Curaçao is ready to welcome them with open arms, bright colors, and unforgettable experiences.
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