Owais Crawford
The Dominican Republic is a popular tourist destination, with seven international airports serving the country. The main airports include Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, the capital city, and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in the eastern region. Other notable airports include Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago, Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata, and La Romana Airport. These airports offer a range of facilities and amenities, providing a smooth and comfortable travel experience for visitors to the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Airports | 7 |
| Main Airports | Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), Cibao International Airport (STI), Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP) |
| Busy Airports | Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic, receiving over 3 million passengers a year. Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) is the largest airport in the country and serves around 4.6 million passengers annually. |
| Airport Facilities | Modern facilities, shops, restaurants, banking services, currency exchange, car rental, breastfeeding rooms, airport Wi-Fi, etc. |
| Airport Taxes | US$20 departure tax, tourist card fee of US$10, and other entry fees. |
| Transportation | Taxis, shuttles, private transportation, and Uber (in some areas) |
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What You'll Learn
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
The history of aviation in Punta Cana began in 1971 when Grupo Puntacana built a hotel, "Punta Cana Club", and a small airstrip in the area. In the late 1970s, a road was built to connect Punta Cana with the capital of La Altagracia Province, Higüey, and tourists started to arrive. However, they had to pass through Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo before taking a short connecting flight to Punta Cana. The small airstrip in Punta Cana had a very short runway and no terminal, but it continued to grow in popularity.
In 1984, the airport received its first international flight from San Juan, Puerto Rico, carrying 20 passengers. This marked the beginning of expansion for the airport, with the runway being extended and the terminal renovated. In 1987, the first route between Punta Cana and the United States was established, with flights to Miami International Airport. The airport continued to expand, accommodating more airlines and larger aircraft, including private jets. By the 1990s, the runway was extended to over 10,000 feet, allowing long-haul jets to fly to the airport.
Today, PUJ has five terminals, with Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 being the primary ones used for international commercial flights. The airport offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, bars, cafes, and duty-free shopping. It also provides special facilities for nursing mothers and passengers with disabilities. PUJ is a key gateway for travellers from the United States, Canada, South America, and Europe, with various airlines offering direct flights to destinations worldwide.
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$35.98
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ)
Las Américas International Airport, also known by the IATA code SDQ, is the second-largest airport in the Dominican Republic. It is located in Punta Caucedo, near Santo Domingo and Boca Chica. Santo Domingo is also served by another airport, La Isabela, which is much smaller and only used by smaller aircraft. Las Américas, on the other hand, is one of the largest airports in the Caribbean, with the longest runway in the country at 3,355m, capable of supporting a Boeing 747. It is the second-busiest airport in the country, handling 5.49 million passengers in 2023 and 355 million lbs of cargo in 2019, making it the busiest cargo hub in the Caribbean and Central America. The airport is run by Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (AERODOM), a private corporation based in the Dominican Republic.
Las Américas International Airport provides regular flights to and from 47 destinations with 23 airlines. These include scheduled passenger flights and charter flights. Some of the airline operators that use the airport include Tropical Aero Servicios, Pan Am World Airways Dominicana, and CXA. The airport has two runways and 50 connections, with 16,464 departures yearly.
If you are travelling to or from Las Américas International Airport by car, it takes approximately 29 minutes to get to and from Santo Domingo. There are several rental car options available at the airport.
The Dominican Republic has seven international airports in total. If you are staying in Santiago de los Caballeros, Jarabacoa, or Constanza, it is recommended to fly into Santiago's airport. If you are staying in Cabeza de Toro, Bávaro, Punta Cana, Uvero Alto, or Cap Cana, then Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the best option. This airport is the busiest in the Dominican Republic, receiving over three million passengers a year. It is also the second busiest airport in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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Cibao International Airport (STI)
The Dominican Republic has seven international airports, and Cibao International Airport (STI) is one of them. It is also known as Santiago Airport and is located in Santiago de los Caballeros, the country's second-largest city. The airport is situated 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) southeast of Santiago City's centre.
