After a year of diplomatic negotiations, the Government of Jamaica has given its authorisation for airlines from the Dominican Republic to begin operating direct flights and establish air connectivity between the two northern Caribbean countries.

The approval from the Jamaican Government was conveyed through the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Kingston, which has been integral in the negotiations.

According to the Dominican Republic’s Ambassador to Jamaica Angie Martinez, “The authorisation to carry out direct flights between the Dominican Republic and Jamaica represents a great diplomatic achievement for our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is a source of great satisfaction for this embassy. The same constitutes an important step for air connectivity between both countries, which will mark a vivid before and after in bilateral relations, strengthening political, commercial, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange relations.”

Establishing greater air connectivity between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic has been one of the fundamental objectives of the embassy since 2021. To this end, the diplomatic mission developed “a broad and intense agenda” that required coordination with Jamaica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Ministry of Transport and Mining; Ministry of Tourism; Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce; and the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority.

The existence of direct flights between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic will reduce both the travel time from as much as 20 hours to only one hour. In addition, this will also make air transport more affordable and competitive while promoting tourism between the nationals of both countries.

“This move will revolutionise the integration between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, and will be a significant turning point in the strengthening of ties of friendship and increasing the bilateral relations between both nations, especially in the areas of trade, investment, and tourism. I look forward to the signing of the air services agreement, which will mark the consolidation of this momentous moment in our history,” Ambassador Martinez stated.

Back in March, Dominican airline Arajet indicated plans to begin direct flights from Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo. However, the carrier did not disclose a time for the inaugural flight.