Arajet’s Historic January Performance Signals New Era for Dominican Republic as Emerging Air Connectivity Hub

Published on February 23, 2026

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Arajet has opened the year with a record-breaking performance, marking January as the strongest month in its history since launching operations. Official figures released by the Dominican Republic’s Civil Aviation Board (JAC) show that the country’s flag carrier transported more than 158,000 passengers on direct routes during the first month of the year, setting a new benchmark for the airline’s growth.

The data reveals that Arajet carried 158,688 point-to-point travelers in January alone. This number reflects passengers flying directly to and from destinations within its network and does not account for those connecting through its expanding route system. When connecting passengers are included, the total number of travelers surpasses 175,000 — the first time the airline has crossed that threshold in a single month since it began operations.

The milestone underscores how quickly Arajet has carved out a significant role in the Dominican aviation market. In just a short span of time, the carrier has moved from being a newcomer to one of the country’s busiest airlines, steadily increasing both capacity and reach across the Americas.

According to the JAC’s official rankings for January, Arajet secured fourth place among all airlines operating in the Dominican Republic in terms of passenger volume. It trailed only three major U.S.-based carriers — JetBlue, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines — which have long-established operations and extensive international networks.

However, when connecting passengers are factored into the equation, Arajet climbs to third place overall. This adjustment reflects the growing importance of its hub-and-spoke strategy, which allows travelers to connect through the Dominican Republic to other destinations across its network. With this broader calculation, the airline has now maintained its position among the top three carriers in the country for seven consecutive months, signaling consistent and sustained momentum.

Beyond its standing among international competitors, Arajet has firmly established itself as the dominant player among Dominican airlines. In January, it transported 91.2 percent of all passengers who flew with national carriers. This share represents a historic high for the company and highlights its commanding presence in the domestic aviation sector.

Other Dominican airlines accounted for significantly smaller portions of the market. Sky High Aviation Services carried 4.4 percent of passengers traveling with local airlines during the month. Air Century represented 2.2 percent, while Red Air transported 1.8 percent. The contrast illustrates how Arajet has rapidly consolidated its position as the country’s leading homegrown airline.

The January results are more than just a statistical achievement; they reflect a broader transformation within the Dominican Republic’s aviation landscape. Over the past year, Arajet has focused on expanding its route network across key cities in North, Central, and South America, positioning Santo Domingo as a central connecting hub. By linking multiple destinations through the country, the airline is helping to channel transit traffic that previously bypassed the Dominican Republic in favor of larger regional hubs.

Industry observers note that the airline’s growth strategy has centered on competitive fares, fleet modernization, and a focus on underserved routes. By tapping into markets with strong demand for affordable travel options, Arajet has been able to stimulate passenger traffic while also strengthening connectivity between the Caribbean and the broader Americas.

The record-setting month also comes at a time when the Dominican Republic continues to experience robust tourism demand. As one of the Caribbean’s most visited destinations, the country benefits from steady inflows of international visitors, and airlines operating there are closely tied to seasonal travel patterns. Arajet’s performance in January — traditionally a strong month for Caribbean travel — suggests it has successfully captured a growing share of that demand.

Looking ahead, the airline’s leadership has indicated that expansion remains a central priority. Plans include increasing flight frequencies on high-demand routes and exploring new destinations to further broaden its network. By deepening its presence in existing markets and adding new city pairs, Arajet aims to reinforce the Dominican Republic’s role as a strategic gateway between continents.

The continued rise in passenger numbers also strengthens the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional aviation hub. As connecting traffic grows, the Dominican Republic stands to benefit from increased airport activity, job creation, and related economic opportunities tied to aviation and tourism.

For Arajet, January’s results represent both a milestone and a stepping stone. Surpassing 175,000 total passengers in a single month for the first time signals that the airline’s model is gaining traction. Maintaining its place among the top carriers in the market for seven straight months further confirms that this growth is not a short-term surge but part of a broader upward trajectory.

With sustained demand, an expanding network, and a dominant share among local competitors, Arajet enters the new year with strong momentum. If the January figures are any indication, the airline is poised to continue reshaping the Dominican aviation sector while reinforcing the country’s connectivity across the hemisphere.