Punta Cana International airport (PUJ)

Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) is the largest airport in the Dominican Republic and the second largest in the Caribbean.

It is located in the city of Punta Cana, in the province of La Altagracia. The airport  opened in 1983 and since then has grown rapidly to become one of the largest airports in the world.PUJ is the main tourist destination in the Dominican Republic, receiving millions of visitors each year. The airport connects to more than 100 destinations around the world  and more than 40 airlines.

The airport has a main terminal that has the capacity to process up to 10 million passengers a year.

The terminal has a wide variety of services, including shops, restaurants, car rentals, currency exchange offices and ATMs.

Furthermore, the airport also has a second terminal, which is under construction and will be completed in 2023. The new terminal will have the capacity to process up to 10 million passengers per year.

PUJ is a modern and efficient airport, offering an excellent passenger experience. The airport is located close to the main beaches and resorts of Punta Cana, and is easily accessible by taxi, bus or car.

The growth and evolution of Punta Cana Airport is an intriguing journey. Beginning as a modest airstrip in the 1970s, it has now become a bustling international hub, catering to travelers from all over the world. Through expansions and renovations, the airport has kept up with the ever-increasing demand for tourism, providing a comprehensive travel experience. It has facilitated the development of the tourism industry and become a cornerstone of the region’s economic growth.

Punta Cana Airport transfer

History

Punta Cana International Airport was founded in 1983 by Grupo Punta Cana, a Dominican tourism group. The airport is in the city of Punta Cana, in the province of La Altagracia. So, the airport inaugurated in 1983 with a single weekly flight from Miami. In the following years, the airport grew rapidly and became the main tourist destination in the Dominican Republic. In 1998, the airport was privatized and sold to the Punta Cana Group. Since then, the airport has continued to grow and has become one of the most important airports in the world.

Furthermore, the Punta Cana International Airport has a main terminal that has the capacity to process up to 10 million passengers a year. The terminal has a wide variety of services, including shops, restaurants, car rentals, currency exchange offices and ATMs. The new terminal will have the capacity to process up to 5 million passengers per year.

Moreover, the airport is equipped with a wide variety of security equipment, including metal detectors, baggage scanners, and X-rays. The airport also has a fire unit and a police unit.

Punta Cana Airport Map

  • Address: Carr. Aeropuerto, Punta Cana 23000, República Dominicana.
  • IATA: PUJ
  • OACI: MDPC
  • Latitude: 18.5632813
  • Longitude: -68.3684931

Punta Cana Airport Arrivals

Punta Cana Airport Departures

Terminals

Punta Cana International Airport has a modern and well-designed terminal complex that caters to both domestic and international flights. 

Punta cana airport check in

The beautiful airport, with its open-air terminals and thatched roof designed by Oscar Imbert, reflects the Dominican Republic’s tradition of outdoor living.

Punta Cana Airport has three terminals: Terminal A, Terminal B, and the FBO General Aviation Terminal.

Punta Cana Airport’s Terminals A and B are interconnected. A shuttle service connects both terminals, although they are within walking distance.

Terminal A

coffee lounge

Primarily handles international flights and is equipped with modern facilities to provide a seamless experience for travellers arriving or departing from Punta Cana. It is spacious, with a range of amenities to make the journey comfortable.

Among the services available at this terminal are multiple restaurants, shops, ATMs, currency exchange, Wi-Fi access, and a VIP lounge. Services are also available for passengers with special needs or reduced mobility.

The following airlines operate in terminal A

AEROMEXICO – AEROREGIONAL – AIR CANADA – AIR CANADA ROUGE – AIR CARAIBES – AIR TRANSAT – AVIOR – CONDOR – EASTERN AIRLINES, LLC – EDELWEISS AIR – EUROWINGS – EVELOP AIRLINES – FLAIR AIRLINES – FRONTIER – GOL – GLOBAL X – JETBLUE – LATAM – SKY PERU – SKY CANA – SKY HIGH – SPIRIT – SUN COUNTRY AIRLINES – SUNWING – SWIFT AIR – SWOOP – TUI – TUI FLY – TUI FLY BELGIUM – TUI FLY NETHERLANDS – TURPIAL AIRLINES – WEST JET – WINGO – WORLD2FLY

Terminal B

Focuses on domestic flights and also serves as a regional terminal for connecting flights within the Caribbean. Like Terminal A, it offers a variety of services to ensure a pleasant travel experience.

A highlight in Terminal B is its VIP Lounge Club, which features its own outdoor pool overlooking the runways.

The following airlines operate in terminal B

AEROLÍNEAS ARGENTINAS – AMERICAN AIRLINES – AIR CENTURY – AVIANCA – ARAJET – BRITISH AIRWAYS – COPA AIRLINES – DELTA – EDELWEISS – SOUTHWEST – UNITED – AIR EUROPA

FBO Terminal

Terminal VIP Punta Cana Airport

The FBO Terminal, with its VIP Terminal, handles private and domestic flights, offering a more exclusive experience.

Located west of the international terminal, it serves executive general aviation accommodating small airplanes, helicopters and executive jets for international and domestic flights.