Cibao International Airport is the third busiest airport in the Dominican Republic by passenger traffic and aircraft movements. In 2023, it handled over 2 million passengers, only surpassed by the airports of Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. The airport mainly serves 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 has seen significant growth and expansion over the years. In 2005, the airport operator initiated one of the biggest expansions, including the expansion of the customs hall and the reconstruction of the terminal's west and east sides, adding a second floor. In April 2008, Cibao International became the first airport in the country to waive fees for private planes, boosting tourism in the region.
In 2021, the airport announced a $300 million renovation plan to enhance its infrastructure. The project includes constructing a new international terminal with nine contact stands, repurposing the current building into a mixed-use space, extending the aircraft movement and parking platform, and lengthening the runway to accommodate larger aircraft. The airport is currently undergoing renovation, and the technical team estimates a completion time of approximately 26 months.
Cibao International Airport has become an increasingly popular gateway to the Dominican Republic for tourists and missionary workers, with new routes to Spain, Colombia, and the United States. The airport handles the country's busiest international route, STI-JFK, with over 1.051 million passengers annually as of 2023. JetBlue is the primary international operator, offering up to twenty daily flights. A new terminal is expected to be completed by mid-2026, further enhancing the airport's capacity and facilities.
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Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP)
The Dominican Republic has seven international airports, one of which is Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP), also known as Puerto Plata Airport. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving as the main gateway to the vibrant city of Puerto Plata. Puerto Plata is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and lively entertainment. Tourists can visit the iconic Fort San Felipe to learn about the city's colonial past or take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for stunning panoramic views. The city also offers underwater adventures with snorkelling and scuba diving.
The airport offers modern facilities and amenities that showcase Puerto Plata's rich culture and history. Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) provides long-term parking that is safe and secure for vehicles. In addition, the airport has Wi-Fi access, allowing travellers to stay connected during their wait.
For travellers with babies, the airport has joined a growing list of airports with special spaces designed for nursing mothers. A Mother's Room in Terminal A, called "Sala de Lactancia", offers comfortable seating, an end table, a changing table, and conveniently placed electrical outlets, providing a quiet space away from the busy airport atmosphere.
When departing the Dominican Republic from Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP), travellers must pay a fee per stay and permission for underage migration, depending on the duration of their stay in the country. By Dominican law, there is also a US$20 departure tax, typically included in the airfare.
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Samaná El Catey Airport (AZS)
The Dominican Republic is served by seven international airports, one of which is Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS). This airport is located in El Catey/Samana and is considered a smaller airport. There are two airlines operating out of this airport, Air Canada and Air Transat, serving 3 destinations. The most frequently departed route is to Montreal (YUL) in Canada, with two flights from AZS every week. The longest flight time from AZS is to Toronto (YYZ), which takes approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes.
If you are planning to visit the Samaná Peninsula, this airport is the closest to that area. However, if you are flying in from overseas and spending all your time in the Dominican Republic, it may be better to fly into another airport, such as Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). PUJ is the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic, receiving over three million passengers a year. It is also the second busiest airport in Latin America and the Caribbean. PUJ has two terminals and offers direct flights to and from destinations worldwide, including Russia and Canada.
Casa de Campo International Airport, also known as La Romana, is another option for visitors. It is a small airport that serves the luxurious Casa de Campo property, as well as resorts and hotels in the Dominicus and Bayahibe areas. Airlines that fly into La Romana include American Airlines, Seaborne, and Eurowings. This airport is a good choice if you are staying in Santiago de los Caballeros, Jarabacoa, or Constanza.
When travelling to the Dominican Republic, it is important to note that a valid passport with two blank pages is required for entry. There is also a US$10 tourist card fee and a US$20 departure tax, which are usually incorporated into the airfare cost.
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Frequently asked questions
There are seven airports in the Dominican Republic, serving international and domestic flights.
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the busiest airport in the country, serving the Punta Cana and Bávaro regions on the eastern coast.
Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, the capital city, is the largest airport in the country. Other notable airports include Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago, Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata, and La Romana Airport.
A valid passport with two blank pages is required to enter the Dominican Republic. There is also a US$10 tourist card fee and a US$20 departure tax, which are usually incorporated into your airfare.
It is recommended to avoid arriving at night unless you have secure transportation. Expect persistent taxi drivers upon arrival, and agree on a price upfront. Airport employees may offer to help with your bags, but this is a service for which you will be expected to tip.
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