Constitutional Court approves Open Skies Agreement with the U.S.

Santo Domingo.- The Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic ruled on Monday that the open skies agreement with the United States is constitutional. The agreement, aimed at lowering airline ticket prices and increasing airline operations between the two countries, was deemed in alignment with the Constitution. The Court directed the ruling to be forwarded to the president for signing and submission to Congress.

However, the ruling had one dissenting vote from Judge Domingo Gil, who argued that the agreement excludes the recognition of the Dominican Republic’s full sovereignty over its airspace. He contended that the agreement did not explicitly affirm the country’s exclusive rights over its airspace.

The agreement was signed on August 2 by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, and the U.S. Undersecretary of Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment, José W. Fernández. President Luis Abinader expressed that the agreement would enhance international connections and drive economic development by offering more travel options, competitive pricing, and increased flight frequencies between the two nations.