Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Opens Flights to Miami and San Juan
Launched in 2022, the airline aims to improve connectivity between the U.S. and the Caribbean, Central, and South America with its ultra-low-cost model
Photo: Courtesy of Arajet
Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s young low-cost carrier, has officially entered the U.S. market by introducing flights from Miami and San Juan to the airline’s hubs in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.
The airline, which began operations in 2022, aims to enhance connectivity between the United States and the Caribbean, Central, and South America through its ultra-low-cost concept.
New Routes
Arajet is set to take off to the U.S. in April, allowing travelers to explore the Caribbean with one-way fares as low as $84.
The airline has been preparing for this expansion following the finalization of the Dominican-U.S. open skies agreement, which formally took effect on December 19, 2024, paving the way for increased competition and greater access to the U.S. market for Dominican carriers.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo: Nick N A/Shutterstock
The highly anticipated Miami to Santo Domingo route will officially take off on April 11, connecting the vibrant culture and history of these two dynamic locations, as well as the large Dominican diaspora living in South Florida.
Following closely, the San Juan to Santo Domingo route will launch on June 5, allowing passengers to experience the unique charm of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
| Origin | Destination | Country | IATA Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Kingston | Jamaica | KIN |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Lima | Peru | LIM |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Mexico City | Mexico | NLU |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Cancún | Mexico | CUN |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Bogotá | Colombia | BOG |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Medellín | Colombia | MDE |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Quito | Ecuador | UIO |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Guayaquil | Ecuador | GYE |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Toronto | Canada | YYZ |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Montreal | Canada | YUL |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | São Paulo | Brazil | GRU |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Buenos Aires | Argentina | EZE |
| Punta Cana (PUJ) | Santiago | Chile | SCL |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Oranjestad | Aruba | AUA |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Cartagena | Colombia | CTG |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Bogotá | Colombia | BOG |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Medellín | Colombia | MDE |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Kingston | Jamaica | KIN |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Willemstad | Curaçao | CUR |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Philipsburg | St. Maarten | SXM |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | San José | Costa Rica | SJO |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | San Salvador | El Salvador | SAL |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Guatemala City | Guatemala | GUA |
| Santo Domingo (SDQ) | Lima | Peru | LIM |
As a further enhancement to their offerings, flights linking Miami and Punta Cana will begin on June 13, inviting adventurers to enjoy this popular touristic destination.
The airline plans further expansion, including the first new direct service between the Dominican Republic and New York in 30 years, set to launch in June 2025.
Photo: Courtesy of GCMap
“Arajet is excited to welcome American tourists and the Dominican diaspora with affordable fares,” said Victor Pacheco, CEO and founder of Arajet. “Miami, San Juan, and soon New York are key markets, and our goal is to establish the Dominican Republic as a major travel hub for the region.”
Growing Regional Connectivity
Operating a young fleet of 10 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, Arajet currently serves 26 destinations across 17 countries. The airline expects to receive its 11th aircraft in the second quarter of 2025 and plans to expand its fleet to 15 aircraft by the end of next year.
The new North American routes are part of Arajet’s broader ambition to position Santo Domingo as a north-south connecting hub for the Americas.
Photo: Courtesy of Arajet
Travelers arriving in the Dominican Republic can seamlessly connect to major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Cancún, Mexico City, and San José, Costa Rica, via Santo Domingo and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ).
Arajet’s expansion is also expected to boost regional tourism and generate economic benefits. In Puerto Rico, the airline’s operations are projected to contribute approximately $10.4 million, adding 58,000 additional seats to the market.
Photo: Courtesy of Arajet
“Arajet’s presence strengthens Puerto Rico’s air connectivity and market competitiveness,” said Governor González Colón. “We remain committed to working alongside the Dominican Republic to expand tourism opportunities for both regions.”
What to Expect Onboard?
Passengers flying with Arajet can select from Smart, Comfort, and Extra fare packages, including priority boarding, checked baggage, and extra legroom.
Each Boeing 737-8 MAX is configured with eight premium economy seats and 177 high-density economy class seats.
Photo: Courtesy of Arajet
According to Routes Online, Arajet achieved a historic milestone in 2024 by surpassing one million passengers in a single year, making it the first Dominican airline to reach this figure within such a timeframe.
The airline also grew its footprint by inauguring a new base in Punta Cana.
In November alone, Arajet transported 96,586 passengers, accounting for 7 percent of the total travelers entering or exiting the Dominican Republic that month, as reported by the Civil Aviation Board (JAC).
Photo: Courtesy of Arajet
This expansion will allow for greater connectivity while maintaining Santo Domingo/Las Américas (SDQ) as a key operational hub. With its growing presence in Punta Cana, Arajet now operates at three Dominican airports, increasing its routes to and from the country from 20 to 28—a 19.5 percent growth in just two years.
