Collado: AILA must speed up expansion to keep pace with Santiago and Punta Cana airports

Santo Domingo’s tourism authorities have declared the nation’s airport infrastructure fully equipped to handle current and future travel demands, with substantial capital investments actively transforming the country’s key aviation gateways. Tourism Minister David Collado provided a comprehensive update on the strategic modernization initiatives underway across the Dominican Republic’s primary international airports, emphasizing their critical role in strengthening global connectivity and elevating traveler experiences.

Significant advancements are particularly evident at Santiago’s Cibao International Airport, where extensive renovation works are progressing rapidly. Meanwhile, Punta Cana International Airport—the Caribbean’s busiest terminal—has successfully concluded its latest enhancement phase and is already planning a third expansion to accommodate growing passenger volumes.

Minister Collado specifically addressed the development timeline for Las Américas International Airport (AILA), urging accelerated progress on its US$250 million-plus transformation. Operated by Aerodom under the VINCI Airports consortium, AILA’s major redevelopment features a completely new passenger terminal designed to operate concurrently with existing facilities. The ambitious project remains on track for completion between late 2027 and 2028, though Collado emphasized the necessity for expedited implementation given the nation’s consistently robust passenger traffic.

The coordinated infrastructure improvements reflect the Dominican government’s strategic focus on maintaining the country’s competitive edge in global tourism markets. These aviation enhancements directly support the nation’s broader economic objectives, ensuring that physical infrastructure evolves in lockstep with visitor growth and evolving industry standards.