Overall, this agreement signifies a significant step forward in aviation cooperation between the Dominican Republic and Argentina, promising to enhance travel, trade, and tourism.
In the significant move to modernize the legal regulatory framework for air transport services between the Dominican Republic and Argentina, aviation authorities from both nations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and an Air Services Agreement (ASA) on 13 December 2024. These documents will facilitate increased flight frequency, stimulate tourism and attract new investments.
Expect more Argentineans to travel to the Dominican Republic now that both governments agreed on new rules that remove restrictions and give airlines the freedom to determine the number of flights they operate based on market conditions and the time of the year. The change aims to enhance sector competitiveness and improve connectivity for passengers. It is seen as a plus for travel, trade and tourism for both countries.
The number of Dominicans traveling to Argentina, though, still needs action on the part of the Argentinean government to remove the costly and timely visa requirements in place even for Dominicans who already have US and Schengen visas in their passports.
As part of the ongoing talks, Hector Porcella, president of the Dominican Civil Aviation Board (IDAC) has requested the Argentine government implement reciprocity and consider eliminating short-stay visas for Dominicans to boost tourist flows between the two nations and increase regional air connectivity. “The commitment to increasing passenger flow between the Dominican Republic and Argentina requires joint and coordinated reciprocity and one of these is this initiative to eliminate short-stay visas for Dominican citizens,” Porcella stated.
The newly signed agreements enable that air travel exchange shift from a system of restricted frequencies—capped at 14 weekly flights—to the more flexible model. The deregulation of flight frequencies allows airlines to expand their networks across the continent, fostering increased connectivity with other countries. Previously, under the restricted system, airlines were limited to direct flights and a few connections. With the new agreement, however, airlines will have more opportunities to establish links with other nations in the region and beyond.
In addition, the agreement lifts restrictions on the number of regular cargo flights, enabling them to be operated under the “seventh freedom of the air,” allowing flights that neither originate nor terminate in the country of origin. The agreement offers a highly flexible framework for air operations, including multiple airline designations, charter flights, and code-sharing.
The measure was officially signed by Argentina’s Secretary of Transport, Franco Mogetta, and the president of the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board (IDAC), Héctor Porcella Dumas. The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to Argentina, Gustavo Hernando Castillo, Argentina’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic, María Sandra Winkler (who participated virtually).
IDAC’s Héctor Porcella Dumas explains: “This advancement is crucial for national aviation as it strengthens air connectivity and fosters competitiveness, resulting in improved air services for Dominicans,” he said.
Porcella added that the agreement aligns with Dominican President Luis Abinader’s open skies policy, implemented through the Civil Aviation Board. “It is of paramount importance for the Dominican government to allow Dominican airlines to maximize their air operations.”
Air routes between Argentina and the Dominican Republic have been expanding steadily. Until earlier this year, the only operational route was from Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) to Punta Cana, serviced by Aerolíneas Argentinas. However, thanks to the open skies policy, new routes have already launched, including Córdoba-Punta Cana and Ezeiza-Punta Cana (with Arajet). Additionally, two more routes —Tucumán-Punta Cana and Rosario-Punta Cana— are planned for 2025.
In 2024, 147,032 passengers were transported in 927 flight operations between the two countries.
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Government of Argentina
Presidency
7 January 2024