NEWARK, NJ. June 17, 2025 — The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Arajet, the Dominican Republic’s flag carrier and largest airline, celebrated the launch of nonstop service from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Las Américas Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) in the Dominican Republic. The new direct route provides greater connectivity and affordability for the largest Dominican population outside of that country.
“This new route isn’t just about travel, it’s about cultural connections,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “With the largest Dominican community outside the DR right here in the New York-New Jersey region, Arajet’s nonstop service to Santo Domingo strengthens the cultural, economic, and family ties that unite our communities. We welcome Arajet to Newark Liberty and to continue expanding affordable, accessible international options for the millions who rely on our airports.”
“Expanding travel options for our passengers is always a top priority, and Arajet’s new service to Santo Domingo helps deliver on that goal,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “This new direct route offers more affordable choices for travelers, whether they’re visiting family, planning a vacation, or exploring new destinations. We’re excited to welcome Arajet to Newark Liberty and to enable easier access to the places our communities care about most.”
“We are pleased to welcome Arajet to Newark Liberty International Airport and celebrate this new direct route to Santo Domingo,” said Aidan O’Donnell, general manager of New Jersey airports at the Port Authority. “This service enhances our international connectivity while providing passengers with affordable travel options to the Caribbean. We look forward to a successful partnership with Arajet as they grow their presence in the region.”
“Arajet is committed to making air travel accessible and affordable for the Dominican community and American tourists alike, and New York is a key market to strengthen our U.S. presence,” said Victor Pacheco, founder and CEO of Arajet. “The Newark service will complement routes between the DR, Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico, to establish Arajet as a carrier of choice for U.S. travelers booking vacations and getaways as well as visiting friends and family. We look forward to welcoming travelers with the convenience, affordability, and exceptional service Arajet is known for.”
Arajet, with headquarters in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, has quickly expanded to 26 destinations in 17 countries and recently served its 2 millionth passenger since launching in 2022. This expansion was made possible in part due to an Open Skies Agreement, which are bilateral or multilateral agreements between the U.S. federal government and the governments of foreign countries that allow travelers to use foreign air carriers from certain countries for government-funded international travel. A new Open Skies Agreement with the Dominican Republic went into effect in December 2024.
The Newark flights began today and operate four times a week in each direction. The route serves as a vital link between the United States and the Dominican Republic, particularly for the New York area’s Dominican community, the largest Dominican community outside the DR, with deep cultural and family ties to the area.
The new Newark service strengthens cross-border connections and also positions Newark Liberty as a strategic hub for regional travel upon arrival in the U.S., offering easy access via direct transit links and proximity to New York City. U.S. travelers to Santo Domingo can connect to 24 destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean through Arajet’s network.
ABOUT ARAJET
Arajet is the first low-cost airline in the Caribbean region and was recognized at the World Aviation Summit as the best new airline in the world. The airline began operations in September 2022 from its base at Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo under the Dominican Republic’s air operator certificate (AOC). Arajet operates a modern aircraft fleet, offering safe, reliable, and affordable service to and from the Dominican Republic across key destinations in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. For more information, visit www.Arajet.com.
ABOUT THE PORT AUTHORITY OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century, the agency’s network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the East Coast has been among the most vital in the country – transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential goods into and out of the region.
The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which today welcomes tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual visitors. The agency’s historic $37 billion 10-year capital plan includes unprecedented transformation of the region’s three major airports – LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and JFK – as well as an array of other new and upgraded assets, including the $2 billion renovation of the 93-year-old George Washington Bridge.
The Port Authority’s annual budget of $9.4 billion includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New Jersey or from the city of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, visit www.panynj.gov or check out the Now Arriving blog.
