President Luis Abinader has officially sanctioned the development of the Playa Grande International Airport in the province of María Trinidad Sánchez, marking a significant infrastructure addition to the country’s burgeoning luxury tourism sector, Diario Libre reports.
Issued via Decree 115-26 on 19 February 2026, the mandate authorizes the construction of a private, non-commercial terminal located near the prestigious Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club on the Río San Juan–Cabrera highway. The project is backed by the commercial entity Fincas Serranía, S.R.L., with high-profile investors including former Major League Baseball star Alex Rodriguez.
Unlike the nation’s primary hubs, this facility is designated strictly for private international flights. Key operational constraints include:
• Non-commercial status: The airport is prohibited from hosting regular or non-regular commercial air transport services.
• International gateway: It will serve as an official point of entry and exit for the Dominican Republic, equipped to handle customs, immigration, health, and security protocols.
• Technical approval: The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) has already issued a preliminary technical feasibility report, confirming the project aligns with current aeronautical standards.
Regulatory oversight and development
While the presidential decree provides the foundational green light, the project remains subject to rigorous state oversight. IDAC retains the authority to set specific conditions for construction and certification.
Furthermore, development is contingent upon environmental and safety clearances from the Ministry of Environment, the Specialized Corps in Airport and Civil Aviation Security (CESAC), the National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) and other relevant state bodies.
The Ministry of Public Works, acting as the ex-officio president of the Airport Commission, has been instructed to formalize the necessary contracts with the promoting company for the administration and construction of the site.
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Diario Libre
Diario Libre
10 March 2026