Punta Cana.- Punta Cana Airport recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history with the formal inauguration of Terminal B’s expansion. The event was graced by the presence of the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, along with government officials, airport community allies, and media representatives.
Established in 1983, Punta Cana Airport holds the distinction of being the world’s first privately-owned aerodrome for international commercial use. It currently manages 68% of the country’s tourist air traffic, connecting with 75 cities in 34 countries through 58 airlines. Annually, the airport facilitates the travel of over 9 million passengers and transports more than 25 million kilos of cargo.
Frank Elías Rainieri, president and CEO of Puntacana Group, commended the airport’s commitment to innovation, positioning it as one of the premier airports in Latin America. He highlighted the airport’s sustainable development model, which has enabled it to remain at the forefront of the tourism sector’s growth curve.
Rainieri also announced pioneering initiatives, including the establishment of the region’s first and only MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) workshop in 2025 and the creation of an Aeronautical University, contributing to an unprecedented aeronautical ecosystem in the Caribbean.
Acknowledging the contributions of over 17,000 direct and indirect collaborators, government allies, and the airport community, Rainieri expressed gratitude for their role in the socio-economic growth of the region.
Key figures present at the event included Joel Santos, Minister of the Presidency; David Collado, Minister of Tourism; and Monsignor Jesús Castro, Bishop of the Diocese of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey.
Terminal B Expansion
The expansion of Terminal B represents a significant investment of over USD$90 million, enabling the movement of 5,000 passengers per hour and 4 million passengers per year. Spanning approximately 35,000 m², the project features seven boarding gates and seven air bridges.
Designed and developed by Dominican engineers and architects, including architect Antonio II Imbert and Eduardo Domínguez from construction company Imbert Domínguez y Asociados, Terminal B incorporates state-of-the-art amenities and services, including a VIP Lounge with a pool and scenic runway views, Fast Track service, and a modern food truck area offering diverse culinary options.
Airport Technology
The terminal boasts cutting-edge technological advancements, such as biometric smart path check-in procedures, self-service kiosks, and mobile technology for secure biometric registration and boarding. Additional features include self-service baggage clearance, electronic doors for boarding, access control, and automated border control.
Future enhancements include self-check-in kiosks with luggage tag printing, an Explosive Detection System (EDS) at security checkpoints, and advanced security screening technologies. With its modern equipment and facilities, Punta Cana Airport aims to set new standards for air travel in Latin America.