Arajet Expands Caribbean Network with Hub Strategy
Dominican Republic-based low-cost carrier Arajet is strengthening its presence in the Caribbean with plans for significant network expansion. Founded in 2022, the airline aims to transform the Dominican Republic into a key connecting point between South and North America. Utilizing both Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) as main hubs, Arajet is positioning itself as a catalyst for enhanced connectivity throughout the region.
Arajet’s ambitious vision includes not only boosting transfer traffic from passengers flying between deep South America and destinations across the U.S. and Canada but also increasing its routes within the Caribbean itself. The carrier has already established a robust lineup serving popular Caribbean destinations like Aruba, Curaçao, St. Martin, and Jamaica. Now, Arajet is preparing to add flights between SDQ and San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the second quarter of 2025. These new services are expected to appeal to the growing demand on one of the region’s busiest air routes, especially given Puerto Rico’s appeal as both a tourist destination and a gateway for further Caribbean connections.
In addition to its planned San Juan expansion, Arajet is eyeing further growth in the region with an anticipated launch of service to Cuba. Chief Commercial Officer Manual Luna indicated to Aviation Week that the carrier is actively working on plans to open service to Cuba, potentially by the end of 2025 or early 2026. This move would position Cuba alongside other highly in-demand Caribbean islands, further cementing the Dominican Republic’s role as an inter-island transfer hub. “We are looking forward to opening service to Cuba in the near future,” Luna said, emphasizing that Cuba has long been recognized as a top destination in the region, second only to the Dominican Republic for tourism demand.
Arajet believes that its strategic location in the Dominican Republic can alleviate the notoriously spotty air connectivity within the Caribbean. By transforming SDQ into a major transfer point, the airline aims to enable passengers from outside the region to connect to multiple Caribbean islands seamlessly. Moreover, the planned introduction of service from PUJ to San Juan is slated for 2025, further strengthening the bridge between the Dominican Republic and neighboring islands.
The carrier currently operates a fleet of 10 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with an 11th set for delivery by the second quarter of 2025 and plans to expand its fleet to 15 aircraft by year’s end. Alongside its Caribbean operations, Arajet already flies to key destinations in Central America—including Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador—as well as to popular Mexican cities like Cancun and Mexico City. The airline’s upcoming service to Miami in the second quarter is also expected to enhance its Caribbean connectivity, as Miami remains the primary transfer hub linking various islands with mainland markets.
“We’re growing the market and making it possible for more people to be able to fly with low fares and a good quality of service,” Luna stated. Arajet’s network expansion strategy reflects an effort to offer affordable, high-quality air travel while addressing the connectivity gaps that have long plagued the Caribbean region. With innovative planning and an expanding fleet, Arajet is well on its way to establishing a more integrated and accessible air travel network that benefits both leisure and business travelers across the Caribbean.
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