The resumption of flights between the Dominican Republic is led by a mix of Venezuelan and Dominican carriers. Laser Airlines marked the official restart on 18 March 2026 with flight QL 2968, arriving at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) from Caracas.
Commercial flights between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela officially resumed on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, ending a suspension that lasted nearly 20 months (from July 2024 to March 2026). The restoration of the air bridge follows a series of diplomatic and regulatory agreements finalized in early 2026.
Direct air connectivity was abruptly severed on 29 July 2024. The Venezuelan government, through its National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC), ordered the suspension of all commercial flights to and from the Dominican Republic, as well as Panama and Peru. The measure was a retaliatory response to the Dominican government’s questioning of the 28 July 2024 Venezuelan presidential election result.
The closure forced an estimated 115,000 Venezuelans living in the Dominican Republic to rely on expensive, multi-stop connections through third countries, primarily Colombia or Curacao, at increased travel time and costs.
The Civil Aviation Board (JAC) of the Dominican Republic paved the way for the reopening with Resolution 24-26, issued in early February 2026. This followed a joint statement on 1 February 2026 by both nations’ foreign ministries, which also confirmed the reactivation of consular services in Caracas and Santo Domingo.
The following airlines have been authorized to restore their non-stop frequencies: Venezuelan-based Laser Airlines, Avior Airlines, Rutaca, Turpial Airlines and Ravsa. The Dominican-based airlines that have covered the frequency are Sky High Aviation Services and Red Air.
Copa Airlines also operates the Venezuela-Panama-DR frequency. This was the primary “expensive multi-stop” route during the ban.
Flight schedules and logistics
As reported, Laser Airlines has initially scheduled three weekly flights (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays) between Caracas and Santo Domingo. Authorities expect frequencies to increase by mid-2026 as other carriers complete logistical arrangements, such as securing airport counters and ground handling services.
Travelers are reminded that the Dominican Republic still requires Venezuelan nationals to present a valid vaccination card against yellow fever if they have been in Venezuela within the last 14 days.
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Presidency
24 March 2026