Roberta Aguirre
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is located in the Dominican Republic and is the main gateway to the tropical paradise of Punta Cana. The airport first began operations in December 1983, with a 5,000-foot runway and a small terminal. Over the years, the airport has undergone numerous expansions, and now boasts two terminals, two runways, and a variety of amenities and services for passengers. With a high volume of annual tourists, Punta Cana International Airport is a bustling hub for travel to and from the region.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Punta Cana International Airport |
| Airport Code | PUJ |
| Location | Carr. Aeropuerto, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic |
| Runways | 2 |
| Runway Length | 10,171 ft |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Terminal Area | 25,000m2 and 26,300m2 |
| Capacity | 2,000 passengers every 90 minutes |
| Opening Year | 1983/1984 |
| Services | Food Court, Lost & Found, Transportation, VIP Services, Mother's Room, Advertising Spaces, WiFi |
| Notable Incidents | Skyservice 767-300 hard landing on 22 May 2005 |
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$19.9
What You'll Learn
History of Punta Cana International Airport
The history of aviation in the Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic began in 1971 when Grupo Puntacana built the first hotel in the area, the "Punta Cana Club", along with a small airstrip. At the time, there were no terminals or runways, just a flat piece of land. The area was very secluded, and there were no roads or harbors, so the only way to get to Punta Cana was by air.
In the late 1970s, a road was built to connect the area with the capital of La Altagracia Province, Higüey. This opened up the region to tourists from various countries, who had to pass through Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo before taking a short flight to Punta Cana. However, the airstrip had a very short runway and no terminal, which meant passengers had to be directed to the road to be picked up and taken to their hotels, an inconvenient process.
After eight years of persuading the government and two years of construction, the Punta Cana International Airport (designed by architect Oscar Imbert) finally began operations in December 1983. The airport had a 5,000-foot runway that could accommodate larger propeller planes and a 3,200 square foot terminal that could handle 150 passengers every hour and a half. The small control tower also began operations at this time. The airport's first international flight arrived in January 1984 from San Juan, Puerto Rico, operated by the Puerto Rican airline Prinair.
The airport underwent its first expansion in 1986 to accommodate the growing number of passengers and aircraft. The runway was extended to 7,500 feet, allowing jet aircraft to land, and the tarmac and terminal were also expanded. New radar systems were added to the control tower, and the check-in area was renovated. These improvements allowed many more aircraft to land at the airport, and in 1987, the first route between Punta Cana and the United States was established, with Miami International Airport.
In the 1990s, the runway was further extended to 10,171 feet, enabling long-haul jets to fly to Punta Cana. This attracted new airlines from Europe and the Caribbean, including Monarch Airlines, Air Belgium, Condor, and LTU International. The addition of new hotels, malls, and infrastructure in Punta Cana during this time also contributed to the airport's growth. By 2002, the airport was once again crowded, leading to the construction of a new parking lot and the expansion of the terminal and tarmac in 2003. Terminal 2 opened in 2004, and in 2005, a new second runway was approved, which allowed for more long-haul flights from countries like France, England, and Brazil.
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Services and amenities at PUJ Airport
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean. It offers a range of services and amenities to cater to the needs of its travellers.
Parking Services
The airport has parking services for travellers. To use the parking facility, travellers need to occupy a space that corresponds to the size of their vehicle within the long-term parking area. Upon their return, they can pay with the ticket at the nearest toll booth. The pay stations in Terminal A are located in the arrivals area, next to the cashiers, while in Terminal B, they are inside the parking lot, at the entrance.
Transportation
The airport offers a range of transportation options, including rental car services such as Avis, Hertz, Dollar, Budget, and Europcar, as well as taxis and shuttle services. Travellers can also book private or shared transportation to and from their hotels.
Dining and Shopping
PUJ Airport has a variety of restaurants and bars, including familiar brands such as Wendy's, Cinnabon, and Segafredo, as well as a Skybar. There are also duty-free stores and shopping areas in both terminals.
VIP Services
VIP whisking services are available at the airport, offering escort through the airline check-in counter, fast-track security, and access to the VIP Lounge.
Other Amenities
Punta Cana International Airport provides special spaces for nursing mothers, called "Sala de Lactancia", located in Terminal A. It includes comfortable seating, a changing table, and electrical outlets. The airport also offers complimentary shuttle services for guests at the Four Points by Sheraton at Puntacana Village. Additionally, it provides dedicated queues and access ramps for wheelchair users and priority check-in for passengers with disabilities, the elderly, and those travelling with babies.
