Dominican Republic Airport Takes Over Ground Handling

The Dominican Republic’s Punta Cana International Airport (MDPC) has implemented changes that affect general aviation ground handling there. According to Universal Aviation, third-party ground handlers are no longer allowed to operate on the field, with all services—including pre-arrival coordination, on-site coordination, meet-and-greet, and support within airport facilities—now arranged directly with the airport’s internal team.

This marks a significant change to the planning process for those operators who previously worked with a preferred handler, as they must now coordinate permits, services, and payments directly with airport owner, Corporación Aeroportuaria del Este.

Universal, which has had a presence in the island country for nearly a decade, noted that the transition began on May 1 with the closure of the airport’s dedicated FBO and the relocation of general aviation operations to the VIP terminal. It added that operators should confirm payment methods in advance of arrival at MDPC, along with updating their scheduling and dispatch procedures

For operators who prefer a traditional general aviation handling environment, Universal suggests La Romana International Airport (MDLR), less than an hour by car from Punta Cana. MDLR’s private aviation terminal houses three ground-handling providers.