The Dominican Republic has signed an open air agreement with China. The agreement still needs congressional approval. The agreement allows Chinese airlines to pick up passenger and cargo traffic here destined for third countries, and is a step in the direction of the logistics of converting the Dominican Republic into a leading regional hub.
The announcement comes at a time that public and private sectors are working to convert the Dominican Republic into the leading regional passenger and cargo hub. At present the Dominican Republic already has the most comprehensive air and maritime infrastructure in the region. Major investments are underway to enhance this capacity.
The Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) is making available US$100 million for the construction of a major port in northwestern Manzanillo Bay. Dubai Ports has enhanced capacity and is working closely with Las Americas International Airport in southern Santo Domingo province. Punta Cana International Airport, which already attracts the largest number of airlines in the region, is enhancing its cargo hub capacities.
In 2018, after in May the Dominican Republic established full diplomatic relations with China, representatives of the Chinese government airlines, Air China and China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines discussed flying to the Dominican Republic.
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Arecoa
Civil Aviation Board
8 December 2021