He asserted that there is increasing pressure from both communities.
SANTO DOMINGO. – The president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC), Héctor Porcella, said this week that although there is interest on the part of aeronautical authorities in Venezuela to reinstate suspended routes, the reopening of flights between the two nations will depend on a diplomatic decision coordinated between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency of the Republic.
The official explained that this is an issue requiring careful evaluation, given the current situation. “How can we establish air connectivity if we don't even have a consul there?… This is an issue that goes beyond the realm of aviation. It's a matter of state, and obviously the president will always make the decision that best benefits the Dominican Republic.” That's why this issue requires careful evaluation,” the official stated.
Porcella acknowledged that, due to the lack of air connectivity, many Dominicans remain in Venezuela without the possibility of returning, just as numerous Venezuelan citizens residing in the country face difficulties in traveling or renewing their documentation; while also assuring that, given this situation, there is increasing pressure from both communities.
However, he reiterated that the Dominican government remains in permanent session, coordinating on this issue, since any decision on the resumption of flights must be preceded by the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
During his appearance on Telemicro's morning program, Porcella also mentioned that the Open Skies agreement between the Dominican Republic and the United States is being strengthened with a view to increasing flight frequency, allowing the entry of new airlines, and achieving a progressive reduction in airfares, he stated
Highlighting that the Dominican Republic has air agreements with more than 70 countries, Héctor Porcella pointed out that among the most important is the one with the United States, due to the number of American tourists who visit us and because it is our main trading partner.
The official highlighted the agreement signed with Argentina in December 2024, which is already bearing fruit: "fares are going down and Dominican airlines are flying directly to the Southern Cone, to cities like Buenos Aires and Cordoba," the official stated, after indicating that Argentine airlines not only fly to Santo Domingo, but also to Punta Cana.
More routes
He announced, in an interview on Telemicro's morning program, that despite French airlines having withdrawn from the country, Air France committed to resuming its Paris-Dominican Republic route in early 2026.
Regarding Russia and his visit to that country a few weeks ago, the president of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) revealed that Russian airlines have expressed interest in resuming charter flights to the Dominican Republic, particularly to Punta Cana. However, he explained that although the airlines already have their own aircraft and are ready to fly, the resumption of operations will depend on a high-level political and diplomatic agreement.
With these actions, the Dominican Republic consolidates its position as one of the most dynamic countries in civil aviation in Latin America and the Caribbean, boosting tourism, exports, investment and job creation through an existing and projected air connectivity policy.
AILA modernization progress.
Regarding the modernization of Las Américas International Airport (AILA), Porcella said progress is being made on the expansion of its terminal, a new parking lot, and plans for a new hotel within the airport grounds. He explained that additional space has also been strategically reserved for a second runway, between the existing runway and the Caucedo Port.
