 Since St. Maarten and Curacao share a common Civil Aviation department, and since DAE held a valid Air Operator's Certificate issued by Civil Aviation, St. Maarten could not legally prevent Dutch Antilles Express aircraft from landing; however, it could hold that aircraft on the ground as collateral against the arrears.The airport and the airline agreed to enter negotiations and the airport allowed DAE aircraft to depart for several days as "relief" flights.By August 6, 2013, DAE had stopped operating to St. Maarten and the airline was unable to come to an agreement with the airport.