AILA anticipating over 100 thousand passengers for Holy Week
Santo Domingo.- This Holy Week of 2024, Las Américas International Airport (AILA) is gearing up to accommodate over one hundred thousand travelers, with more than 800 flights scheduled by Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom).
The AILA Flight Operations Department has announced the scheduling of 120 daily flight operations to and from abroad starting from Monday, continuing through Tuesday and Wednesday. As Holy Thursday and Saturday approach, the number of flight operations is expected to increase to 130 and 135 respectively, due to the surge in passenger flow, including those with pre-registered reservations for international travel and others visiting the country during this period.
Luis José López, Communications Director of Aerodom, emphasized that projections anticipate more than 100 thousand passengers being mobilized during Holy Week through approximately 800 flight operations. He noted that this year, 2024, marks a historic high in flight operations during Holy Week.
In light of the increased passenger traffic, key airport agencies such as the General Directorates of Customs and Immigration are streamlining document and luggage check procedures to expedite traveler movement through the service areas.
The General Directorate of Immigration (DGM) has bolstered its service team at AILA to manage the influx of passengers from abroad, ensuring efficient processing at service counters to minimize queues and congestion. Similarly, the General Directorate of Customs (DGA) has increased staff to facilitate luggage checks for incoming passengers from various destinations arriving to spend the extended holiday period in the country.
Enhanced internal security measures have been implemented at the terminal, with a heightened presence of officers and agents from the Specialized Airport Security and Civil Aviation Corps (CESAC), including canine units, to preemptively safeguard passengers and facilities. The organization has advised service agents at terminal checkpoints to exercise utmost vigilance during screening procedures and luggage checks, in alignment with local press reports.
The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) has augmented its service personnel at the AILA Air Traffic Control Center to manage the surge in flight and passenger traffic during Holy Week. Additionally, the entity’s Area Navigation Directorate is intensifying supervision and increasing the number of controlled air traffic operators and technicians across different shifts to ensure optimal service delivery during this traditionally busy period for air operations.