The Dominican Republic recorded an unprecedented 11.68 million visitors in 2025, marking a 3.8% increase in air arrivals compared to the previous year, according to official tourism statistics. Of those, 8.86 million traveled by air, nearly 24% more than in 2022. The country’s tourism landscape has expanded beyond its famous beaches to include diverse offerings such as culture, gastronomy, nature, adventure, wellness, and sports, a trend supported by an Open Skies policy and the emergence of new airlines.
Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) experienced complementary growth, registering 900 weekly flights in December and exceeding 1.08 million passengers that month, which reflects an 11.5% increase from December 2024. This growth is being driven by enhanced direct connectivity, mainly through Arajet’s operational bases in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, shifting the Dominican Republic’s tourism model toward becoming a regional aviation hub.
Alberto Smith, Director of Operations Landside at Punta Cana Airport, noted that passenger numbers have been growing by an average of 10% annually over the last four years. He stressed the importance of balancing capacity, passenger experience, and commercial value in the airport’s development. The recent expansion of Terminal B added approximately 35,000 square meters and seven boarding gates, equipped with advanced features such as jet bridges and new security technologies. Digital upgrades like biometric processing and automated border control are also underway.
On the commercial front, sales in the confectionery category surged 25% in 2025, making it responsible for 20% of total sales, while other sectors like electronics and fashion brands are anticipated to grow as well. With about 99% of passengers at PUJ flying internationally, Smith sees this demographic as an opportunity for brands to create engaging experiences beyond traditional retail transactions.
Punta Cana Airport was recognized as Skytrax’s 2026 Best Airport in Central America and the Caribbean and made its debut in the global top 100 rankings. Smith attributed this recognition to the airport’s private ownership model, which facilitates long-term planning. The airport has also made strides in sustainability, having achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3 and participated in the “Puntacana Circular” initiative to improve waste management through a circular economy approach.
Arajet has mirrored this growth in 2024 and 2025, reporting approximately 1.2 million and 1.48 million passengers, respectively, with over 1.4 million travelers already recorded in the first half of 2026. José Cabrera, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations at Arajet, indicated that the airline’s dual bases have been instrumental in transforming the Dominican Republic from a primarily point-to-point destination into a more interconnected regional aviation hub.
As Arajet increases its connecting passenger traffic, retailers at Punta Cana Airport gain access to a broader customer base, as these transit passengers often spend more time in departure areas. Cabrera explained that this trend could lead to expanded retail offerings tailored to diverse markets across the region. The growing passenger flows are anticipated to bolster not only airport activity but also the overall economic landscape of the Dominican Republic as it strengthens its position as a regional gateway.
