The Dominican Republic’s two leading airports have both sought to give travelers the feel of being in the Caribbean while taking on the challenge of incorporating modern technology. Punta Cana International Airport in the east now has its new runway and control tower. Meanwhile, work is advancing on the completion of the remodeling and expansion of the southern terminal at Las Americas International, Santo Domingo’s main airport.
In time for the peak winter travel months, Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) inaugurated its new control tower and second runway, becoming the first local airport with two runways. The new runway was built to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and provides 360 views and state-of-the-art technology for better servicing of arriving and departing flights. The new runway is 3,000 meters long (10,171 feet long and 150 feet wide) and was built to cater for the largest aircraft in service today, including the Jumbo, extended range Airbus, B-787. PUJ receives about 60% of the country’s total air arrivals. Punta Cana International Airport is the Caribbean’s leading airport in terms of the number of flights from several destinations. Speaking at the inaugural, Grupo Puntacana CEO Frank Rainieri said the new facilities make PUJ the most modern air terminal in Central America and the Caribbean. The terminal is also a major cargo hub for the region, and the eighth largest in arrivals in Latin America.
Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International (SDQ) has also been undergoing major expansion and improvements. That airport receives around 22% of the country’s arrivals. These works are expected to be finished before the end of the peak tourism winter season. The renovation works include a new southern facade for the airport, improvements in the duty free shops and other commercial areas of the airport. Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom) says that the works being carried out by Architect Frank Ortega & Asociados total around RD$450 million. The firm is working with Vanta SRL and Constructora Armenteros SRL on the renovations and expansions.
Aerodom director general Andrew O’Brian told Listin Diario that the aim is to incorporate high aviation technology through use of stainless steel, aluminum and glass, with elements that have created the shape of an airplane’s wing, giving travelers the sensation of flying. Interior decoration details like bright tropical colors and wooden jalousie windows remind travelers they are in the Caribbean. The decor also includes images of the national bird, the palm chat, and palm trees and large posters of the sea.