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Arajet Tops 10% of the Dominican Air Market in May, Tightening the Competition

NewsEMMANUEL ESPINALComment

By ESENDOM
June 16, 2026

Arajet carried more than 163,000 passengers to and from the Dominican Republic in May 2026.

  • Counting connections through Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, the figure topped 183,000 passengers for the month.

  • The airline now moves more than 10% of Dominican air traffic, trailing only JetBlue and American Airlines.

  • Buenos Aires led in passenger volume, followed by New York, Miami, Medellín and Bogotá.

  • Its expansion could ratchet up competition in a market long defined by steep fares.

Santo Domingo. Arajet posted the best May in its history in 2026: more than 183,000 passengers carried once connections through its operating hubs in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana are included — a new monthly record for the Dominican flag carrier.

On point-to-point traffic alone — excluding connecting passengers — the airline moved more than 163,000 travelers to and from the country, according to the statistical dashboard of the Civil Aviation Board (JAC). That figure captured more than 10% of everyone who entered or left the Dominican Republic during the month and cemented Arajet as the third-busiest carrier in the national market, behind only JetBlue and American Airlines.

The two U.S. airlines still hold a wide lead, but Arajet's momentum is now being felt. The Dominican company is taking real share from a segment historically split among JetBlue, American and United Airlines — especially on the routes that move the diaspora and travelers connecting with the United States, South America and the Caribbean.

And that reaches the traveler's pocket. Flying to and from the island has been expensive for years, particularly in peak season — Christmas, summer and family dates. The hope is that a stronger Arajet will push toward more competition, better deals and less punishing fares. The market isn't there yet, but the rise of a local airline with real volume points in that direction.

Buenos Aires was its busiest route for the month, followed by New York, Miami, Medellín and Bogotá. The breakdown suggests Arajet is competing not only for the traditional Dominican passenger but also to turn the country into a connecting point between North America, the Caribbean and South America.

The United States remains its main market, with roughly 23% of passengers, followed by Argentina (18%) and Colombia (17%). Together, the three accounted for nearly 60% of the airline's total traffic.

The results also reflect the growing weight of Dominican carriers. In May, national airlines carried 176,201 passengers, of which Arajet accounted for 94%, followed by Skyhigh (about 4%) and Air Century (around 2%).

For the Dominican Republic, this is about more than one growing company: it's a bet on connectivity, tourism, trade, the diaspora and air sovereignty. A country so dependent on tourism and its community abroad needs more routes, more options and more competition. Arajet still has to prove consistency, punctuality, service and the capacity to sustain its pace — but May's numbers confirm it is no longer a minor player on the Dominican aviation board.