Arajet launches inaugural Santo Domingo–San Juan route under Open Skies agreement

Santo Domingo.- Tourism Minister David Collado on Wednesday led the inauguration ceremony for Arajet’s inaugural flight to Puerto Rico, marking a milestone in expanding air links between the Dominican Republic and its neighboring island. The jet departed from Las Américas International Airport at 12:20 p.m. and touched down 40 minutes later at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, symbolizing a new chapter in Caribbean connectivity.

“Today we witness history in the skies as Arajet connects Quisqueya and Borinquen,” Collado remarked, waving both the Dominican and Puerto Rican flags alongside Arajet CEO and founder Víctor Pacheco. He emphasized that the newly established route not only cements long-standing cultural ties but also paves the way for enhanced tourism and commerce in the region.

Collado credited the recently ratified Open Skies treaty with the United States for making this route possible. “Improving air connectivity is vital. Thanks to the Open Skies agreement, airlines like Arajet can now launch routes to San Juan, and soon to Chicago, Boston, Orlando, and more U.S. destinations,” he noted. This regulatory breakthrough, he added, will boost visitor arrivals to the Dominican Republic and strengthen the national tourism sector.

Arajet’s service will operate four times weekly—Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays—between Santo Domingo and San Juan. Beginning June 6, the carrier will also run a direct link from San Juan to Punta Cana three times a week, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. These additions expand Arajet’s network to 28 destinations across the Americas, reinforcing its reputation as an up-and-coming low-cost carrier.

At the ceremony, Víctor Pacheco thanked both governments for their support, singling out Governor Jennifer González of Puerto Rico and President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic for championing the new flight. “Bringing Arajet to Puerto Rico is a joy—younger travelers and families will soon enjoy affordable, efficient journeys between our sister islands and beyond,” Pacheco said, underscoring the airline’s commitment to stimulating tourism and cultural exchange.

Víctor Nicolás Pichardo, Executive Director of the Dominican Department of Airports, hailed the flight’s launch as a historic achievement. “We congratulate Arajet for advancing President Abinader’s vision of Open Skies. This partnership demonstrates how public and private sectors can collaborate to elevate our country’s global connectivity,” Pichardo stated, as guests applauded the aircraft before boarding.

With this new route, Arajet not only strengthens its foothold in the Caribbean but also signals the Dominican Republic’s ambition to become a premier travel hub for visitors from North America and beyond. Passengers arriving at Las Américas will now see clear signage directing them to two separate pickup points—one for Uber Select, another for UberX, Comfort, UberXL, and Uber Planet—ensuring a seamless onward journey from the airport.