SANTO DOMINGO.- Although the presidential decree authorizing it is still pending, Resolution 6948 of the Airport Commission specifically authorizes the increase in airport fees, as part of the renewal of the concession contract with Aerodom, to finance the new terminal at AILA, which will directly impact the cost of travel starting November 1.
Currently, each ticket costs $22.99 to use the airport and carry on luggage. Starting in November, this will increase to $24.27, a total increase of $1.28, further inflating the country's already high airport costs, which are among the highest in the region
According to Omar Chahín Lama, president of the Dominican Association of Airlines (ADLA), the increase is broken down as follows: the infrastructure usage fee will increase from US$19.67 to US$20.77, representing an increase of approximately 5.6%, while the baggage handling fee will be adjusted from US$3.32 to US$3.50, equivalent to a 5.4% increase.
Although the figures appear moderate, the cumulative effect on the total price of tickets—especially on short-haul or low-cost flights—could be more noticeable for frequent flyers, family trips, and groups. "This will undoubtedly increase airfares," warned Chahín Lama, who also pointed out that the Dominican Republic already has some of the highest airport costs in the region.
The president of ADLA also expressed concern about the potential impact on domestic airlines, which act as withholding agents for these taxes and are already facing significant operational pressures. As of Monday, July 7, no airline or travel agency has officially commented on how these new charges will be applied to their fare structures. Nor have any concrete estimates been released regarding how much the average ticket cost could increase.
ADLA's call is to establish a balance between infrastructure investment and tariff competitiveness, so that the Dominican Republic remains an accessible and attractive destination in the region.
In addition to the new fees, AILA is undergoing an expansion, as we reported in El Inmobiliario, with plans to build a new terminal with a US$250 million investment, which will begin this year and is expected to be completed by 2028. This infrastructure will have a capacity for 4 million passengers annually, which will help alleviate the current flow of the airport, which already exceeds 5.5 million passengers per year.
Although the project aims to improve the user experience and strengthen the country's connectivity, it is also directly linked to the increase in rates, which are necessary to finance these improvements.
The eighth consideration of the resolution establishes that, on March 31, 2025, the general director of Aerodom, Monika Infante, formally requested the approval of the increase through a letter addressed to the members of the Airport Commission, as a necessity to finance the construction of the new terminal, which is expected to double its operational capacity.
Total combined increase of the two rates:
Before the adjustment:
- Current infrastructure rate: US$19.67
- Current baggage handling fee: US$3.32
➡ Current total:
19.67 + 3.32 = US$22.99
After the adjustment:
- New infrastructure rate: US$20.77
- New baggage handling fee: US$3.50
➡ New total:
20.77 + 3.50 = US$24.27
Absolute increase:
24.27 − 22.99 = US$1.28
Total percentage increase:
The total combined increase in airport fees will be US$1.28, representing a 5.57% increase over the current amount (US$22.99).
