Dominican Republic advances civil aviation modernization with new radar and airport systems
Washington.- The Dominican Republic is advancing the modernization of its civil aviation sector with new surveillance, navigation and communication systems, as well as investments in technology and personnel training, according to the Director General of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC), Igor Rodríguez Durán.
During his participation in the XXXIV edition of Dominican Week in the United States, Rodríguez Durán said the country recorded 585,363 air operations and more than 50 million passengers transported over the past three years.
He highlighted the installation of three weather radars, including two C-band Doppler systems put into operation in less than a year. The radars are located in Punta Cana, on Isabel de Torres Hill in Puerto Plata and at the Dominican Aeronautical Complex.
The information generated by the radar network is used by pilots and air traffic controllers and is also shared with the Dominican Institute of Meteorology (Indomet) and the Dominican Air Force to improve weather monitoring and anticipate risks to air operations.
Rodríguez Durán also highlighted the new control tower at San Isidro Air Base, which replaced a structure dating to 1953. The facility includes modern communications and navigation equipment and backup power systems, allowing it to serve as an alternative in the event of an incident affecting Las Américas International Airport.
New radar systems planned for major airports
IDAC plans to install a modern surveillance system combining primary and secondary radar with ADS-B technology at Cibao International Airport by February 2027.
A similar system will be installed at Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata, replacing a primary radar that has been operating for 35 years.
The official also announced plans to install precision approach systems and ILS radio aids at Punta Cana and Las Américas international airports.
Another recent development is the creation of a nighttime VFR flight corridor, whose use will be subject to defined coordinates and altitudes, along with specific requirements for pilots and aircraft to ensure safe airspace operations.
Regarding the Cabo Rojo International Airport in Oviedo, Pedernales, Rodríguez Durán said IDAC is working on the installation of the control, navigation, communications and surveillance systems required for the airport’s operations.
During his visit to Washington, Rodríguez Durán also met with officials from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to discuss the Dominican Republic’s progress in strengthening its civil aviation sector.
