Dominican Republic and Paraguay move toward direct flights

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is expanding its air connectivity in South America, with Paraguay aiming to soon offer direct flights between Asunción and Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Paraguay’s Secretary of Tourism, Anguie Duarte de Melillo, said discussions with Arajet are being finalized, with operations potentially starting in early 2026.

Tourism Minister David Collado highlighted Paraguay’s role as a regional hub linking travelers from Argentina, Brazil, and Bolivia, noting that stronger connectivity presents opportunities for both nations. The two countries are also advancing broader tourism cooperation, including revitalizing Asunción’s historic center inspired by the Dominican Colonial City model and Paraguay serving as a partner country for the 2026 Paraguay International Tourism Fair.

The initiative, supported by UN Tourism, is part of a regional strategy to promote sustainable tourism and bilateral collaboration, aiming to reduce travel time between the countries—which currently takes up to nine hours with stopovers—and enhance cultural and economic ties.