Arajet Adds Third Daily Flight to New York as Dominican Tourism Soars on Open Skies Success

Published on December 7, 2025

In a major development for travelers and the expansive Dominican diaspora in the United States, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism and low-cost carrier Arajet have jointly announced the addition of a third daily flight connecting the Dominican capital, Santo Domingo, to the New York metropolitan area (Newark-EWR).

The expansion, set to commence next spring, is a direct response to the sustained and surging demand for travel between the two regions. It represents a significant victory for the Dominican Republic’s push for greater air connectivity, market competition, and accessible fares, particularly following the implementation of the Open Skies Agreement between the US and the Dominican Republic.

The Strategy: Accessibility and Economic Growth

The announcement, delivered by Minister of Tourism David Collado and Arajet CEO Victor Pacheco, highlights the critical role Arajet is playing not just as an airline, but as a key driver of national economic strategy.

Bridging the Diaspora and Tourism Boom

The new route primarily targets two massive markets:

The Dominican Diaspora: New York, particularly the area around Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), is home to the largest concentration of Dominicans outside the country. This community is a vital source of travelers visiting friends and family (VFR), and the increased frequency directly addresses their need for affordable and convenient travel options. Minister Collado emphasized that the government’s efforts have guaranteed the most competitive prices on the market, especially during peak seasons like the Christmas holidays, ensuring that family reunions don’t break the budget.

General Tourism Flow: The Dominican Republic’s tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, consistently posting record-breaking visitor arrivals. The third daily flight adds crucial capacity from the United States, which remains the top source country for tourists. This expanded service ensures that the country can continue to accommodate the rising number of tourists seeking the Dominican Republic’s diverse offerings, from the historic Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo (SDQ) to the famous beaches of the East Coast.

The Open Skies Dividend

Minister Collado credited the expansion to the successful efforts of the Dominican government to sign the Open Skies Agreement. This treaty eliminated restrictions on flight routes and frequencies between the two countries, fostering greater competition and allowing Dominican airlines like Arajet to compete directly with major US carriers.

“This is the result of all the effort the Dominican government made to sign open skies agreements, fostering greater competition and better connectivity. Thanks to this, today we see a Dominican airline flying to six cities in the United States at the most competitive prices on the market,” stated Minister Collado.

This competitive environment has been critical in solidifying Arajet’s position as a dominant low-cost, high-value option in the region.

Arajet’s Rapid Ascent and Operational Details

Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s flag carrier, has had a remarkable trajectory since launching operations. The airline operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency, which allows the carrier to maintain its low-fare model.

Newark: A Strategic Priority

The Santo Domingo (SDQ) to Newark (EWR) route is a strategic cornerstone for Arajet. The airline previously operated two daily flights on this route: one departing Santo Domingo early in the morning (around 6:10 a.m.) and a second evening flight (around 7:10 p.m.). The introduction of a third flight next spring will further solidify the route’s importance, providing travelers with even greater flexibility in their schedules.

Arajet has successfully positioned itself as a key regional hub, connecting North, Central, and South America from its base in the Dominican Republic. This new capacity to New York not only serves point-to-point traffic but also enhances Arajet’s ability to offer competitive connection options for travelers arriving from or heading to its extensive network across the continent.

Impressive Growth Metrics

Arajet’s rapid growth has been a major highlight for the Dominican aviation sector:

• The airline surpassed one million passengers transported in 2024, becoming the first Dominican airline to reach this milestone in a single year.
• It currently holds a significant share of all passenger traffic in the Dominican Republic, demonstrating its impact on the national air market.

This expansion to New York is the latest in a series of strategic moves, including the opening of new US routes and the recent inauguration of its second operating base at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), confirming the airline’s commitment to sustained growth and regional leadership.

The Human Touch: What This Means for Travelers

For the average traveler, a third daily flight is more than just a number; it translates directly into real-world benefits:

• Fare Savings: Increased competition, driven by low-cost carriers like Arajet, exerts downward pressure on all fares, making those much-needed visits home or dream vacations more affordable for everyone.
• Flexibility: Three daily flights offer morning, afternoon, and evening options, allowing travelers to maximize their time in either the Dominican Republic or New York without losing an entire day to travel.
• Convenience: For the millions of Dominicans living in the New York area, this increased frequency represents a lifeline—making it easier to attend family events, manage emergencies, or simply reconnect with their heritage and loved ones.

This joint announcement by the Ministry of Tourism and Arajet is a clear signal: the Dominican Republic is not only recovering from past challenges but is actively pursuing a future where its connectivity is strong, its tourism is booming, and its diaspora is closer than ever.