Combining economic development and environmental transition in the Dominican Republic
VINCI Airports, concession holder of six airports in the Dominican Republic through the Aerodom subsidiary since 2016, had its contract initially scheduled to end in 2030 extended by the government by 30 years. Since 2016, VINCI Airports has supported the Dominican Republic’s momentum in business and tourism by investing in the airport infrastructure for which it is responsible, in line with its environmental commitments. The installation of photovoltaic panels at six airports has made Aerodom the Dominican Republic’s leading company in terms of solar energy production capacity, with a total of 7.5 MWp. A new freight terminal was also built to support the country’s business development, while the atrium at Las Américas international airport was fully renovated and inaugurated in 2022. As part of the new concession contract from 2030 to 2060, VINCI Airports will be responsible for the financing, operation, maintenance, expansion and modernisation of the airports operated under concession. Projects yet to come include the construction and operation of a new passenger terminal at Santo Domingo airport, as well as the continuation of an environmental action plan that includes the development of solar plants, a wastewater treatment plant and waste sorting centres.
Background
The Dominican Republic recorded record visitor numbers in 2023 with over 10 million tourists, 7.8 million of whom arrived by plane. Tourism generates 17.5% of national employment, representing 15.3% of the economy.(1) This meteoric rise is closely linked to the quality of the country’s airport infrastructure.
US$830 million will be invested in airport infrastructure throughout the concession, of which $250 million for the new terminal at Santo Domingo
Investments at Las Américas include the construction of a freight terminal that meets the highest environmental standards. CityCargo optimises energy and water consumption, recycles or reuses 100% of waste, and is powered by electricity from photovoltaic panels.