The Director of Civil Aviation, Norge Botello, has said that only a few details remain for operations to begin at the Joaquin Balaguer International Airport (formerly La Isabela airport). Botello explained that there are three radio antennas in the area that have to be removed to avoid interference with air traffic. Negotiations are under way with the owners of the antennas and with the Director of the State Sugar Council (CEA), Enrique Martinez, for their relocation, stated Botello. During an earlier certification visit, US Federal Aviation Agency experts expressed their concern for the birds in the area, due to the Isabela River natural habitat.