ORANJESTAD, ARUBA, Dec. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New Yorkers will find it easier to escape the city's trying times and retreat to their happy place in Aruba, One Happy Island. Effective Dec. 15, John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport and Delta Air Lines will extend its non-stop flight, Saturday seasonal service to Aruba to a daily, year-round, non-stop flight service. Delta Air Lines will operate its daily service to one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean on the Boeing 737, departing from JFK at 8:10 a.m. and landing in Aruba five hours* later at 2:12 p.m. Return flights will take off at 3:15 p.m., landing at JFK by 7:30 p.m.

"More than 150,000 New Yorkers visited our One Happy Island last year," said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA). "As New York continues to be our No. 1 U.S. market, we're thrilled with the increase in non-stop flight options and are excited to offer both repeat and new visitors more opportunities to experience Aruba."

Delta Air Lines also operates non-stop flights to Aruba from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on select Saturdays, and offers connecting services to Aruba from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) via its hub in Atlanta.

With more than half of its visitors returning year after year, Aruba is celebrated for its diverse land and sea activities and attractions, from the pristine sandy beaches of the southern coast to the rugged and desert-like terrain of the North Shore; 50+ annual events from the famous Carnival to growing favorites like the, Aruba International Film Festival, Aruba In Style, Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, International Beach Tennis Championships and Soul Beach Music Festival; authentic, flavor-rich cuisine ranging from local delights like Keshi Yena to international delicacies; and warmth in everything from the weather to Aruban hospitality.

Additional non-stop flight markets for Aruba include Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, Orlando, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. 

* Aruba is on Atlantic Standard Time (AST) year-round. This is one hour later than Eastern Standard Time (EST) during Daylight Savings Time.

About Aruba
As one of the most revisited destinations in the Caribbean, Aruba -- One Happy Island -- is an island of contradictions, where pristine turquoise waters collide against the desert-like terrain of the north shore; where peace and relaxation coexist with wild and rugged adventures; where Dutch influence meets American ease; and where a diverse history parallels a bright future. Nestled in the Southern Caribbean on the fringes of the hurricane belt, the island is just a two-and-a-half hour flight from Miami and a four-hour flight from New York City and also boasts year-round cooling trade winds and an average 82 degree temperature. Aruba offers beach lovers, adrenaline junkies, relaxation seekers and everyone in between a slice of paradise, including breathtaking beaches, a booming culinary scene, world famous festivals and events, exciting land and water activities, art galleries and museums, sumptuous spas, championships golf and exclusive shopping. With all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels in charming Eagle Beach, high-rise branded hotels in Palm Beach or a cosmopolitan city hotel in Oranjestad, the island of contradictions provides the perfect getaway for first-time guests and loyal visitors. www.aruba.com.

SOURCE Aruba Tourism Authority