A significant development in air travel has emerged with Aeromexico's inauguration of a daily nonstop flight from Mexico City to Punta Cana. This new service, launched recently, marks a substantial increase in air connectivity between Mexico and the Dominican Republic, offering travelers enhanced options for reaching the popular Caribbean destination. The initiative is set to bolster tourism by providing approximately 10,000 additional seats per month, fostering stronger ties between the two nations and capitalizing on the growing interest from Mexican tourists in the Dominican Republic's vibrant offerings.
The newly established air link commenced operations with a daily Boeing 737 service to Punta Cana International Airport, slated to continue throughout the summer season. This expansion by Aeromexico is particularly notable as it follows closely on the heels of another new intra-Caribbean route connecting Mexico City with San Juan, Puerto Rico, launched earlier this month. The addition of the Punta Cana route effectively doubles Aeromexico's seat capacity between Mexico and the Dominican Republic, bringing the total to nearly 20,000 seats each month. This increased capacity is a direct response to the escalating demand for travel to the region.
The inaugural flight, identified as AM461, arrived in Punta Cana with an impressive 98 percent occupancy rate, underscoring the immediate popularity and necessity of this route. Passengers were greeted with a lively welcome ceremony featuring traditional music and dance, orchestrated by the Ministry of Tourism’s ballet. Dignitaries from Aeromexico, Dominican airport authorities, and government officials, including the Mexican Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Carlos Aysa González, were present to commemorate the launch, symbolizing the collaborative effort behind this milestone.
This strategic expansion aligns with a broader trend of growth in intra-regional Caribbean aviation and comes at a time when Mexican tourism to the Dominican Republic is experiencing a significant surge. Data from January to April 2025 reveals that over 44,000 Mexican visitors arrived in the country, representing a remarkable 33 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Furthermore, officials reported that in 2024, more than 115,000 Mexican travelers chose the Dominican Republic as their preferred travel destination, highlighting the country's magnetic appeal.
Punta Cana, with its idyllic sun-drenched beaches, globally recognized all-inclusive resorts, and a hospitality infrastructure designed for both leisure travelers and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) professionals, stands as a premier attraction. Carolina Pérez, Director of the Dominican Republic’s Tourism Promotion Office in Mexico, was among the passengers on the inaugural flight. She led a delegation of Mexican business leaders and event planners, aiming to showcase the destination’s extensive capabilities for meetings and events, further solidifying its position as a top choice for international visitors.
The flight schedule for this new service is conveniently arranged: flights from Mexico City to Punta Cana depart at 8:55 AM and arrive at 3:40 PM. For the return journey, flights from Punta Cana to Mexico City depart at 5:01 PM and land at 8:10 PM, providing flexible options for travelers. This new daily connection is poised to significantly enhance accessibility and convenience for those traveling between these two key destinations, fostering greater cultural and economic exchange.