LATAM Airlines has announced the launch of a new direct air service between São Paulo and Punta Cana, a move that will significantly improve connectivity between Brazil and the Dominican Republic by eliminating the traditional stopover in Lima, Peru.
The new operation will feature five weekly flights, allowing travelers to reach Punta Cana more quickly and conveniently, without the need for international connections. Ticket sales for the route will open on January 13 through LATAM’s official sales channels.
According to the airline, the addition of this nonstop service is part of a broader strategy to optimize its regional flight network, following operational adjustments linked to the implementation of Peru’s Unified Transfer Airport Usage Fee (TUUA).
This fee, which adds nearly US$12 to the cost of international connecting passengers in Lima, prompted LATAM to reassess capacity allocation and strengthen alternative strategic hubs in Brazil and Colombia.
Strengthening Brazil–Punta Cana Connectivity
“The new nonstop route between São Paulo/Guarulhos and Punta Cana underscores our commitment to expanding international connectivity from Brazil,” said Aline Mafra, LATAM Brazil’s Director of Sales and Marketing.
She noted that removing the connection not only provides greater convenience for passengers, but also reinforces Guarulhos Airport’s position as one of LATAM’s most important hubs in South America.
LATAM’s Expansion in Brazil
In the Brazilian domestic market, LATAM plans to operate in 63 airports nationwide by 2026, continuing a steady expansion that has seen the airline grow from 44 to 60 airports since 2021.
On the international front, LATAM currently serves 90 destinations from Brazil, operating 24 nonstop international routes, making it the leading airline in terms of international connectivity in the country. Data from Brazil’s National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) confirms that LATAM has led both the domestic and international markets in Brazil consistently since 2021.
The new direct São Paulo–Punta Cana route is expected to further boost tourism, business travel, and economic ties between Brazil and the Dominican Republic, reinforcing Punta Cana’s status as one of the Caribbean’s most accessible and in-demand destinations.
