The Cibao International Airport (STI) is undergoing a US$200 million transformation designed to double its operational capacity and establish it as one of the most modern in the Caribbean. The Cibao International Airport is an 18 km drive from the city center of Santiago, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic. It is less than an hour’s drive from key tourism attractions on the north coast.
Félix García, chairman of the Airport’s board of directors, recently led a supervision tour of the site, highlighting that the expansion is currently integrating advanced commercial areas, expanded waiting lounges, and next-generation technological systems, Diario Libre reported.
The overhaul
The project, which serves as the primary gateway for the country’s northern region, aims to modernize the passenger experience through more efficient circulation zones and high-tech security and migration processes. The central and northern area of the Dominican Republic are also served by the Gregorio Luperon International Airport in Puerto Plata (POP).
Key upgrades to the STI airport include:
• Runway extension: The runway will be extended to 2,920 meters by next year, allowing the terminal to accommodate wide-body aircraft and facilitate long-haul international flights.
• Aircraft parking: An expansion of the aircraft apron to increase the number of simultaneous operations.
• Cultural architecture: The design incorporates materials and elements that evoke the cultural and industrial identity of Santiago.
Economic impact
Currently handling over two million passengers annually, primarily the Dominican diaspora and international tourists, the airport is a vital engine for the national economy.
Timeline for completion
The project is being executed in three distinct phases with the involvement of 13 international specialized suppliers. The first phase represents an initial investment of US$200 million and the entire project is slated for completion by mid-2027.
“This is the most important investment in the history of this airport and one of the most significant in the Dominican aviation sector,” García stated. “We are building the most modern terminal in the country with world-class international standards.”
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Diario Libre
10 March 2026