PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic – In a move that deepens tourism ties between Mexico and the Dominican Republic, Aeroméxico inaugurated a new daily nonstop route between Mexico City and Punta Cana on Thursday. The route, set to operate throughout the summer season, significantly boosts accessibility to one of the Caribbean’s most visited resort destinations.
The new service, operated with Boeing 737 aircraft, adds approximately 10,000 monthly seats to Aeroméxico’s Caribbean offerings. This effectively doubles the airline’s capacity to the Dominican Republic, complementing its existing service between Mexico City and Santo Domingo. The expansion also marks a milestone for Aeroméxico, designating Punta Cana as its 100th global destination.
Punta Cana International Airport continues to solidify its role as the country’s principal air hub, currently handling around 60% of all air traffic in the Dominican Republic. The new route links travelers to over 40 destinations across Mexico, offering greater connectivity for leisure and business travelers alike.
An inaugural ceremony at the airport highlighted the strategic value of the new connection. Key figures in attendance included Giovanni Rainieri, director of airside operations at Punta Cana International Airport; Giancarlo Mulinelli, Aeroméxico’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales; and Tammy Reynoso, Deputy Minister of Tourism Promotion at the Dominican Ministry of Tourism (MITUR).
Deputy Minister Reynoso underscored the route’s importance, particularly as the Dominican Republic has seen a 33% increase in tourist arrivals from Mexico in the first four months of 2024. “This new flight is a decisive step in making the Dominican Republic even more accessible and attractive to the Mexican market,” she stated. Reynoso highlighted the country’s commitment to expanding tourism links, emphasizing connectivity, hospitality, and unforgettable Caribbean experiences.
Mulinelli praised the efforts of Tourism Minister David Collado, noting his pivotal role in strengthening the Dominican Republic’s visibility and appeal in international markets. “The vision and determination of Minister Collado are key to making projects like this possible,” he added.
The inaugural Aeroméxico flight, AM461, landed in Punta Cana with 166 passengers onboard, boasting a 98% occupancy rate. Arriving guests were greeted with live Dominican folk music and traditional dance, offering a festive welcome. Among the passengers was Carolina Pérez, Director of the Dominican Republic’s Tourism Promotion Office in Mexico, who is scheduled to lead a series of promotional activities aimed at further stimulating Mexican travel to the Caribbean destination.
In 2024 alone, more than 115,000 Mexican tourists have visited the Dominican Republic, with Punta Cana remaining a top choice. Authorities project continued growth into 2025, reinforcing the long-term commitment to enhanced air connectivity and cultural exchange between the two nations.
Flight Schedule:
Mexico City → Punta Cana
Departure: 8:55 a.m.
Arrival: 3:40 p.m.
Punta Cana → Mexico City
Departure: 5:01 p.m.
Arrival: 8:10 p.m.
