Monday, July 8, 2024
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The United States and the Dominican Republic have successfully concluded negotiations for an open skies agreement, as reported by the US Department of State. This landmark agreement aims to lower airfares, enhance market competitiveness, and streamline tourism between the two nations.
A Milestone After 25 Years
The finalization of a memorandum of consultations marks the end of 25 years of discussions aimed at improving the bilateral open skies agreement. Both governments will now collaborate to formalize and implement the new deal.
Air Travel Dynamics Between the US and the Dominican Republic
In 2023, the Dominican Republic emerged as the second most visited destination in Latin America by international tourists, trailing only Mexico, according to Statista. A report by Airinsight highlighted that over 10 million travelers visited the Dominican Republic, with 7.3 million arriving by air. The United States was the leading source of tourists, accounting for 48% of all air arrivals.
Currently, nine US-based airlines — American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines — along with two Dominican carriers, RED Air and Sky High Dominicana, connect the two countries.
The open skies agreement will allow these airlines to expand their flights without limitations. Additionally, Arajet, a low-cost carrier from the Dominican Republic, plans to launch flights to the United States, benefiting from the new agreement to enter the market.