Ergilio Hato International Airport: Location and Historical Context

Introduction

Have you ever wondered about the location and naming origins of Ergilio Hato International Airport, also known as Curacao International Airport, or simply Hato Airport? This article explores the location, historical context, and interesting details about this airport and the person it is named after.

Location and Naming

Ergilio Hato International Airport, affectionately known as Hato Airport, is located on the northeastern coast of Curacao, an island in the southern Caribbean. While its formal name is Curacao International Airport, it has been unofficially called Hato Airport since the 1950s. This name does not refer to the legendary soccer player Ergilio Hato, but rather to the former plantation called Hato on which the airport is situated.

As a private pilot and a local native of Curacao, I have flown out of this airport many times. Pilots and air traffic controllers use the call sign "Hato Tower," reinforcing the longstanding association with the Hato plantation.

Curacao and Its Airports

Curacao, a Dutch Caribbean island, has a rich history and diverse geography. Curacao International Airport, the primary gateway to the island, is strategically positioned to serve the growing tourism industry and business opportunities on the island. The airport’s location is crucial for international travelers and cargo movement.

About Ergilio Hato

Ergilio Hato, affectionately known as “El Rey de la Meta” (The King of the Goal) in the Netherlands Antilles, was a remarkable soccer goalkeeper. Although he never played professionally at the highest level, his skill and dedication to the sport were renowned. The Ergilio Hato Stadium in Curacao is named in his honor, commemorating his contributions to the local soccer community.

The Naming Controversy

There has been some confusion regarding the airport’s name. Some sources, such as the Curacao International Airport page on Wikipedia, only mention the Hato name in the context of the plantation. However, the Ergilio Hato page does mention that the airport is named after him. This discrepancy highlights the importance of verifying information from reliable sources.

Official Naming and Controversy

The controversy arises from a possible misunderstanding of the airport’s naming. Some sources mistakenly refer to the airport as “Ergilio Hato International Airport,” implying that the legendary goalkeeper is the namesake. However, as a local native and private pilot, I have never encountered this name. It is possible that someone might have mistakenly ascribed the name, or perhaps it was recognized posthumously, but it remains an interesting point of discussion.

Note: Before answering this question, I reviewed several Wikipedia pages. It is essential to consult multiple reliable sources to avoid spreading misinformation.

Conclusion

Ergilio Hato International Airport, known informally as Hato Airport, is located on the northeastern coast of Curacao, named after the former Hato plantation rather than the legendary soccer player Ergilio Hato. While the airport is celebrated as a key transportation hub, the stadium in Curacao bears the name of Ergilio Hato, honoring his contributions to the sport.

Understanding the true origin of both the airport and the stadium’s names helps appreciate the rich cultural and historical context of Curacao.