The air transport sector supports 482,000 jobs in the DR

The air transport sector generated 482,000 jobs in the Dominican Republic during 2025, with a joint contribution to the national GDP of $9,000 million, equivalent to 12.5% of the gross domestic product according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This dynamic, driven above all by the spending of foreign tourists, airline operations and services linked to the industry, consolidated air transport as one of the most relevant economic engines in the country. The rise of air transport as a fundamental axis of the Dominican economy has its roots in the transformation of global tourism, the development of airport infrastructure, and the integration of the country into international routes. For decades, Dominican Republic positioned itself as one of the preferred tourist destinations in the Caribbean, which facilitated the expansion of air connections with North America, Europe and the rest of Latin America. The opening of issuing markets and the sustained increase in foreign visitors by air have made the industry a strategic resource not only for attracting foreign currency, but also for strengthening local production chains and the persistent creation of employment.

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For decades, Dominican Republic positioned itself as one of the preferred tourist destinations in the Caribbean, which facilitated the expansion of air connections with North America, Europe and the rest of Latin America. The opening of issuing markets and the sustained increase in foreign visitors by air have made the industry a strategic resource not only for attracting foreign currency, but also for strengthening local production chains and the persistent creation of employment.

Growth projection and linkages

In the future, IATA projected that, if the current growth rate persists, the sector will be able to sustain more than 513,000 jobs in the next two decades. This expansion, if realized, would consolidate the position of air transport as one of the main job generators in the Dominican economy, boosted by tourism dynamism and the diversification of issuing markets. In addition to its direct role in job creation, the aviation sector stimulates the development of suppliers, service companies, and complementary activities. The ripple effect on the value chain is reflected in both the demand for local goods and services and the daily expenses of industry employees. Source: Infobae