Santo Domingo.- Thousands of Dominicans living abroad are returning home for the Christmas and New Year celebrations, bringing gifts for their families and friends. The influx of travelers has led airport authorities to implement additional controls, especially in the departure areas, due to the high volume of passengers, including many foreigners coming to greet their relatives.
Flights from the United States, Puerto Rico, Europe, Central, and South America are arriving at full capacity, with most passengers being Dominicans returning for the holidays. The bustling atmosphere at Las Américas Airport (AILA) is heightened by the vibrant merengue music, as travelers navigate through Immigration, Customs, and the crowded exit areas where their loved ones await.
To manage the surge, national and international airlines, including American Airlines, JetBlue, and Arajet, have added extra flights to accommodate the increased demand. Airport authorities and the Aerodom company expect over half a million passengers to pass through AILA in December. Additionally, the government has allowed Dominicans returning for the holidays to bring gifts worth up to US$5,000 tax-free, a policy being closely monitored by Customs and other security agencies. Enhanced security measures have been put in place at the airport and along the Las Américas highway to ensure the safety of travelers.