Published January 13, 2026
As New Jersey families and adventure seekers from the northeastern United States think about their next trip to the Caribbean, news of Alajet’s new nonstop service from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is likely to prompt bookings. The flag carrier of the Dominican Republic will operate three times weekly nonstop flights using the latest Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft starting January 20, 2026. This is a move that will increase travel convenience and strengthen connectivity between the Northeastern United States and the Caribbean’s premier resort destinations.
Headquartered in Santo Domingo, with major operational locations in Punta Cana and Las Americas (SDQ), Alajet Airlines has been rapidly expanding its network since its launch in 2022. The airline’s growth strategy focuses on affordable, nonstop flights across the Americas. The addition of the PUJ-EWR route in January marks a significant milestone in the company’s U.S. expansion, joining existing service to cities such as Miami, Chicago, Boston and Orlando.
Route details: How and when new flights will operate
The new Punta Cana-Newark route is scheduled to begin service on January 20, 2026, with three flights per week. Arajet will use Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets known for their fuel efficiency, range and modern cabin comfort. This is an important part of Arajet’s aircraft modernization and production capacity expansion.
Flights are scheduled to depart Punta Cana in the evening and arrive in Newark late in the evening, making it convenient for travelers to make onward connections or complete their journey with minimal layovers. Round-trip flights from Newark to Punta Cana likewise serve leisure and business travelers looking to escape the winter weather and explore the Dominican Republic’s beaches, golf courses, and luxury resorts.
The distance between Punta Cana and Newark is approximately 1,566 miles (2,520 km), offering direct flight connections for both a short Caribbean vacation or an extended stay in the Dominican Republic resort area.
What this means for Caribbean and US travel
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has long served as one of the major gateways to the United States for international travelers, with excellent rail and road connections between New York City, New Jersey, and surrounding states. Arajet’s new link highlights the growing demand for direct flights that bypass transit points and enable seamless travel between regions.
The Dominican Republic remains one of the most visited Caribbean countries, with Punta Cana frequently ranking at the top of lists for beach vacations, all-inclusive resorts, and family-friendly travel experiences. With nonstop flights from Newark, U.S. residents in the Northeast no longer need complicated connections to reach the Caribbean and can now enjoy nonstop flights on low-cost airlines designed to make travel easier.
From a tourism perspective, this new route is expected to increase the number of visitors to the Dominican Republic. Easter and winter, traditionally peak periods for Caribbean travel, could see increased interest in booking as travelers take advantage of early 2026 flight availability. For airlines, offering direct service without connections directly responds to travelers’ preferences for simplicity and reduced travel time.
Affordable fares and direct connections
One of Arajet’s strategic advantages is its low fare model, which aims to make Caribbean travel more accessible. Based on current freight inventory, promotional round-trip prices are competitive compared to other airlines and are often below traditional airline international prices. While typical fares fluctuate based on demand and seasonality, round-trip flights between PUJ and EWR often appear in our search inventory at competitive prices, reflecting Arajet’s market approach.
For passengers looking for the best value, booking early in the year and taking advantage of fare sales can offer significant savings. Arajet’s official website also bundles flight options with hotels and ancillary services, allowing travelers to tailor their travel plans for both convenience and cost control.
Strategic expansion of Arajet’s fleet and network
Alajet’s broader strategy includes expanding its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and expanding its footprint across the Americas and the Caribbean. The airline operates a fleet of more than a dozen modern jets, all configured to maintain operational efficiency while serving a network of more than 25 destinations.
This route is part of Alajet’s continued efforts to establish the Dominican Republic, specifically Punta Cana and Santo Domingo, as a major air hub for the transcontinental Americas. The airline also flies to U.S. destinations such as Chicago (ORD), Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA) and Orlando (SFB), strengthening tourism and economic ties between the Caribbean and the United States.
Traveler experience: What to expect on board
Passengers on Arajet’s new routes can expect a modern travel experience. Arajet’s business model is geared toward affordable travel, and its 737 MAX 8 aircraft offer spacious interiors, large overhead bins, and efficient performance. This aircraft’s seating configuration allows for maximum comfort on short to medium-haul flights from Punta Cana to Newark.
Although the company does not currently offer premium cabins on all flights, travelers can choose optional services such as priority boarding, extra baggage, and other convenient services through Arajet’s online booking tool. This is an especially useful feature for families and frequent fliers.
Conclusion: Game Changer for the Caribbean and the United States Travel Links
On January 20, 2026, Alajet’s new nonstop flight from Punta Cana (PUJ) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) began operations, marking a strategic milestone in travel between the Caribbean and the Northeastern United States. This route will not only improve accessibility for travelers, but will also strengthen the Dominican Republic’s position as a major aviation hub in the Caribbean. This route solidifies Alajet’s reputation as a fast-growing airline focused on expanding connectivity between regions, meeting the demand for efficient and convenient travel with frequent, affordable, non-stop flights. For travelers planning their next sun, sand and culture escape, this new link offers both promise and practicality in early 2026.
