Published December 29, 2025
Avero Airlines is transforming travel options for Wilmington residents with nonstop service to Punta Cana, offering unparalleled convenience and affordability. This new route, which will operate twice weekly, not only provides Wilmington with its first nonstop service to the Dominican Republic, but also opens the gateway to exciting travel to one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. With fares starting at just $100, Avero makes it easier than ever for travelers to experience the beauty and luxury of Punta Cana’s resorts and beaches, further strengthening the region’s international connections.
Avero Airlines launches nonstop flights from Wilmington to Punta Cana, expanding travel options to the Dominican Republic
Avero Airlines has officially launched a new nonstop route between Wilmington, North Carolina, USA (ILM) and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ). The service, which launched on December 24, represents an exciting development for both the airline and the region, offering travelers a convenient and affordable way to reach one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations.
The new service will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays using Boeing’s next-generation 737 aircraft. The flight time is just over three hours, making it a quick and efficient travel option for those looking to visit Punta Cana. The schedule is designed with your convenience in mind. The flight departs from Wilmington at 10 a.m. and arrives in Punta Cana at 2:05 p.m. It then departs Punta Cana at 3:35 p.m., returning to Wilmington at 5:53 p.m. the same day, giving passengers plenty of time to enjoy their trip.
Travelers can book tickets for this new route directly through Avero’s website, with fares starting at $100, offering an affordable travel option to this popular Caribbean destination.
Growing Wilmington’s international connections
The new flight route marks a significant milestone for Wilmington, as Avero will be the first and only airline to offer nonstop service between Wilmington and Punta Cana. This expansion not only strengthens Wilmington’s connections to international destinations, but also provides a much-needed link between the United States and one of the Dominican Republic’s most popular vacation spots.
Based in Texas, Avero is actively expanding its network and offering affordable travel options to passengers across various U.S. cities. With this new route, the airline further strengthens its position as a growing force in the low-cost airline market, offering travelers a convenient option to explore new international destinations without breaking the bank.
Punta Cana’s popularity grows
Located on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana continues to attract travelers from all over the world. Known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and all-inclusive vacation packages, this destination has seen an increase in tourists, especially from the United States. Punta Cana ranked as the second most popular international destination for U.S. travelers, according to AAA’s 2025 holiday booking data.
The Dominican government is reporting impressive tourism growth, with record numbers of over 10 million visitors in the first 11 months of 2025. This is a 52% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels and a 3.1% increase year-over-year. Approximately 7.9 million of these visitors travel by air, with Punta Cana International Airport handling 62% of the country’s total international arrivals.
This surge in tourism is evidence of Punta Cana’s growing appeal as a travel destination, and Avero’s new flight route further strengthens the importance of this Caribbean hotspot in the global tourism market.
Perfect for Wilmington travelers
Wilmington, with its beautiful coastal scenery and historic charm, has long been a popular destination for domestic travelers, but historically international flight options have been limited. Avero’s new service to Punta Cana provides affordable, nonstop flights to a vacation paradise well within reach for Wilmington residents and visitors.
For those living in Wilmington or the surrounding areas, this new route eliminates the need for connecting flights and provides a seamless journey to one of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations. The ease of access to Punta Cana’s world-famous resorts, beaches, and cultural attractions is expected to draw more travelers to the area, contributing to both Wilmington’s tourism and economic growth.
Additionally, Avelo’s service’s affordable pricing, with tickets starting at less than $100, makes the route accessible to a wide range of travelers, further increasing its appeal.
Looking to the future: Strengthening the U.S.-Dominican Republic relationship
This new route between Wilmington and Punta Cana reflects broader trends in air travel, where airlines are increasingly expanding their international flight options to meet growing demand. With record visitor numbers to the Dominican Republic and more American travelers seeking affordable and convenient flights to the Caribbean, Avero is positioned to play a key role in making international travel more accessible to everyone.
The connection between Wilmington and Punta Cana will not only benefit Avero Airlines, but also the tourism and hospitality industry in both regions. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, international tourism is expected to grow, and this new route will help meet that demand by directly connecting Wilmington to one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant and popular tourist destinations.
Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway, a family trip, or a romantic getaway, Avero Airlines’ new service to Punta Cana is an appealing addition to Wilmington’s travel options, offering a cost-effective and convenient way to explore the tropical beauty of the Dominican Republic.
Avero Airlines makes travel easier for Wilmington residents by offering nonstop flights to Punta Cana, offering unparalleled convenience and affordable fares starting at $100. This new route will strengthen Wilmington’s international connectivity and provide travelers with direct access to one of the Caribbean’s top destinations.
In conclusion, the launch of Avero Airlines’ nonstop route from Wilmington to Punta Cana is an important step forward for both the airline and the region. This new route strengthens Wilmington’s international connections, provides travelers with an affordable option to the Dominican Republic, and further solidifies Punta Cana’s position as a top destination in the Caribbean. As the Dominican Republic continues to grow in tourism, this flight is sure to contribute to even greater travel opportunities for U.S. travelers seeking a warm and welcoming vacation destination.
