The Dominican government has authorized higher airport fees starting on 1 November 2025. This comes at the behest of the consortium that runs some of the major airports, Aerodom. Dominican Airports Siglo XXI (Aerodom) is building an entirely new terminal at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) that will cost about US$250 million, and for that reason, it has requested that the government authorize the increases in airport fees, Diario Libre reports.
So, according to the spokesperson for the Dominican Airline Association, the new charges will be levied to all plane tickets for folks entering or leaving the country using that airport.
The association said that this could have negative effects on the overall operations of the airlines servicing Las Americas.
In numbers, the new tariff will increase by US$1.10, going to US$20.77 per passenger using the airport. In addition, there will also be a small increase in the fees charged for baggage handling, now reaching US$3.50 per passenger.
The Dominican Republic currently has the third-highest taxes on airfares in Latin America, according to the CEO of Air Century Airlines.
The Dominican Republic is a major aviation hub in the Americas, taking advantage of its central geographic location. Nevertheless, the country already has high operating costs, and ranks 17th of 20 countries in the Air Transport Competitiveness Ranking prepared by Amadeus and ALTA.
Source: DR1, Diario Libre
July 12, 2025
Tourism Minister David Collado announced on Sunday, 7 July 2025, that a significant renovation project for Boca Chica beach and surrounding areas is set to begin. This initiative, formalized through an agreement signed by Minister Collado and various local associations and social groups, represents a substantial investment in the region’s tourism infrastructure.
The government will invest around RD$600 million to revitalize Boca Chica, the beach destination near the capital city.
The comprehensive plan includes:
• Reconstruction of the Malecón: The boardwalk in this popular tourist area will be rebuilt, stretching from Andrés beach to Boca Chica.
• Street paving: All surrounding streets will be paved to improve access and aesthetics.
• Drainage and wastewater systems: Essential repairs will be made to the drainage and sewage treatment systems.
• New parks: Three central parks will be constructed, including Plaza Los Caracoles and a children’s park.
Minister Collado also outlined plans to support the local community and businesses:
• Tourism cluster and training: A tourism cluster will be established, offering training programs for young people in the tourism sector, supported by local universities.
• Vendor guarantees: All recognized vendors with spaces approved by the beach workers’ association are guaranteed to retain their spots within this renovation plan.
• Business upgrades: Each merchant will receive stainless steel furniture and appliances for their stands.
• Entrepreneurial loans: Through the National Council for the Promotion and Support of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (Promypime), merchants will have access to immediate entrepreneurial loans at preferential rates to help them formalize and grow their businesses.
The work is scheduled to commence within 90 days. To ensure transparency, the tenders for these projects have already been posted on the Ministry’s portal and will be supervised by universities, churches, and the municipal tourism cluster.
“It’s Boca Chica’s time, and I assure you again that I will not conclude my term until this beach is fully recovered and has nothing to envy any other beach in the country,” Collado declared to applause from the locals.
Source: DR1, Ministry of Tourism
July 12, 2025
Tourism Minister David Collado announced Santiago and Puerto Plata will soon have direct flights to Panama. Panama is a hub for connecting to South America and other destinations.
Tourism Minister Collado announced that Copa is adding three weekly flights from Panama to Puerto Plata (13 January 2026) and three weekly flights between Panama and Santiago (15 January 2026).
Collado highlighted that these nonstop flights open up doors for an increase in visitors, mainly from South America and Central America.
Santiago’s Cibao International Airport (STI) is the main gateway for the northern and central provinces, followed by Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP).
Source: DR1
July 12, 2025
The 8th of July marked the third month of the death of around 270 persons that happened when the cement roof of the JetSet Club collapsed during a merengue concert. Little has advanced with the case. Several media outlets continue to post updates on the story with chapters on the victims’ family plights. The official preliminary report points to the overloading of the roof as the trigger of the collapse.
Source: DR1, El Caribe
July 12, 2025
