Punta Cana International Airport Airport Expansion To Open This May

Last Updated 9 months ago

One of the year’s most awaited infrastructure projects is nearing completion in Punta Cana. Namely, the expansion of Punta Cana International Airport’s Terminal B, which is expected to be fully complete by May this year.

Aerial view of Punta Cana on arrival to airport

The massive renovation project will radically transform the country’s largest airport, enabling it to handle more passengers and larger aircraft and making for a more comfortable travel experience. The announcement comes at a time when the Dominican Republic is seeing its popularity soar among travelers.

Despite its small size, Punta Cana – the most popular resort hotspot in the Dominican Republic – is home to the busiest airport in the country. With travel numbers skyrocketing, the city’s international airport is struggling to meet record-shattering demand, leading to occasional travel chaos and long queues during busy travel periods.

Dominican Republic flags in front of massive building

Last year, authorities began a massive rehaul of the airport’s Terminal B to address growing concerns over the airport’s ability to handle growing travel numbers. The ambitious plan envisions a world-class airport with more air bridges and infrastructure capable of handling much larger aircraft.

Fast forward to 2023, and the costly project is nearing completion. This week, Grupo Punta Cana, the company operating the airport, announced that the new and improved Terminal B is expected to be operational by May this year, just in time for the hectic summer travel season.

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Inside Punta Cana International Airport with columns

Everything Travelers Need To Know About Punta Cana’s New Terminal B

The ongoing renovation will add a total of 13 new jet bridges to Punta Cana’s international airport. The significant jump will allow for more aircraft to arrive, opening up the possibility for airlines to launch more routes to the country’s most popular resort destination. According to official calculations, the renovation will enable the airport to welcome up to 3 million more passengers than current capacity allows me, massively boosting the Dominican Republic’s arrival figures.

Line at airport security with Christmas decoration

Several of the new jet bridges are already in use, and the remaining ones will enter service over the following months. The $100 million investment will also address the airport’s aging appearance and will add new floor space to make the airport feel more spacious and comfortable for passengers. Despite being ranked the best medium-sized airport in the Caribbean, Punta Cana’s airport is also one of the oldest, having opened its doors in the 1980s.

Airplane lading in Punta Cana International Airport amid palm trees

The new terminal B is just a taste of what is to come for Punta Cana. Officials have already begun planning the construction of a third terminal, Terminal C, which is forecast to take several years to build.

Punta Cana And Dominican Republic Continue To Shatter Arrival Records

Punta Cana International Airpot’s ongoing renovation is part of a wider push by authorities to make the Dominican Republic more travel-friendly. From new cruise ship ports to massive all-inclusives, the tropical national is taking big steps to attract new travelers. In February, over 800,000 visitors flocked to the sun-soaked island as the country reported another back-to-back monthly travel record.

Tropical beach with white sand and blue water in La Romana

Punta Cana’s airport is currently the largest in the country, handling some 8 million passengers per year. With flights to over 26 countries, it’s also the most well-connected in the Dominican Republic, ahead of the country’s capital Santo Domingo. Most large full-service U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, United, and Delta, operate flights to the seaside destination. Moreover, low-cost airlines, such as Frontier and JetBlue, focus heavily on the Dominican Republic.

This year is expected to be one of the busiest years on record for the Dominican Republic, especially as the country was recently featured on the list of the top 10 destinations to visit in 2023, according to TripAdvisor.