Peak winter travel demand is creating operational challenges at several Dominican Republic business aviation airports. Operators planning flights through late December 2025 and early January 2026 should anticipate limited ramp availability, mandatory coordination at Punta Cana, and ongoing parking constraints at Santo Domingo due to military activity.

Below is a summary of the most impactful operational considerations currently affecting Dominican Republic business aviation.

High-Impact Operational Summary

• Santo Domingo (MDSD): Severe parking constraints due to military activity
• Punta Cana (MDPC): Mandatory prior coordination through Jan 15, 2026
• Temporary MDPC parking fees in effect Dec 28, 2025 through Jan 10, 2026
• Drop-and-go operations recommended at MDSD
• Advance alternate planning advised for peak-season arrivals

Airport-Specific Operational Impacts

Las Américas International Airport (MDSD, Santo Domingo)

• Ongoing | Diversion-critical: Parking availability is extremely limited due to U.S. military activity and ongoing terminal construction
• Drop-and-go operations strongly recommended
• No confirmed timeline for normalization
• All operators and third-party service providers should plan for restricted parking approvals and confirm alternates in advance.
• Preferred alternates: MDJB and MDPP, subject to availability

Punta Cana International Airport (MDPC)

Until Jan 15, 2026| Diversion-critical

• Mandatory prior coordination required for all FBO and VIP operations
• Limited ramp capacity due to seasonal traffic levels
• Delays expected without advance approval

Temporary parking fees will apply during the high-demand holiday period.

Effective Dec 28, 2025 through Jan 10, 2026:

• Aircraft 0 to 6,500 lbs: USD 100
• Aircraft 6,501 to 12,500 lbs: USD 125
• Aircraft 12,501 to 30,000 lbs: USD 188
• Aircraft 30,001 to 80,000 lbs: USD 250
• Aircraft 80,001 lbs and above: USD 350

Standard parking rate conditions are expected to resume following this period. Operators should confirm parking approval and applicable fees prior to departure.

Alternate Airport Overview

La Romana International Airport (MDLR)

• PPR not required for aircraft under 75,000 lbs
• Parking generally available
• Charter permit processing approximately 24 hours
• CIQ via online e-ticket system: https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/
• Crew exempt

MDLR continues to serve as a reliable alternate during periods of congestion at Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport (MDCY, Samaná)

New FBO infrastructure | Operational consideration

A newly inaugurated, purpose-built FBO terminal is now operational at MDCY, expanding business aviation support options in the northeastern Dominican Republic.

• Modern FBO facilities available for business aviation
• Onsite customs and immigration capabilities
• Suitable for select leisure, repositioning, or congestion-avoidance operations

While MDCY is not expected to absorb large-scale diversion traffic, it may provide strategic flexibility during peak-season congestion affecting primary airports.

Winter Planning Considerations

• Expect parking saturation at major tourist and capital airports
• Coordinate early for Punta Cana operations
• Plan alternates when operating to Santo Domingo
• Confirm parking approvals, fees, permits, and CIQ procedures well in advance

Peak seasonal conditions are expected to persist through early January 2026, with duration dependent on traffic levels and ongoing military activity.