Punta Cana International Airport Crowned Best Medium-Sized Airport In The Caribbean

Last Updated 9 months ago

Punta Cana International Airport, the largest in the Dominican Republic, has just been voted the best medium-sized airport in the Caribbean. Airports Council International, a leading travel and airport organization, recently handed out the prestigious recognition for the 7th year in a row.

Inside view of a Punta Cana airport terminal

The award is a testament to the hard work conducted by Punta Cana officials, who have made great strides in creating one of Latin America’s best airports, which also have big plans in store for the future.

More specifically, Punta Cana’s airport was ranked the best in the category of airports that handle between 5 and 15 million passengers. Not only was Punta Cana International Airport ranked the best in the Dominican Republic, but also all of the Caribbean and Latin America, beating several other similarly sized airports in Mexico, Colombia, and other tropical hotspots.

Airplane lading in Punta Cana International Airport amid palm trees

In its annual rankings of the world’s leading airports, Airports Council International analyzed several categories, including passenger satisfaction, punctuality, cleanliness, and transit times, among other factors. The results of the ranking are based on extensive evaluations and passenger surveys that aim to provide a thorough overview of each airport’s performance.

Punta Cana International Airport performed well in all categories, with high marks for passenger satisfaction and comfort. According to airport executives, the goal is to create a passenger-centric experience where safety, design, and quality come together. In the words of Luis Felipe Oliviera, the director general of Airports Council International, “The customer is the center of everything, and this is reflected in all aspects of the ASQ rankings,” the executive said in an interview.

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Punta Cana International Airport sign with wood ceiling

Punta Cana International Airport is also one of the safest in the region, with an extensive network of security officials and authorities looking after guests. Law enforcement conducts regular inspections of both terminal facilities as well as departing and arriving travelers.

This is the 7th year in a row that Punta Cana International Airport has won the award, an impressive feat for the small coastal city that welcomes well over 70% of all international travel in the Dominican Republic.

Massive Terminal Expansion To Be Complete By May

With travel figures soaring, the Dominican Republic, and especially Punta Cana, are keen on accommodating a growing of passengers. To that end, last year, officials launched a massive, nearly $100 million investment package aimed at expanding Punta Cana International Airport’s Terminal B.

Several large planes parked on the airport terminal in Punta Cana

Work is almost complete on the new and improved terminal, which is slated for opening in May this year. Adding over 10 new jet bridges and countless other improvements to the airport’s shops and amenities, the expansion project will significantly transform Punta Cana airport.

The Dominican Republic could see well over 8 million international travelers flock to the country by the end of the year, with Punta Cana set to welcome the lion’s share of all tourists.

Aerial view of Punta Cana's white-sand beaches with blue waters

Punta Cana International Airport: Notable Facts

Punta Cana International Airport was inaugurated in 1983 as the world’s first private-run airport. To this day, the airport is entirely privately run and is owned by Grupo Punta Cana, which also owns several leading resorts. In 2022, the airport handled over eight million passengers, most of them international tourists, making it the largest airport in the country.

Outside view of Punta Cana airport terminal with aircraft

The airport currently houses 5 terminals, with international terminals A and B welcoming most commercial passenger traffic. The airport also has a terminal for domestic flights, as well as several VIP lounges for private jet passengers.

Aircraft parked outside of Punta Cana airport terminal

In addition to the ongoing renovation of Terminal B, which is expected to be ready in May this year, officials have made several improvements to the airport over the past year. The recent introduction of new high-tech x-ray machines means significantly sped up safety checks while improving safety.