The president of Paraguay’s National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DINAC), Nelson Mendoza, and the President of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC) of the Dominican Republic, Héctor Porcella Dumas, signed an Air Services Agreement. This partnership opens the door to the possibility of establishing direct routes between capitals Asunción and Santo Domingo.
The agreement was signed within the framework of the 17th edition of ICAN 2025, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The ICAN is an “Air Services Negotiation Event,” as stated by the ICAO. This serves as a meeting point for countries and airlines to unite and create new opportunities. The conference was held in Punta Cana, with both signatories holding full powers from their respective governments.
At that stage, it is too early to determine when flight will start, and with which airline. In America, that would be Paraguay’s northernmost bound flight. Currently, the flight to Panama – Tocumen is the northernmost one.
Meaning of the Dominican Republic agreement
The Open Skies Agreement establishes conditions for the operation of scheduled and chartered passenger and cargo flights. This agreement also contemplates the designation of airlines from both countries to operate direct routes or connecting routes with third countries. The system is under principles of free competition and high operational safety standards.
“The agreement opens the door to the possibility of establishing direct routes between Asunción and Santo Domingo, strengthening technical cooperation in aeronautics, and consolidating both countries as key players in air connectivity in the Caribbean and the Southern Cone,” reported the National Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DINAC).
Among the stated objectives of the agreement are strengthening air connectivity between Paraguay and the Dominican Republic. Additionally, to promote bilateral and regional tourism and facilitating trade and economic exchange. Furthermore, to foster new opportunities for cooperation in the aeronautical sector.
Caribbean market
In 2024, Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo was the third-busiest airport in the Caribbean region with more than 5 million passengers. First was the Luis Muños Marín International Airport in Puerto Rico (US), with more than 13 million passengers. Punta Cana International Airport, based in Dominican Republic the as well, was second with more than 9 million passengers.
The Asunción-Luque Silvio Pettirossi International Airport is not ranked, as it is out of the top 25. In 2024, the main Paraguayan airport welcomed 1.175 million passengers as per the DINAC. For comparison, Goiâna in Brazil with just over 3 million passengers ranked number 25 in the South American data, stretching from 2022.
Read more: Córdoba To Asunción: Flybondi Adds Another Paraguayan Flight Route.
