Santo Domingo.- Héctor Porcella, president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), announced that the Open Skies agreement between the Dominican Republic and the United States is expected to take effect early next year. This comes after the agreement’s validation by the Constitutional Court and the National Congress. The agreement, in negotiation for over 25 years, will promote tourism and trade, with the Dominican Republic being one of the last Latin American countries without such an agreement with the US. It is a significant achievement under the leadership of President Luis Abinader and Tourism Minister David Collado, aiming to enhance air connectivity and lift restrictions on Dominican-registered airlines flying to US destinations.
Porcella also mentioned that the Dominican Republic’s aviation authorities are preparing to attend the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAN-ICAO) meeting in Malaysia, where they will negotiate 10 additional open skies agreements with other countries. Agreements with Argentina and several African nations are already in the pipeline. In 2025, the Dominican Republic will host the ICAN-ICAO conference, further cementing its position as a key hub in global civil aviation. As an island nation and leading Latin American tourist destination, expanding air connectivity is essential for continued growth.
The Open Skies agreement will directly benefit Dominican airlines, allowing them to establish new routes to the US and bolster the local aviation sector. Additionally, it is expected to reduce airfare costs for Dominicans living in the US by increasing competition in the market. Other government initiatives, such as reducing aviation fuel taxes by 50%, will further support this growth in air travel and tourism.