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Arajet, a budget airline based in the Dominican Republic, has announced its intention to commence operations in the U.S. market, including Puerto Rico, by the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Travel and Tour World.
This expansion will link major U.S. cities such as New York and Miami, contingent upon the U.S. Department of Transportation approving new routes under the Open Skies agreement. The sale of tickets is expected to begin once these routes attain final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The airline’s foray into the U.S. market seeks to enhance ties between the Dominican Republic and regions with large Dominican populations. Although the exact New York airport is not yet specified, industry analysts predict that the flights will probably connect Punta Cana with either John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport.
In Miami, it is expected that flights will operate from Miami International Airport, which has a strong link to the Dominican American community. Additionally, Arajet’s growth will feature a new service to Puerto Rico, strengthening the airline’s position as a primary carrier in the Caribbean region.
Since its establishment in 2022, Arajet’s ambitions to operate U.S. routes have encountered hurdles. Nacim Yala, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, highlighted the critical nature of the U.S. market for Dominican travel, indicating that about 60% of Dominican air traffic is directed towards the United States. He likened the airline’s situation to a sprinter eagerly awaiting the starting gun.
The recent activation of the Open Skies agreement has opened the door for Dominican airlines to compete without constraints in the U.S. market, allowing for previously restricted growth. This move is in line with similar pacts that the Dominican Republic has established with Panama, Brazil, and the Netherlands, fostering enhanced travel, trade, and economic development.
