Bonaire Opens

The first direct flights from the US in 15 months landed in Bonaire this week.  American and Delta arrived with full flights bringing 600 people on the island. They will have regular flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They returned to the US with less than 20 people on the flight.

The island came out to greet the first flights.  People lined up around the airport and cheered when the flights landed.  The island has been decimated by the economics of Covid and the lack of American tourists.  Most are excited about the Americans returning. 

We have mixed emotions about the island opening.  We have loved the quiet island with no crowds and easy access to restaurants, shopping and beaches.  We know the island needs the tourists to survive but we lose privacy and tranquility.  The wildlife and sea life are also affected by the number of tourists.  So it's a trade off.

It looks like even the flamingos are exhausted at the prospect of returning tourists.