One of the fastest-growing airlines in the region is looking to expand into the United States this summer. Low-cost carrier Arajet
flew over one million passengers last year across 16 countries from its two bases in the Dominican Republic. Now, Arajet is looking to create a hub in the region by launching flights to three destinations in the US.
Where does Arajet fly?
The carrier operates a hub-and-spoke model from its two hubs in the Dominican Republic to destinations in North, Central, and South America. Arajet began operations in September 2022 from its central base Las Américas International Airport
(SDQ) in Santo Domingo with a Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
Arajet opened its second base at Punta Cana International Airport
(PUJ) in October 2024 and expanded its network by strategically choosing routes and destinations that will bring new tourism into the Dominican Republic and support outbound travel. Today, the carrier has direct flights to 23 destinations in 16 countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, Jamaica, and Costa Rica.
Photo: Arajet
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Arajet reiterated its desire to begin flights to the United States, despite objections from several stakeholders.
Now, the carrier is looking to boost aviation in the Dominican Republic by establishing it as a new air hub in the region. Arajet has long harbored hopes of launching flights to the United States, the region’s largest market, and already serves two destinations in Canada. Following the recent approval of its Open Skies agreement, Arajet CEO and Founder Victor Pacheco confirmed the airline intends to launch flights to New York City, Miami, and Puerto Rico:
“This is an important milestone and we are excited to officially launch in the United States next year.”
“These routes will open more travel to the U.S., a very important market for the Dominican Republic, and our low-fare flights will provide new opportunities to grow tourism and business.
“We’re eager to welcome American travelers and its diaspora communities to the Dominican Republic and further establish the country as an exciting hub connecting to 16 countries in the Americas.”
Photo: Arajet
All three destinations are well within the range of its Boeing 737 MAX 8
aircraft, of which it has ten.
Where will they fly in the US?
Speaking to Simple Flying this week, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed they had yet to decide which New York City area airport would receive direct flights from the Dominican Republic. Flights to Miami could also potentially operate via the nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
(FLL), which is home to fellow low-cost carriers Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
(SJU) in Puerto Rico is the biggest and busiest airport in the Caribbean, so flights will presumably operate from there. However, the island is home to several other regional airports that could benefit from connections via Arajet’s growing hubs in the Dominican Republic.
Photo: Arajet
Based on Arajet’s existing route network, it could facilitate the most north-south connections by launching flights to the US from its hub in Punta Cana, where Arajet’s flights to Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile all depart. The airport is the country’s busiest, with over 9 million passengers a year, and even features a pool with a view of the runway!
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The pool is open to guests flying from Terminal 2, regardless of airline or cabin.
Arajet will presumably look to launch flights to the US from Santo Domingo, which the carrier connects to more regional destinations. For example, Arajet is the only operator between the capital city of the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.
Photo: Arajet
Domestically, the airline operates flights out of Cibao International Airport (STI) in the country’s second-largest city and is exploring the possibility of adding flights from Puerto Plata International Airport (POP) on the northern coast.
All of the proposed routes will face direct competition from both legacy and budget carriers.
