Dominican Republic air travel grows amid rising Canadian demand

Air travel to the Dominican Republic is seeing significant growth, driven by increased connectivity with Canada and a rise in overall passenger arrivals. According to the Central Bank, passenger arrivals through air routes increased by 9.4 percent between January and July 2026, reaching a total of 5,885,025 travelers compared to the same period in 2025.

Aerodom, the operator of several Dominican airports, reported a strong performance from the Canadian market. In 2026, the Canadian market grew by 13 percent at Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata and by 62 percent at Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport in Samaná. To meet this demand, Air Canada will launch a new route between Montreal and Santo Domingo starting in December 2026, offering two weekly flights.

Punta Cana International Airport remains the primary hub for vacationers, recording over 3.6 million entries. Other major connection points include Las Américas International Airport and Gregorio Luperón. While total passenger numbers rose sharply, the growth in non-resident tourists was more moderate at 0.65 percent.