Open Skies Agreement between the U.S. and the Dominican Republic Does Not Guarantee Lower Fares for the Diaspora
New York: Dominican President Luis Abinader’s government has signed an open skies agreement with the United States, creating the illusion among the Dominican diaspora that airfares will automatically and immediately decrease, which is untrue. President Abinader should be most interested in clarifying this so the Dominican community feels confident and satisfied.
The U.S. Open Skies Agreements, signed with over 100 countries, hold promise for customers in the medium and long term. They pave the way for greater competition, potentially impacting prices. However, these benefits may only be fully realized if the government dismantles the aggressive taxes it imposes on tickets.
In 2023, 32,000 flights were recorded from the United States to the Dominican Republic, and so far in 2024, 20,000 flights have already been recorded, projected to exceed 40,000 by the end of the year.
Despite the potential challenges, travelers will have a more comprehensive array of options in terms of schedules, destinations, and airlines. This will reduce wait times and layovers and improve customer service, empowering passengers and enhancing their travel experience.
These agreements facilitate trade and tourism by improving air connectivity between participating countries. They provide stability and predictability to the signatory countries by offering a stable and predictable legal framework for international air operations, which could generate greater confidence and security for passengers.
“So, I advise PRM pre-candidate David Collado, who has been the biggest advocate of this agreement, not to politicize it. It could be poisoned candy if his government does not reduce the air ticket taxes, ranging from 20 to 40% of the ticket cost, plus the illegal $10 tourist visa fee for their citizens.”
On the other hand, airlines have the free will to set their airfares for travel to the Dominican Republic. Prices vary without regulation depending on the time of year and schedules. They charge for everything; passengers must pay for carry-on luggage on some flights. The poor quality of the free food they serve and the abuse of space restrictions by placing three seats where there used to be two is shameful.
It’s important to understand that the open skies agreement between the U.S. and another country does not directly mandate the reduction of flight taxes. These bilateral treaties are aimed at liberalizing international aviation, creating a framework that facilitates competition and increases the opportunities for air services between the signatory countries.
