On Monday, 26 October, British Airways began its twice-weekly service from Gatwick to Punta Cana, the DR’s leading sun and sand destination. The airline now flies to 13 destinations in the Caribbean, with more flights to the region than any other UK carrier. BA will compete with Air Europa, Iberia, Air France, Martinair and Condor for services to Europe. Dominican ambassador to the United Kingdom Anibal de Castro was here for the inaugural flight.
As reported in Listin Diario, de Castro said that the flight is evidence of the acceptance of official efforts to promote visits by tourists with higher purchasing power. The flights will also encourage more independent travel.
In addition to the new Punta Cana route, the airline is also increasing flights to other winter sun hotspots in the region such as St Lucia (from three to five flights a week), Barbados (from nine to ten) and Port of Spain, Trinidad (from three to five). In all, BA will now fly to the Caribbean 45 times a week.
Richard Tams, head of sales at British Airways, says that the new flight will be a plus for destinations beyond Punta Cana. He said that British tourists will now be able to “relax on sun-kissed beaches” but at the same time they will be able to stroll along the 16th century cobblestone streets of the capital in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone or take a hiking holiday in the mountains in the forested inland.