Travel from Canada to the Dominican Republic is experiencing significant growth in 2026, with a marked increase in flights to popular destinations such as Puerto Plata and Samaná. Airlines are responding to this surge by introducing more seats and new nonstop routes for the approaching winter travel season.
Increase in Travel and Airline Responses
Recent data from Aeropuertos Dominicanos indicates a 13 percent increase in Canadian air traffic to Puerto Plata and an impressive 62 percent rise in Samaná compared to 2025. This growth aligns with a broader trend of increasing travel from Canada to various Caribbean destinations.
In Santo Domingo, Air Canada is set to launch a new nonstop service from Montreal in December. This new route adds another direct option for Canadian travelers heading to the capital, which has been enhancing its hotel offerings and international flight connections.
In Puerto Plata, Air Transat is introducing a weekly flight from London, Ontario, starting in December, while WestJet will commence weekly service from Winnipeg to that destination. These new routes follow WestJet’s recorded expansion to both Puerto Plata and Samaná, highlighting the increasing significance of these locales in the airline’s Caribbean schedule.
Aerodom anticipates a 20 percent increase in Canadian seat capacity to Puerto Plata during the winter 2026-2027 season. Currently, Air Transat leads the Canadian market in this area with approximately 153,000 passengers, followed by WestJet with over 113,000. Air Canada has also recorded a 22 percent increase in traffic to Puerto Plata this year compared to 2025.
Samaná’s popularity among Canadian travelers is also growing, with passenger traffic up by 62 percent this year. Air Transat has reported carrying around 44,000 passengers to Samaná, while WestJet and Air Canada have transported approximately 31,000 and 19,000 passengers, respectively. Air Canada’s traffic to Samaná has notably increased by 17 percent from the previous year.
For the forthcoming winter season, Aerodom expects Canadian seat capacity to Samaná to increase by approximately 39 percent compared to last winter. This development highlights Samaná’s strengthening ties with the Canadian travel sector, facilitating direct access to the peninsula and popular spots like Las Terrenas.
The surge in Canadian travelers to the Dominican Republic marks a significant shift in tourism patterns. Although Canadian visitors have traditionally flocked to Punta Cana, there is a growing network of flights facilitating travel to Puerto Plata, Samaná, and Santo Domingo.
Why It Matters
The increase in Canadian tourism to the Dominican Republic not only enhances the economic landscape of the region but also indicates shifting preferences among travelers. The expanded airline connectivity could contribute to sustained growth in the local tourism sectors of these emerging destinations.
