If you’ve had your eye on traveling to the Dominican Republic you’ll be happy to hear that flights will not only now be more readily available but, even better, cheaper!
This is due to the “Open Skies” policy, a new aviation agreement signed on Friday, August 2nd by the United States and the Dominican Republic.
The policy is “designed to eliminate government intervention in airline decision-making about routes, capacity, and pricing in international markets,” according to the U.S. Department of State. Once entered into force, the agreement will bring the civil aviation transportation relationship between the two countries to the highest modern standard.
In layman’s terms the agreement means the government won’t interfere as much in aviation business between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic which, in turn, means cheaper flights for personal travel as well as cheaper costs for shipping goods.
U.S. Travel Association data shows that flights are 32% cheaper on travel routes subject to Open Skies agreements on average. The U.S. has Open Skies air transport agreements in place with 130+ partners, accounting for over 70% of international departures from the U.S.
The Open Skies agreements also add over $4 billion in annual economic gains to travelers, as estimated by the Brookings Institution.
A press release writes:
This Agreement with the Dominican Republic will expand our strong economic and commercial partnership, promote people-to-people ties, and create new opportunities for airlines, travel companies, and customers. Air carriers will be able to provide more affordable, convenient, and efficient air services to travelers and shippers, promoting tourism and commerce. The Agreement will also commit both governments to high standards of aviation safety and security.
The Agreement will take effect following an exchange of diplomatic notes confirming all necessary details.
The news will certainly delight the more than a million Dominicans living in the NYC metro area. Plus it comes at the perfect time being the National Dominican Day Parade is returning to NYC for its 42nd anniversary this weekend!