Jazmin Li
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is an international commercial airport located in Punta Cana, in the eastern Dominican Republic. The airport is the busiest in the country, serving as a key gateway to the United States, Canada, South America, and parts of Europe. With over 7.8 million passengers annually, it is the second-busiest airport in the Caribbean, offering a range of amenities, including restaurants, a pharmacy, and a kid's play area. The airport has five terminals, with Terminals 1 and 2 catering to international commercial flights. It is advised to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight to clear security and check-in lines.
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What You'll Learn
Location and history
Punta Cana International Airport (IATA: PUJ, ICAO: MDPC) is a privately owned commercial airport in Punta Cana, on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. The airport is located within the main town of Punta Cana, about two and a half hours' drive from the capital, Santo Domingo, and 24 miles from the beach area of Uvero Alto. It is the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic and the second busiest in the Caribbean after Puerto Rico's Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.
The history of aviation in the Punta Cana region began in 1971 when Grupo Puntacana built the first hotel in the area, called "Punta Cana Club", along with a small airstrip. There were no terminals and no runway, just a flat piece of land. The area was very secluded from the rest of the Dominican Republic, and 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. Tourists from various countries started to arrive, but they had to pass through Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo and then take a short flight to Punta Cana.
In December 1983, Grupo Puntacana inaugurated the Punta Cana International Airport, which was designed by architect Oscar Imbert. The airport was the first privately owned international airport in the world. The airport started with a 5,000-foot runway, which could accommodate larger propeller planes, and a small control tower. In January 1984, the airport received its first international flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, with 20 passengers on board.
The airport underwent its first expansion in 1986, extending the runway to 7,500 feet and renovating and expanding the terminal. In 1987, the first route between Punta Cana and the United States began, with Miami International Airport. By 1988, there were about four regional airlines operating from the Caribbean to Punta Cana. Another expansion began in late 1989 to extend the runway to 10,171 feet, allowing long-haul jets to fly to the airport. This expansion was completed in late 1990, bringing a major change to the airport.
In the 1990s, the airport began receiving its first long-haul routes, with new destinations from Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Montréal, Vienna, and Amsterdam. By 1994, American Airlines had started operations to Miami International Airport, and the airport had become a key gateway for the United States, Canada, South America, and some parts of Europe.
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Passenger facilities
Punta Cana International Airport is located on the eastern side of the Dominican Republic. It is the busiest airport in the country and the second busiest in the Caribbean. Over 7.8 million passengers pass through the airport each year, with almost 50,000 commercial aircraft operations. The airport serves 90 airports in 26 countries.
The airport has five terminals, two of which are used for international commercial flights (Terminals 1 and 2, also known as Terminals A and B). The airport offers shuttle services, but most passengers will likely not need them as Terminals 1 and 2 are within walking distance of each other.
Punta Cana International Airport has a food court with familiar brands, including Wendy's, Cinnabon, Segafredo's, and Baskin-Robbins. There is also a Skybar where passengers can enjoy a drink. For those looking to shop, the airport offers a variety of duty-free items, souvenirs, liquors, and tobacco. There is also a pharmacy where passengers can purchase medication and hygiene products.
The airport provides a comfortable space for breastfeeding mothers called the "Mother's Room" in Terminal A. This room includes comfortable seating, an end table, a changing table, and electrical outlets. There are also baby changing rooms and a kid's play area within the airport.
Other passenger facilities include a lost and found section, luggage trolleys, and VIP services such as escort through the airline check-in counter, fast-track through security, and access to the VIP Lounge. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight to clear security lines, especially for international flights.
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Food and shopping
Punta Cana International Airport has two terminals, A and B, which are within walking distance of each other. Terminal A has a Mother's Room, called "Sala de Lactancia", which is a comfortable space designed for nursing mothers.
The airport has a food court with international restaurant chains, including Wendy's, Cinnabon, Segafredo's, a Skybar, Sbarro, Nathan's, and Baskin-Robbins. There is also a Colombian-style deli that is open 24 hours. Other options include steakhouses and fast-food chains such as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Sushi.
The airport has a variety of shops, including Duty-Free Americas, which offers fragrances, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and gifts. Brisas del Caribe sells souvenirs, art, and handicrafts. There is also a pharmacy, and shops selling clothes, toys, books, and other items.
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Transport and connections
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is located on the eastern side of the Dominican Republic. It is the busiest airport in the country, serving 90 airports in 26 countries and acting as a gateway to the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and the Caribbean.
The airport is relatively small, with just five terminals, two of which are used for international commercial flights (Terminals 1 and 2, also known as Terminals A and B). These terminals are within walking distance of each other, and shuttle services are also available.
The airport is located within the main town of Punta Cana, about 24 miles from the beach area of Uvero Alto and a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital, Santo Domingo. It is also just over 35 minutes from Finest Punta Cana.
If you are travelling with a baby, you will find a comfortable space for breastfeeding in Terminal A, called "Sala de Lactancia". The airport also has a kids' play area.
When departing the Dominican Republic, you must pay a fee per stay and permission for underage migration, according to the duration of your stay in the country. By Dominican law, there is also a US$20 departure tax, usually included in your airfare.
If you have time, you can explore the area outside the airport, including Puntacana Village, The Wallz Puntacana, and Bluemall Puntacana.
To get to the airport, it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights, as security lines can get backed up.
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Entry requirements
To enter the Dominican Republic, a valid passport with two blank pages is required. You no longer need to buy a tourist card at the airport. The airlines are applying an extra $10 to your plane tickets on behalf of the Dominican government, which should decrease the time spent in customs. By Dominican law, there is also a US$20 departure tax, the cost of which is usually included in your airfare. It is recommended that you check with your carrier. When departing the Dominican Republic, you must pay a fee per stay and permission for underage migration, according to the duration of your stay in the country. You can view the rates here.
Punta Cana International Airport is located on the eastern side of the island, within the main town of Punta Cana. It is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital, Santo Domingo, and an estimated 24 miles from the beach area of Uvero Alto. The airport is relatively small, with five terminals, but only two are used for international commercial flights. Terminals 1 and 2 are also referred to as Terminals A and B and are within walking distance of each other. The airport has shuttle services, but most visitors won't need them as all facilities are nearby.
The airport has a food court with familiar brands, including Wendy's, Cinnabon, and Segafredo's, as well as a Skybar. You can also find Duty-Free Americas, which offers liquors and tobacco, and a pharmacy where you can purchase medication and hygiene products. There is a Mother's Room in Terminal A, called "Sala de Lactancia", which is a comfortable space designed for nursing mothers, with a changing table and electrical outlets. The airport also has a kid's play area.
It is recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight, although three hours is suggested for international flights. This will give you enough time to clear security and check-in lines.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight. This will give you ample time to clear security and check-in, which can sometimes be time-consuming.
Punta Cana International Airport has a food court with various familiar brands, including Wendy's, Cinnabon, and Segafredo's. There is also a Skybar for drinks, and a Duty-Free Americas shop for items like liquor and tobacco. The airport also has a pharmacy, baby changing rooms, and a kid's play area.
The airport offers VIP whisking services for a more enjoyable stay. Shuttle services are also available, but most visitors find that walking is more convenient due to the proximity of the terminals.
Yes, advertising spaces are available in key areas such as arrivals, departures, check-in, access ramps, immigration, customs, and waiting areas. These spaces ensure that your brand reaches the thousands of passengers passing through daily.
A valid passport with two blank pages is required to enter the country. By Dominican law, there is a US$20 departure tax, which is usually included in your airfare. Additionally, there is no longer a need to purchase a tourist card at the airport.
