Canada-Dominican Republic flights to jump 39% for winter
AERODOM, the airport operator, will increase seat capacity from Canada to the Dominican Republic by 39% for the 2026-2027 winter season.
Airport operator AERODOM will boost seat capacity from Canada to the Dominican Republic by 39% for the 2026-2027 winter season. The move directly responds to a sharp rise in Canadian passenger traffic at its airports, according to a company statement.
Canadian tourist arrivals have surged. At the Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata (POP), traffic is up 13% compared to 2025. The increase is even more dramatic at the Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport in Samaná (AZS), which has seen a 62% jump.
New Routes Added
Three new direct routes will launch starting in December. Air Canada will begin flying twice weekly between Montreal and Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo. Air Transat is adding a weekly flight from London, Ontario, to Puerto Plata. WestJet will connect Winnipeg to Puerto Plata with a weekly service.
Airline Traffic at Key Airports
The source report breaks down passenger volumes for the leading airlines at the two main tourist airports. Air Transat leads in passenger numbers at both locations.
| Airport | Airline | Passenger Volume (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Plata (POP) | Air Transat | 153,000 | Leads in volume |
| Puerto Plata (POP) | WestJet | 113,000+ | |
| Samaná (AZS) | Air Transat | 44,000 | Leads in volume |
| Samaná (AZS) | WestJet | 31,000 | |
| Samaná (AZS) | Air Canada | 19,000 | Represents 17% growth vs. Prior year |
Air Canada has also expanded its presence, registering a 22% growth in traffic at the Puerto Plata terminal.
Capacity Increases for Winter Peak
Forecasts for the upcoming winter season anticipate a 20% increase in available seat capacity from Canada to Puerto Plata. For Samaná, the planned seat capacity increase is even larger at 39%, which AERODOM says will solidify coverage during the peak winter travel period.
Cyril Girot, CEO of AERODOM, linked the expansion to the market's potential. "We are committed to continuing to strengthen the connectivity of our airports with strategic markets for the Dominican Republic," Girot said. He added that the growth observed from Canada and the response from airlines with new routes and more capacity reflects this potential.
AERODOM operates six terminals in the Caribbean country under the VINCI Airports concession network. The managed airports also include Arroyo Barril, María Montez, and Dr. Joaquín Balaguer.
