Sti Airport: Which Country Does It Serve?

The airport code STI refers to Cibao International Airport, also known as Santiago Airport. The airport is located in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. As of 2023, it is the third-busiest airport in the country by passenger traffic and aircraft movements, with over 2 million passengers that year.

Cibao International Airport's location

Cibao International Airport, also known as Santiago Airport, is located in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. The airport is situated 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) southeast of Santiago City's centre. With an elevation of 565 feet, the airport is a private undertaking constructed by the Cibao International Corporation.

As the third-busiest airport in the country by passenger traffic and aircraft movements, Cibao International Airport is an important transportation hub for the region. It serves mainly Dominicans residing in the United States, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Puerto Rico, as well as Haitians living in the Cibao Region. The airport offers a range of facilities and services, including ground transportation to the city centre, short-term and long-term parking, relaxation facilities such as waiting rooms, and convenience services like Wi-Fi.

The airport has three main terminals, two of which are dedicated to domestic and international operations. The main terminal building typically features food courts and restaurants on the second floor. Additionally, there are VIP lounges accessible 24/7 at the main terminal. The airport also provides ticketing facilities, although the location does not accept cash or checks.

Cibao International Airport has undergone significant expansions and renovations over the years. In 2005, the airport operator began one of the largest expansions, which included expanding the customs hall and rebuilding the west and east sides of the terminal, adding a second floor. In 2021, the airport announced a $300 million renovation plan to upgrade most of its existing infrastructure, with construction expected to be completed by 2025.

Santiago Airport's passenger traffic

Santiago Airport, also known as Cibao International Airport, is located in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. It is the third busiest airport in the country by passenger traffic, after Punta Cana International Airport and Las Américas International Airport.

In 2023, the airport handled over 2 million passengers and is expected to increase this number to 3.5 million by 2040. The airport mainly serves Dominicans residing in the United States, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Puerto Rico, as well as Haitians residing in the Cibao Region. It also contains the Dominican Republic's busiest international route (STI-JFK), with over 1.051 million passengers annually as of 2023. JetBlue is the primary international operator on this route, with up to twenty daily flights.

The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. In 2005, the airport operator began one of the biggest expansions, which included expanding the customs hall and rebuilding the east and west sides of the terminal, adding a second floor. In 2021, the airport announced a $300 million renovation plan to upgrade most of its existing infrastructure, including building a new international terminal, extending the runway, and constructing a new taxiway.

Another airport with the name Santiago Airport or Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (IATA: SCL) is located in Pudahuel, around 15 kilometres from Santiago, Chile. It is the largest and busiest Chilean airport, serving over 24.5 million passengers. The airport has four levels, with Level 1 for arrivals, Level 2 for check-in for connected flights, and Level 3 for check-in and departures. It serves as a hub for JetSmart, Sky Airline, and LATAM, with domestic and international services to destinations worldwide.

Airport expansion and renovation plans

Cibao International Airport (IATA: STI, ICAO: MDST), also known as Santiago Airport, is located in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, handling over 2 million passengers in 2023. The airport mainly serves Dominicans and Haitians residing in the United States, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Puerto Rico.

The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations since its inauguration in 2002 to accommodate the increasing passenger traffic. Here are the details of the expansion and renovation plans:

• In 2005, the airport operator began a major expansion project, which included expanding the customs hall and rebuilding the east and west sides of the terminal, adding a second floor. This expansion was finalised in 2006.
• In 2021, Cibao International Airport S.A. announced a $300 million plan to renovate most of the airport's existing infrastructure. The plan includes building a new international terminal with nine contact stands, transforming the current building into a hybrid mixed-use space, extending the aircraft movement and parking platform, and extending the runway by about 380-400 meters to accommodate larger aircraft for long-haul flights from Europe. The design work was carried out by Luis Vidal + Architects, and the renovation process is estimated to take about 26 months, starting in December 2021.
• The airport also has a new terminal under construction, which is expected to be inaugurated in mid-2025.
• Additional future expansion plans include constructing additional gates and baggage handling areas and expanding the taxiway.

Airlines serving STI Airport

Cibao International Airport (STI) is located in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. It is the third busiest airport in the country by passenger traffic and aircraft movements. The airport mainly serves Dominicans residing in the United States, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Puerto Rico, as well as Haitians residing in the Cibao Region.

Several airlines serve STI Airport, offering both domestic and international flights. Here is a list of some of the airlines that have operated or are currently operating at the airport:

• American Airlines: American Airlines previously offered a direct flight to New York's JFK Airport, but discontinued this route in 2013.
• Delta Air Lines: In 2008, Delta Air Lines announced new service to Atlanta and the resumption of the New York route.
• Spirit Airlines: In 2009, Spirit Airlines began operations to Santiago from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• Aerolineas Mas: Aerolineas Mas established regular domestic routes from Santiago in 2010 and became the strongest domestic airline at the airport. However, they cancelled their domestic flights in 2011.
• Air Century: Along with Aerolineas Mas, Air Century operated domestic routes from Santiago in 2010 but cancelled them in 2011.
• Caribair: Caribair was another airline that offered domestic flights from Santiago in 2010 but discontinued them in 2011.
• VolAir: VolAir was one of the airlines providing domestic routes from Santiago in 2010, but they also cancelled their flights in 2011.
• JetBlue: JetBlue is the primary international operator at Cibao International Airport, offering up to twenty daily flights.

These are just a few examples of the airlines serving STI Airport. The airport has also seen expansions and improvements over the years, with plans to increase its capacity and enhance its infrastructure.

Airport facilities and services

Cibao International Airport (STI) is located in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. It is currently the third busiest airport in the country, with over 2 million passengers in 2023, and is expected to increase its services to 3.5 million passengers by 2040.

Cibao International Airport features modern facilities and efficient ground transportation options, including taxis, shuttles, and buses, which provide easy access to Santiago and nearby areas. The airport is known for its safety and customer service, providing a seamless travel experience for its passengers.

The airport's infrastructure consists of a main international terminal, a domestic terminal, and a cargo terminal. The international terminal is the most utilised, receiving most of the flights to and from the airport. It has six gates (B1-B6), with five of these gates providing boarding docks (B1-B2/B4-B6). The terminal features modern installations to streamline the check-in, boarding, and baggage claim processes.

The airport offers a range of dining options, duty-free shops, lounges, and car rental services. For transportation to and from the airport, GO Airport Shuttle provides private transportation services, including private minivans, private vans, executive vans, and minibuses to accommodate different group sizes and preferences. These vehicles are equipped with modern amenities, spacious interiors, and plush seating to ensure a comfortable and convenient ride.

In terms of expansion and future plans, the airport is currently undergoing a $300 million renovation project, which includes the construction of a new international terminal with nine contact stands, the transformation of the current building into a hybrid mixed-use space, and the extension of the aircraft movement and parking platform. The runway will also be extended by about 380-400 meters to accommodate larger aircraft, and a new taxiway will be built. These improvements are expected to enhance the airport's capacity and improve the overall travel experience for passengers.

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