BTN News: The Dominican Republic is set to significantly enhance its air connectivity with the rest of the world, thanks to a series of new flight routes and increased direct connections. This strategic expansion, as announced by the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board (JAC), is a key move aimed at positioning the country as a major hub for tourism and air transport in the Greater Caribbean region.
During an extraordinary meeting, Héctor Porcella Dumas, the newly appointed president of the Civil Aviation Board, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to expanding its air routes and solidifying the Dominican Republic’s status as a leading destination for international tourists. Porcella Dumas, who was appointed by President Luis Abinader through decree 390-24, is no stranger to the aviation sector, having previously served as the Director General of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC). His extensive experience in the field is expected to drive the country’s ambitious plans for air travel and tourism growth.
One of the key highlights of the recent meeting was the approval of a special permit for Air Caraibes to operate a new route connecting Paris-Orly with Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. This route, scheduled to run from August 29, 2024, to October 17, 2024, is expected to enhance the flow of passengers between France and the Dominican Republic, further boosting the country’s tourism sector. Air Caraibes has already made a significant impact on the Dominican aviation market, having transported 241,224 passengers in 1,065 flights between January 2023 and July 2024. The introduction of this new route is seen as a strategic move to increase the accessibility of the Dominican Republic to European travelers, particularly from France.
In addition to the Air Caraibes route, the JAC also approved a special permit for Air Transat, a Canadian airline, to operate several routes between Canada and the Dominican Republic from November 1, 2024, to April 30, 2025. These routes include direct flights from Toronto to Samaná, Quebec to Samaná, Toronto to La Romana, Ottawa to Puerto Plata, Ottawa to Punta Cana, Moncton to Punta Cana, and London, Ontario to Punta Cana. This expansion of air services is expected to make travel between Canada and the Dominican Republic more convenient, offering direct flights without the need for layovers in other airports. Air Transat has already demonstrated its commitment to the Dominican market, having transported 1,455,713 passengers in 7,060 flights between January 2023 and July 2024.
The increase in direct flights between the Dominican Republic and key international markets such as France and Canada is part of a broader strategy to enhance the country’s appeal as a tourist destination. Tourism is a vital component of the Dominican economy, contributing approximately 16% to the country’s GDP. By expanding air connectivity, the Dominican Republic aims to attract even more visitors, thereby boosting economic growth and further establishing itself as a premier destination in the Caribbean.
Héctor Porcella Dumas emphasized the importance of these new routes in achieving the country’s tourism goals. He highlighted that the ability for Dominicans to travel directly to cities such as Toronto, Quebec, Ottawa, Moncton, and London without the need for long layovers or connections is a significant advantage. This increased convenience is expected to encourage more travel between the Dominican Republic and Canada, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
As the Dominican Republic continues to expand its air connectivity, it is poised to become an even more attractive destination for international travelers. The strategic focus on increasing direct flights and opening new routes is expected to pay off in the form of increased tourist arrivals, economic growth, and a stronger position in the global tourism market. With leaders like Héctor Porcella Dumas at the helm, the future of Dominican aviation looks brighter than ever, promising new opportunities for both the tourism industry and the broader economy.
