The Dominican Republic has unveiled a landmark infrastructure project that promises to transform its northern coastline’s economic landscape. President Luis Abinader, alongside executives from Discovery Land Company, Aman Group, and Third Point, has announced the development of the Playa Grande International Airport—a private aviation facility designed to provide direct international access to the region.
The announcement ceremony at Playa Grande was attended by Tourism Minister David Collado and prominent investors, including Third Point founder Daniel Loeb, hospitality visionary Mike Meldman, and former MLB superstar Alex Rodriguez. The airport initiative forms part of a comprehensive expansion strategy for the Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club, with projected investments exceeding US$1 billion in residential and tourism development.
President Abinader emphasized the government’s commitment to institutional integrity, stating that the project advanced through proper legal channels while maintaining regulatory compliance. He acknowledged investor confidence in the Dominican Republic’s economy, which attracted approximately $5 billion in foreign investment last year, and highlighted the private sector’s crucial role in driving national economic growth.
Minister Collado revealed that previous administrations had repeatedly stalled the airport initiative. The breakthrough came when Collado directly engaged President Abinader, who subsequently endorsed the project through presidential decree authority after assuring investors of governmental support.
Developers anticipate the airport will serve as a gateway for thousands of families connected to Discovery Land Company’s global communities. The enhanced connectivity is expected to position Playa Grande among the Caribbean’s most exclusive destinations while unlocking substantial residential development opportunities.
Situated along 11 kilometers of protected Atlantic coastline in Río San Juan, Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club features luxury residences, the renowned Amanera resort, and a championship golf course originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and refined by Rees Jones. The new airport infrastructure will strategically connect the destination to key markets across North America, Europe, and Latin America, catalyzing the next phase of premium tourism and real estate growth in the region.