The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic is experiencing a robust, sustained expansion in its general aviation sector, with official data showing that the industry now contributes roughly $400 million in annual economic output. This rapid growth is overwhelmingly fueled by rising demand for private jet and executive travel, a trend deeply tied to the country’s thriving international tourism industry. Newly released statistics from the Dominican Airport Department confirm strong operational activity across the nation’s major air facilities, cementing the country’s growing reputation as a leading private aviation hub in the Caribbean region.
Looking at early 2026 operational data, the sector’s momentum remains clearly visible across the country’s busiest general aviation airports. In January 2026, La Romana International Airport claimed the top spot for private, non-commercial flight operations, recording 482 total takeoffs and landings. It was followed closely by La Isabela International Airport—better known locally as El Higüero—with 410 operations, and Punta Cana International Airport, one of the nation’s top tourism gateways, with 380. By February 2026, the rankings shifted slightly, with El Higüero moving into first place with 478 operations. La Romana dropped to second with 402, while Punta Cana held third position with 318. Several other airports across the country also contribute to the growing sector, including Cabo Rojo Airport, Osvaldo Virgil Domestic Airport, Samaná El Catey International Airport, and Gregorio Luperón International Airport.
Year-over-year data leaves no doubt that the upward trajectory is accelerating, rather than slowing. Total general aviation operations across the country jumped from 13,951 in 2024 to 18,909 in 2025, a 35% increase that marks one of the fastest growth rates for general aviation in the Caribbean. El Higüero, Punta Cana, and La Romana have consistently remained the three busiest hubs for this activity throughout the expansion. Through the first two months of 2026, the nation has already logged thousands of private operations, including a steady stream of inbound private jet flights originating from Miami. These flights are part of targeted tourism initiatives such as the “Flying Caribbean Adventure,” a program designed to attract high-net-worth international travelers to less-visited Dominican destinations including Montecristi. Beyond expanding the aviation sector itself, these initiatives deliver tangible economic benefits to local communities, driving increased spending on hospitality, local attractions, and services that support livelihoods across the country.