Airlines are significantly expanding Dominican Republic flights to the United States, Canada, and Europe for the upcoming winter tourism season. According to airport operator Aerodom, carriers have scheduled nearly 1.9 million departing seats, representing a 4.9% increase compared to last year.

Regional growth and destinations

The expansion includes more than 88,000 additional seats distributed across 10,500 departing flights. These connections will link travelers to 57 international destinations between late October and 2027.

Key airport developments include:

  • Las Américas International Airport will handle over 1.5 million departing seats.
  • Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport in Samaná expects a 29% capacity increase.
  • Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata is projected to grow by 8.8%.

How are airlines expanding service?

U.S. carriers are leading much of the growth. United Airlines is introducing a new route from Houston to Santo Domingo, while JetBlue is increasing seat capacity between Fort Lauderdale and the Dominican capital by 128%. American Airlines will expand its Philadelphia-to-Santo Domingo service from 24 to 153 flights during the winter. Additionally, Avelo Airlines has launched a new year-round, twice-weekly nonstop service from Bradley International Airport in Connecticut to Punta Cana.

Canadian travel is also seeing a major boost. Scheduled seats for Canada are up 33% from the previous winter, totaling more than 230,000 seats. Air Canada will also introduce seasonal flights connecting Montreal and Santo Domingo.

Strengthening tourism and business

Aerodom CEO Cyril Girot stated that the growth reflects "airlines' confidence in the Dominican Republic as a tourism and business destination." This surge in travel comes as Aerodom continues a $391.3 million modernization program at Las Américas International Airport, which includes a new passenger terminal.

FAQ

Which airlines are adding new routes?

United Airlines is starting a Houston-to-Santo Domingo route, and Air Canada is introducing seasonal flights from Montreal. Avelo Airlines has also started a new service from Connecticut to Punta Cana.

Is the seat capacity increasing?

Yes, Aerodom announced that the scheduled departing seats will increase by 4.9% to nearly 1.9 million seats for the winter season.