As one of the most advanced airports in the country, Cibao International Airport is an important travel hub of the Dominican Republic, located in the second largest city in the country, Santiago de los Caballeros. It acts as a major connection point between the Dominican Republic and the nearby countries of the United States, Cuba and Puerto Rico, in addition to various domestic flight services.
There are three different terminals at Cibao International Airport, although only two are used for passengers, with the international one being the busiest, serving major airlines such as Delta Airlines and American Airlines, with JetBlue Airways being the largest operator. The runway stretches 2,620 metres in length and accommodates all flights, including the major routes travelling to New York, Miami and Boston. While waiting, visitors can relax in the comfortable airport facilities, which include VIP lounges with top entertainment and luxury services. There are also a number of duty-free shops in the terminals, selling items such as books, beauty products, souvenirs and clothing, in addition to restaurants, cafés and bars for visitors to eat and drink.
Between the airport and the city centre, there are various transport routes for visitors to take, with local buses, called guaguas leaving regularly and taxi services available outside the doors. Visitors can also book a shuttle transport service, which travels between the airport and the surrounding area of Santiago, and offer convenient and comfortable journeys.
Although the first plans for Cibao International Airport originated in 1969, construction didn’t begin until 15th February 2000, which took two years to be completed, and was inaugurated by two flights to San Juan. The airport began doing international flights to the United States and soon underwent a large expansion project, adding a second floor and rebuilding, until finished in 2006. By 2010, Cibao International Airport served 9000,000 visitors a year, making it the third busiest airport in the country.