Shops and Services

Punta Cana International Airport offers a range of shops, services, and amenities to enhance the overall travel experience for passengers:

Duty-Free Shopping

Duty Free

Travelers can indulge in duty-free shopping at various stores within the airport. From local crafts to international brands, there is a diverse selection of goods available.

Duty-Free Americas offers a wide selection of fragrances, alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and gifts. Brisas del Caribe is ideal for shopping local products arts and craft.

Among other commercial offerings within the airport are, for example, Victoria’s Secret and Hard Rock stores.

Restaurants and Cafes

A variety of dining options are available, including local Dominican cuisine and international fare.

Travelers can enjoy a meal or grab a quick snack before their flight. You can also enjoy a drink at the airport’s fabulous Skybar.

punta cana airport Skybar

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Punta Cana International Airport offers free Wi-Fi, allowing passengers to stay connected. Charging stations are also available to ensure that electronic devices are powered up before departure.

Locations:
Terminal A: check-in areas, A1 and A2 waiting areasTerminal B: check-in areas, food courts, boarding areas B1 and B2

Nursing Rooms & Kids Zone

For those traveling with infants, baby breast feeding rooms and recreational areas for children are conveniently located throughout the terminals.

Kids area Terminal A

Breastfeeding rooms available:

Terminal A: Located in front of the Duty-Free Americas store exit, next to the transit/connection area.
Terminal B: Located in the Food Court area of boarding gates 27-33, next to Taco Bell.

Recreational areas for children available:

Terminal A: Next to gate 1. Waiting area next to gate 9.
Terminal B: Next to gate 28. Inside the VIP lounge next to gate 29-30

Medical Services & Pharmacy

The airport has medical services on-site to attend to any health-related concerns, ensuring the well-being of travellers. There is also a pharmacy within the facilities.

VIP Lounges

VIP Lounge

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, VIP lounges are available, offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, and beverages.

One of the lounges, located in Terminal B, features an exclusive pool overlooking the runways.

pool vip lounge

Check-in and check-out times must be requested in advance and will be provided based on availability.

Currency Exhange and Banking Services

ATM

The airport provides currency exchange services and has banking facilities for the convenience of travellers.

Accessibility Services

Punta Cana International Airport is equipped to provide assistance to passengers with reduced mobility. Services include accessible facilities, ramps, and dedicated staff to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.

Lost and Found

In the unfortunate event that a passenger misplaces belongings, the airport has a dedicated Lost and Found department to assist in locating and recovering items.

If you lost an item on your flight, directly contact your airline.

At Punta Cana the Lost and Found section for items left in the airport is located in the arrivals hall.

Additionally, you can contact Security Management at 809-959-2376 or vía Email at customerservice@puntacana.com. Customs Phone Number: 809-959-0074


Transportation

The airport is well-connected to the surrounding areas, and transportation options include taxis, shuttles, and car rentals. Visitors can easily access the various resorts and attractions in Punta Cana from the airport.

Taxis and Shuttles

At the airport, taxis are available to comfortably reach hotels and resorts. There are also shuttle services for groups, offering an affordable and convenient way to get to various destinations in Punta Cana. However, the safest and fastest option is still to book a private transfer from Punta Cana Airport.

Car Rentals

Travelers can choose from a range of well-known car rental companies located within the airport terminals. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore Punta Cana and the surrounding areas at one’s own pace.

Public Transportation

For budget-conscious travellers, public transportation options like buses are available near the airport, providing a more economical means of reaching different parts of Punta Cana.


Flight Information

Throughout the terminals, information desks are available to assist travellers with flight details, directions, and general inquiries. Knowledgeable staff can provide up-to-date information about flight schedules and any changes.

Electronic screens located in key areas of the airport provide real-time information on arrivals, departures, and any potential delays. Passengers can easily stay informed about their flights.

PUJ Location

Environmental Initiatives

Punta Cana International Airport is committed to environmental sustainability. The airport has implemented eco-friendly initiatives, including waste reduction, energy efficiency measures, and water conservation efforts.

The airport features green spaces and landscaping that showcase the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic, contributing to a welcoming and refreshing environment for travellers.

Additional Tips for Travelers

Dominican Republic Tourist Card

Dom Rep

The Dominican Republic Tourist Card is mandatory for most international visitors entering the country. It currently costs US$10. You can pay upon arrival at the airport. Many airlines include it in the ticket price.

Similarly, according to Dominican law, there is also a US$20 departure tax. It is generally included in the plane ticket. Please check with your airline beforehand.

Language

While Spanish is the official language, many airport staff members are multilingual and can communicate effectively in English. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful for a more immersive experience in Punta Cana.

Weather

The climate in Punta Cana is tropical, with warm temperatures year-round. Travelers are advised to dress comfortably and prepare for occasional rainfall, especially during the rainy season.

Local Culture

Embrace the vibrant local culture by trying Dominican dishes, engaging with locals, and participating in cultural events or festivals that may be taking place during your visit.


Punta Cana International Airport’s commitment to providing comprehensive services, its eco-friendly initiatives, and the wealth of transportation options make it a hub that not only facilitates travel but also enriches the overall experience for visitors to this tropical paradise. Enjoy your visit!