- The Dominican Republic is preparing for a stronger winter travel season, with AERODOM projecting nearly 1.9 million airline seats across Las Américas, Puerto Plata, and Samaná international airports between October 2026 and March 2027. This represents an additional 88,000 seats and 4.9% growth over the previous winter, with travelers benefiting from direct access to 57 international destinations.
- Canada is emerging as the leading growth market, with scheduled capacity surpassing 230,000 seats, up 33% from the previous season. The expanded winter network also brings six new destinations from Santo Domingo and three from Puerto Plata, along with greater flight capacity on important routes linking the Dominican Republic to North America, Europe, and Latin America.
Airlines are also significantly expanding capacity on several established routes serving Santo Domingo. JetBlue is set to more than double its available seats between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and the Dominican capital, with a 128% increase, while American Airlines will expand its Philadelphia (PHL) service from 24 to 153 flights during the winter season. Connections with Latin America and Europe are also gaining momentum: Avianca will increase capacity to Bogotá (BOG) by 41%, Iberia will add more than 100 flights to Madrid (MAD), representing 19% growth, and Copa Airlines will expand its Panama City (PTY) capacity by 15%. Meanwhile, Arajet plans to increase its available seats to Boston (BOS) by 67%.
On the Dominican Republic’s North Coast, Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata is preparing for an 8.8% increase in scheduled capacity, largely supported by a 28% expansion in the Canadian market. New services will include Flair Airlines flights from Toronto (YYZ) and Montreal (YUL), alongside WestJet connections from Winnipeg (YWG) and Air Transat service from London, Ontario (YXU). Regional connectivity is also expanding, with new direct flights to Bogotá, Colombia, including service operated by Wingo. At the same time, Copa Airlines is expected to nearly triple its seat capacity to Panama, strengthening Puerto Plata’s access to international connections throughout the Americas.
Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport (AZS) in Samaná is projected to lead AERODOM’s network in percentage growth, with a 29% increase in scheduled airline seats. Canadian travel demand remains particularly important for the destination, with capacity from Canada expected to grow by nearly 40%, supported by expanded Montreal services from WestJet and Air Canada.
Across the broader airport network, Canada stands out as one of the strongest drivers of winter travel growth. Airlines have scheduled more than 230,000 seats serving the Canadian market, representing a 33% increase and approximately 58,000 additional seats compared with the previous winter season. This expansion further strengthens the Dominican Republic’s accessibility from one of its most important international tourism markets.
“The growth in capacity for this winter season reflects airlines’ confidence in the Dominican Republic as a tourism and business destination. The introduction of new connections and increased capacity in strategic markets expands opportunities for tourism, trade, and the communities where we operate. At AERODOM and VINCI Airports, we will continue working alongside our airline partners to support the development of the country’s air connectivity,” said Cyril Girot, General Manager of AERODOM.
Beyond the expanded flight network, AERODOM is advancing a major infrastructure investment program at Las Américas International Airport. The initiative includes the construction of a new passenger terminal backed by an RD$24 billion investment, rehabilitation of the airport’s main runway, and the introduction of an automated baggage handling system (BHS). Together, these improvements are designed to increase operational capacity while strengthening safety, efficiency, and service quality at the country’s principal airport.
Note: All figures reflect airline-published capacity for the 2026–2027 winter season and remain subject to change.
About AERODOM – VINCI Airports
AERODOM is a Dominican airport management company holding the concession to operate six state-owned airports through 2060. The company is part of VINCI Airports, one of the world’s leading private airport operators, overseeing the development and operation of more than 70 airports across 14 countries.
Through its global expertise in airport development, financing, construction, and operations, VINCI Airports works to modernize infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and support more sustainable aviation practices. In 2016, the company became the first airport operator to adopt an international environmental strategy, establishing a goal of achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions across its network by 2050, while supporting local climate transition efforts in the regions where it operates.
For more information, visit www.vinci-airports.com or follow @VINCIAirports.
Source: www.prensa.aerodom.com