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Tips for getting through PUJ Airport
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the main gateway to the tropical paradise of Punta Cana. It's the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic and the second busiest in the Caribbean. Here are some tips to help you get through PUJ Airport quickly and efficiently:
Before you arrive at PUJ Airport:
- Book your airport transfer in advance. You can book online and choose the type of transfer vehicle you need.
- If you want to save time at the airport, consider purchasing a VIP service. This will allow you to skip the long lines at customs and save you at least an hour, but it needs to be requested at least two days in advance.
- Select a seat that's as far forward on the plane as possible when booking your flight. This way, you're more likely to reach passport control ahead of other passengers.
- Fill in your e-ticket prior to arrival. All passengers, regardless of visa status, need to fill out this form, and having it ready will speed up the process.
- Make sure you have all your essential documents, including your passport, boarding pass, travel itinerary, and other necessary documents.
When you arrive at PUJ Airport:
- Follow the signage boards at the airport towards immigration and customs.
- Make use of Global Entry or TSA Precheck if you're eligible for quicker clearance.
- If you're travelling with large, bulky bags, consider claiming them first to easily navigate through the crowds.
- If you have a layover, you can dine and shop at the airport. Food options include Wendy's, Cinnabon, Segafredo's, and Skybar.
- If you need to, you can find a comfortable space for breastfeeding in Terminal A, called "Sala de Lactancia".
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Expansion plans for PUJ Airport
Punta Cana Airport, also known as PUJ Airport, is a privately owned commercial airport in Punta Cana, on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is the largest airport in the Caribbean region, serving 64 cities and 26 countries globally, and mobilising eight million passengers a year.
PUJ Airport has undergone several expansion projects over the years to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and new airlines. Here are the details of the recent and upcoming expansion plans:
Terminal B Expansion (2022-2023)
Grupo Puntacana, the owner and developer of the airport, expanded Terminal B in 2022. The expanded terminal began operations in July 2023, with an investment of more than $90 million. The expansion added seven additional gates and three remote gates, bringing the total to 14 gates with boarding bridges and three remote gates. Terminal B now spans approximately 35,000 square metres, with seven boarding gates and seven air bridges. The expansion allows the airport to handle 5,000 passengers per hour and four million passengers per year.
Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ)
In February 2022, Grupo Puntacana began constructing a new air cargo logistics hub named Punta Cana Free Trade Zone (PCFTZ). This facility is a collaboration between DP World, a UAE-based logistics company, and the Punta Cana Free Trade Zone, a Grupo Puntacana company. The project has an investment of approximately $200 million. The PCFTZ facility will accommodate both cargo logistics operations and office spaces for the establishment of the Punta Cana Hub, fostering innovation and growth for Fintech companies. Operations are expected to begin in late 2023.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance Station
Plans for a U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance station at PUJ Airport have been in the works since 2009. As of 2020, the preclearance station is still planned but awaits authorisation from the Dominican Government to commence construction. If approved, it would be the first airport in Latin America to offer such a service.
Second Runway (2011)
In 2011, a new second runway was opened, accommodating more long-haul flights from countries like France, England, and Brazil with large aircraft such as the Boeing 747-400. This expansion addressed the increasing demand for more jet aircraft and new routes.
Terminal 2 (2004)
In 2004, Terminal 2 was opened, marking the second terminal at the airport. This expansion allowed the airport to cater to new airlines and destinations as some old charter carriers ceased operations.
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Reviews of PUJ Airport
Some travellers have praised the airport's improvements over the years, including more food options, space, and AC. Customs and security processes have also been described as smooth and fast, with travellers appreciating the variety of food options and modern facilities. One traveller noted that they were able to get through customs and transportation within 45 minutes of landing, and another mentioned that the airport looked very nice and recently remodelled.
However, other travellers have criticised the airport for its disorganisation, especially when travelling in large groups. The lack of clear signage for ground transportation has also been mentioned as a downside, and the open-air check-in counters without air conditioning have been described as uncomfortable in the tropical climate. The PA system has also been criticised for not providing timely updates on boarding, leading to a rushed experience.
Overall, while some travellers have had positive experiences at PUJ Airport, others have been disappointed by the disorganisation and lack of comfort in certain areas. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to account for potential delays and multiple security checks.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is open and operational. It began operations in December 1983 or January 1984 with a 5,000-foot runway and a small terminal.
The airport offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, bars, a food court, lost and found services, transportation, and VIP services. It also has designated areas for families with children, disabled travellers, and priority passengers.
Punta Cana International Airport is the busiest and most important airport in the Dominican Republic. It currently receives 64% of the country's tourism traffic and continues to expand. During its high season, the airport may have up to 300 weekly flights, including 80 international arrivals.
