LIMA, Peru — Punta Cana International Airport, the busiest aviation hub in the Dominican Republic and the wider Caribbean, has been honored with the prestigious APEX Partner Award from Airports Council International (ACI) World. The recognition celebrates the airport’s long-standing contributions to and collaborative work within the Airport Excellence Program (APEX), a global initiative designed to elevate airport safety standards and streamline operational performance through cross-industry knowledge sharing.
The award was officially presented during the ACI-LAC/World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition (WAGA 2026), held this year in the Peruvian capital. The ceremony coincided with the 15th anniversary of the APEX program, which has grown into a cornerstone of global aviation improvement over the past decade and a half. Built around the core principles of peer collaboration, APEX connects aviation professionals from across the globe to conduct structured peer reviews, exchange on-the-ground operational experiences, and pinpoint targeted areas for enhancement, all aligned with strict standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), global regulatory frameworks, and proven industry best practices.
Alberto Smith, Landside Director of Punta Cana International Airport, accepted the honor on the airport’s behalf during the formal assembly ceremony. Program officials noted that the award underscores Punta Cana Airport’s active integration into the global airport community, as well as its unwavering commitment to open knowledge sharing, continuous operational improvement, and industry-leading excellence.
First opened to commercial traffic in 1983, Punta Cana International Airport (IATA code PUJ) has grown into the Caribbean’s most connected air hub, linking the region to 81 international airports across 26 countries and welcoming roughly 8 million commercial passengers each year. The sprawling facility boasts two operational runways, 41 passenger boarding gates, 45 dedicated aircraft parking positions, and four premium VIP lounges to serve the needs of leisure and business travelers alike.
This latest APEX Partner Award adds to a long list of industry distinctions earned by the airport over the past decade. Notably, PUJ claimed ACI’s “Best Airport by Size and Region” award for the 5–15 million annual passenger category in the Caribbean and Latin America for eight consecutive years between 2015 and 2023. It also holds ACI’s Level 3 Customer Experience Accreditation, the highest tier of the global customer service certification, and a four-star quality rating from air transport rating agency SKYTRAX.
Beyond operational and customer service excellence, Punta Cana International Airport has prioritized sustainability and public health, earning Level 3 Carbon Footprint certification from ACI and additional industry recognition for its rigorous post-pandemic hygiene measures. These credentials reinforce the airport’s core institutional focus on three pillars: unmatched traveler safety, long-term environmental sustainability, and industry-leading passenger experience.