One of the region’s fastest-growing airlines plans to expand into the United States this summer. Last year, Arajet, a low-cost carrier based in the Dominican Republic, transported over one million passengers to 16 countries. Arajet is now trying to become a regional center by introducing flights to three US destinations.
Where does Arajet operate?
The airline’s hub-and-spoke model connects its two hubs in the Dominican Republic to destinations in North, Central, and South America. Arajet started operations in September 2022 from Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, using a Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
Arajet established a second base at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in October 2024, expanding its network with important routes and destinations to attract new tourism and promote outbound travel.
Today, the airline has direct flights to 23 destinations in 16 countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.
The carrier now intends to enhance aviation in the Dominican Republic by establishing it as a new regional air hub.
Arajet aspires to introduce flights to the US, the region’s largest market, and currently serves two Canadian cities. Arajet CEO and Founder Victor Pacheco announced plans to operate flights to New York City, Miami, and Puerto Rico upon approval of its Open Skies agreement.
“This is an important milestone and we are excited to officially launch in the United States next year.”
“These lines will increase travel to the United States, a critical market for the Dominican Republic, and our low-cost flights will create new chances to boost tourism and business.
“We’re eager to welcome American travelers and its diaspora communities to the Dominican Republic and further establish the country as an exciting hub connecting to 16 countries in the Americas.”
Where will they fly in the US?
A representative for the airline told Simple Flying this week that they had yet to decide which New York City-area airport would receive direct flights from the Dominican Republic.
Flights to Miami may alternatively use the adjacent Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), home to low-cost airlines Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the largest and busiest airport in the Caribbean, so flights will likely depart from there. However, the island has several smaller minor airports that could benefit from links through Arajet’s expanding hubs in the Dominican Republic.
Based on Arajet’s current route network, it could make the greatest north-south connections by launching flights to the United States from its hub in Punta Cana, which also serves as the departure point for flights to Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
The airport is the country’s busiest, with over 9 million passengers annually, and it even has a pool with a view of the runway!
Arajet is expected to commence flights to the United States from Santo Domingo, where the carrier connects to other regional destinations. Arajet, for example, is the sole airline that operates between the Dominican Republic’s capital city and Jamaica.
Domestically, the airline flies out of Cibao International Airport (STI), the country’s second-largest city, and is considering adding flights from Puerto Plata International Airport (POP) on the northern coast.