It operated high-frequency scheduled services in the Dutch Caribbean to United States, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Haiti, and Suriname.

[4] The airline started operations with three ATR 42s in 2003 as BonairExel (part of the ExelAviation Group) and soon expanded to encompass most of the Dutch Antilles and Aruba.

[5] ExelAviation noticed that the Caribbean airlines were very profitable, and set up its own ArubaExel, causing distress amongst the other franchise carriers.

In March 2013, the National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) suspended the landing rights of DAE to Maracaibo based on failure to provide adequate service and accommodation to passengers.

[8] During this period, DAE had several aircraft that were undergoing required heavy maintenance, resulting in unavailability to perform some scheduled routes.

While it is stated in the documents released by INAC that the suspension was temporary until scheduling issues could be resolved, DAE never restarted operations to Maracaibo.

[9] In May 2013, INAC released an order suspending DAE's operating rights within the whole of Venezuela, claiming safety and security violations.

[15] The employees approached former Curaçao Prime Minister Gerrit Schotte to negotiate the lifting of the suspension by the Venezuela government and allow DAE to once again operate to Venezuelan cities.

[17] In July 2013, management of Dutch Antilles Express approached the Curaçao Airport Holdings group regarding a capital loan of 5m Guilders.

[18] At this point, it also became public that DAE had received permission from the Curaçao government to develop nine new destinations as compensation for the loss of the Venezuelan markets.

[23] By August 16, the airline was experiencing significant cash flow issues and had to cancel and consolidate flights to minimize fuel expenses.

[24] The Curacao Parliament discussed the ramifications of Dutch Antilles Express falling into bankruptcy and the economic impact that such an event would have on Curaçao.

The Curaçao Civil Aviation suspended their air operator's certificate for a period of 60 days until final judgement and disposition of the company can be determined by the court.