Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) has transitioned to the Airport Operational Database (AODB) system, a “digital intelligence” upgrade that is also having a positive impact on airport congestion while construction of the third terminal proceeds. In January 2026, the airport handled 505,593 passengers, underscoring the urgency for efficiency. The new system enables operational efficiency at a time when the Dominican Republic is seeing record-breaking tourism numbers.
Aerodom, a subsidiary of France-based VINCI Airports, confirmed that SDQ and Gregorio Luperón (POP) in Puerto Plata are the first in its network to implement this centralized “digital brain.” The system, developed by AirportLabs, includes the SkyCore AODB, Allegra RMS, and the Airport Community App. This infrastructure enables the airport to shift from reactive to predictive management by synchronizing real-time data between airlines, ground handlers, and security partners.
The rollout comes amid tensions regarding physical expansion. On 28 January 2026, President Luis Abinader had warned of potential international arbitration in France if terminal construction did not accelerate construction of the Las Americas terminal. Minister of the Presidency Jose Ignacio Paliza previously had noted that the execution was behind schedule.
In response, Aerodom spokesperson Luis José López detailed that while “vertical construction” will become visible in August 2026, significant foundational work, including US$30 million in preliminary investments and the relocation of hangars, was completed in late 2025. The US$350 million third terminal, part of a US$2.15 billion concession extension through 2060, is slated for completion by December 2028. It will add capacity for 4 million passengers annually and include 13 new aircraft positions.
The concessionaire explains the rollout enhances infrastructure resilience and real-time coordination among aviation stakeholders. “This implementation is an important step in improving efficiency across our six airports. As traffic levels continue to increase, our objective is simple: to streamline processes, introduce a higher level of automation, and support real-time operations through better coordination. Consistent data sharing across stakeholders is essential to achieving strong operational performance,” said Damien Stephan, CFO of Aerodom.
The contractor is AirportLabs that is implementing the SkyCore AODB, Allegra RMS and Airport Community App (The Mobile Collaboration Hub) at the Aerodom airports.
The implementation of an Airport Operational Database (AODB) is a hallmark of “smart airport” infrastructure, used by the world’s busiest and most technologically advanced hubs to manage the “complexity crisis” of modern aviation. By adopting this system, Aerodom aligns its Dominican network with the operational standards of the following global leaders. AirportLab has installed the system at Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) and Dubai International (DXB), among other major air gateways.
The Abinader government had signed a controversial extension of the contract with the VINCI Airports through 2060 with the expansion reportedly the main work to be accomplished. The expansion is slated to be completed by 2028. The expansion project was a key part of the renegotiation of the airport concession contract that reportedly involves total investments of approximately US$2.15 billion. The project includes a US$350 million third airport terminal with a capacity for 4 million passengers annually, a 50,000-square-meter apron, space for 13 aircraft, and approximately 900 new parking spaces.
Las Americas International (SDQ) is the second most important airport in the Dominican Republic. While SDQ mainly serves capital city traffic, the Punta Cana International Airport (POP) is the country’s most used. Given that Las Americas handles at present around 5 million passengers a year, the expansion is seen as fitting the capital city for air traffic for decades to come. The expansion would almost double the present airport capacity.
Aerodom has been very active in defending its construction timeline following the government’s recent criticisms. In a detailed statement and project update released in early 2026, the company maintains that the new terminal project is advancing in strict compliance with the concession contract and international engineering standards.
Following President Abinader’s warning of international arbitration, Aerodom’s parent company, VINCI Airports, emphasized that they have already invested over US$30 million in preliminary work and that the final construction contract signed in December 2025 actually exceeds the original financial commitment made in the concession renewal.
Aerodom spokesperson Luis José López clarified that while the public expects to see “vertical construction” (walls and structures), the first 18 months of a project this size are dominated by critical technical work that is not always visible from the terminal windows.
• Geotechnical & soil studies: Completed in 2024 to ensure the stability of the new US$350 million terminal.
• Design Finalization: Full schematic designs for the terminal and the new Energy Center were finalized in November 2025.
• Environmental Permits: All necessary clearances from Dominican authorities were obtained between October and November 2025.
Site preparation & demolition
Aerodom highlighted that significant work has already occurred on the ground to clear the way for the new building:
• Hangar relocation: Existing hangars and service buildings in the project zone were demolished or relocated between June and November 2025.
• Infrastructure rerouting: Electrical networks, fiber optics, and temporary lighting were moved to ensure the airport remains operational during construction.
• Preliminary site setup: As of January 2026, the construction area was officially closed off, and platform leveling for the new access roads began.
Future construction milestones (Timeline to 2028)
To address the government’s concerns about “lack of progress,” Aerodom released a specific timeline of when the public will see the project take shape:
• February 2026: Commencement of major earthworks and preliminary structural works.
• August 2026: Installation of tower cranes and the start of the main building’s vertical structure.
• December 2026: Start of elevated concrete works and the aviation apron (parking area for 13 aircraft).
• December 2027: Projected completion of the terminal building roof.
• December 2028: Final commissioning and inauguration of the new terminal.
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El Dinero
24 March 2026