Top things to know
- Commercial flights between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela resumed on Wednesday after nearly two years of suspension.
- Venezuelan carrier Laser Airlines is operating the route three times per week (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays) between Santo Domingo and Caracas.
- The restart follows bilateral agreements and a February authorization by the Civil Aviation Board, with the first flight identified as QL 2968.
Direct commercial air service between the Dominican Republic and Venezuela has resumed operations after a suspension lasting nearly two years. The route was reactivated on Wednesday with the return of Venezuelan carrier Laser Airlines, marking a significant restoration of connectivity between the capitals of Santo Domingo and Caracas.
The first flight, identified as QL 2968 on the airline's schedule, arrived from Caracas at Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo. The same aircraft later departed to complete the round trip, re-establishing a key air bridge that had been inactive since July 2024. Although the Civil Aviation Board had authorized the reactivation of flights in February, operational commencement only occurred this week.
The route will operate three times per week, with scheduled flights on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The restart follows bilateral diplomatic agreements between the two nations and represents a concrete step in rebuilding air mobility and commercial links. The gradual restoration of this service is seen as a positive development for travel, trade, and family connections that rely on direct air links.
This resumption occurs against a backdrop of other regional aviation developments. In Haiti, Sunrise Airways recently launched a new direct route between Cap-Haïtien and Boston, a milestone for travelers despite operational challenges like a power outage that briefly disrupted its inaugural flight. Meanwhile, in the cruise sector, Barbados has been named the homeport for Princess Cruises' 2027–2028 Caribbean season, a move that will also restore sea links between Bridgetown and San Juan.
The reconnection of Santo Domingo and Caracas by air provides a tangible outcome of ongoing diplomatic and commercial negotiations. It offers a direct alternative for passengers who have relied on connecting flights through other regional hubs during the two-year suspension. The service restoration is expected to facilitate business, tourism, and diaspora travel between the two countries.