Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (AILA) is witnessing unprecedented passenger volumes during this year’s Christmas season, primarily fueled by the massive return of the Dominican diaspora. Official data reveals that between December 1st and 23rd, the airport processed more than 425,000 travelers, with approximately 70% being Dominican nationals residing overseas—particularly in the United States and European countries. Projections indicate that diaspora travelers will constitute nearly 80% of December’s total passenger traffic, highlighting this annual homecoming tradition.
Aerodom, the airport’s operator, reported exceptionally high activity during the first half of December alone, handling over 230,000 passengers and approximately 4,000 flight operations. While airport functions have maintained overall orderliness, some travelers experienced operational challenges including baggage delivery delays and confiscation of food items—particularly turkey meat—due to stringent agricultural health regulations implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture to protect domestic poultry production.
In response to the seasonal surge, authorities have significantly enhanced health and security protocols. The Ministry of Public Health has intensified epidemiological surveillance at all arrival points, conducting symptom screenings for influenza-like illnesses and establishing coordinated response protocols with the national 9-1-1 emergency system. Simultaneously, the Specialized Airport and Civil Aviation Security Corps (CESAC) has bolstered security personnel and implemented reinforced control measures across AILA and other national airports to ensure safe and efficient passenger transit during this peak travel period.