Santo Domingo — The United States and the Dominican Republic have signed the historic Open Skies aviation agreement during a protocol ceremony at the National Palace, attended by President Luis Abinader and U.S. Undersecretary José W. Fernández.
Key Benefits and Statements
According to Fernández, the agreement is set to boost growth and competition, offering clear advantages for consumers.
“We are pleased to have the Dominican Republic join this community of partners dedicated to sustaining an open and modern air services market,” stated the U.S. official.
Jose W. Fernandez noted that this agreement would enhance tourism, travel, and commercial relations between the two countries. “It will also benefit our citizens by increasing the number of available flights and lowering costs,” he said.
“This is a significant moment for both our nations, as aviation connects people. We share a long and prosperous history. Our countries are closely connected: 2.4 million people of Dominican descent live in the United States, and 300,000 U.S. citizens reside in the Dominican Republic. These connections make this agreement particularly beneficial for both American and Dominican citizens,” added the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment.
Additional Benefits
Under the Open Skies agreement, Dominican airlines will have greater freedom in choosing destinations within the United States. This means Dominican travelers will have access to new flight options, lower fares, and improved service as more airlines enter the market.
Moreover, travelers from the Dominican Republic will be able to fly nonstop to a wider range of U.S. destinations beyond the usual New York and Florida routes, including less common cities that host significant Dominican communities.
Similarly, U.S. travelers will benefit from more direct flights to the Dominican Republic, reducing the need for long layovers at other airports. This will allow them to spend more time with loved ones, enjoy the beauty of the Dominican Republic, and contribute to the growth of tourism in the country.
Source: dominicantoday.com
