The United States and the Dominican Republic have signed an Open Skies Agreement, paving the way for more affordable and accessible air travel between the two countries.
The agreement, signed on August 2nd at the National Palace in Santo Domingo by U.S. Under Secretary of State Jose W. Fernandez and Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism David Collado, will have far-reaching benefits for both nations.
Boosting Tourism and Competition
The Open Skies Agreement will allow Dominican airlines to fly to any part of the U.S., increasing competition and potentially leading to lower airfares. This means more people can take vacations, reunite with family, and conduct business between the two countries.
According to Monika Infante, CEO of Aerodom, the agreement will create significant opportunities for DR-based airlines to fly to the U.S., balancing a market currently led by U.S. carriers. While major hubs like New York and Miami will remain popular, airlines also plan to launch services in other parts of the U.S. with large Dominican communities.
A Growing Partnership
The Open Skies Agreement between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic is part of a broader framework of such agreements between the U.S. and other nations, including Australia, Switzerland, Japan, and 28 countries in the European Union. These agreements allow travelers to use foreign air carriers from these countries for government-funded international travel, fostering stronger diplomatic and economic ties.
Exploring the Dominican Republic and Beyond
With the Open Skies Agreement in place, there has never been a better time to discover the Dominican Republic’s beauty. Check out our guide to the Dominican Republic, and consider exploring the island with our driving guide.
If you’re planning a trip to the USA, check out our guide to the best places to visit in the USA for inspiration on your next stateside adventure.
