Two months after Hurricane Melissa disrupted travel plans across Jamaica, the Dominican Republic has moved strategically to absorb the region’s winter demand, approving an additional 800 commercial and charter flights for the 2025-2026 high season.
The decision, led by the country’s Civil Aviation Commission, strengthens the Dominican Republic’s position as the Caribbean’s most agile tourism market. The flight, which was authorized in late November, will operate in phases over an eight-month schedule, with the most intense surge beginning in December and passing through the key holiday season from Christmas to early January.
This expansion is not just a short-term response. The Dominican Republic is accelerating toward unprecedented tourist arrivals in 2025, driven by infrastructure investment, airport expansion, and a steady increase in inbound tourism from North America, Latin America, and Europe.
Winter forecasts now suggest hotel occupancy rates in major resort areas are approaching 95%. Tourism and aviation authorities confirmed their readiness to support the increase without compromising operational standards, citing arrival gateways as diverse as Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata. By distributing inbound volume across multiple airports, authorities aim to reduce the burden on a single hub while offering travelers broader itinerary flexibility.
The approval of 800 flights highlights a significant economic opportunity in the hospitality, transport and tourism sector, consistent with year-end revenue targets. Airport authorities confirmed increased staffing, streamlined immigration lanes and expanded terminal adjustments to support the additional arrivals.
For travelers, this means one important point. The Dominican Republic is no longer a hidden winter option, but a major stage. Once synonymous with spontaneous vacation bookings, this destination now encourages early planning, especially for ground transportation, coastal accommodation, and selected tourist activities.
Despite expected higher tourist densities this season, tourism industry leaders emphasize that with preparation and additional capacity, both connectivity and visitor experiences can remain resilient. The country’s tourism strategy reflects a proactive rather than a reactive intent to expand access, manage traffic through multiple ports of entry, and capture demand capital that can be distributed across the region.
