Hundreds of Dominicans have already started to return home for Christmas and New Year, laden with flat screen televisions, radios, computers, clothes and other gifts.
The airport authorities and Aerodom are expecting around 282,000 passengers at Las Americas this month on 2,742 flights from the USA, Europe and Central and South America, of whom it is anticipated that 80% will be Dominicans visiting their families.
Due to the numbers returning, airlines like JetBlue, United, American Airlines, Delta, Spirit, have increased the number of flights to the country.
Aerodom and the security forces have increased the number of personnel in order to protect baggage and ensure passenger safety.
As a gesture towards returning Dominicans, from December 1 to January 7, any Dominican resident overseas who has not been in the country for the last six months is allowed to bring in US$3,000 worth of gifts tax free.
Passengers arriving in the country are welcomed by a merengue group, organized by the Ministry of Tourism, and apparently many of the arriving passengers start dancing.
www.eldia.com.do/nacionales/2012/12/5/101015/Cientos-de-dominicanos-retornan-al-pais-para-las-fiestas-deNavidad-y-Ano