Arajet to Halt Santo Domingo–San Salvador Flights Starting August 8, 2025, in Strategic Route Realignment
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic / SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Arajet, the low-cost national airline of the Dominican Republic, has announced that it will discontinue its direct flights between Santo Domingo (SDQ) and San Salvador (SAL) starting August 8, 2025. This decision is part of a broader network restructuring plan aimed at optimizing the airline’s operational efficiency and focusing on more profitable routes across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The route, serviced by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, operated three times weekly and had been active for over a year. The airline confirmed that the final flight on this route will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025, under flight number DM4500, departing Santo Domingo at 07:30 AM and arriving in San Salvador at 08:45 AM. The return leg, DM4501, is scheduled to depart El Salvador at 09:30 AM, landing in Santo Domingo at 14:50 PM local time.
Strategic Decision Driven by Profitability and Growth
Arajet’s management emphasized that the cancellation aligns with the airline’s strategy to streamline routes and concentrate on higher-demand markets. As part of its long-term plan, Arajet continues to prioritize destinations that contribute significantly to profitability and regional influence.
According to Víctor Pacheco Méndez, CEO of Arajet, “The decision to end this service was not taken lightly. However, it enables us to reallocate aircraft and crew to routes that show greater market demand and economic viability.”
This move follows a trend among regional airlines to adapt to post-pandemic travel patterns and recalibrate services in response to passenger volumes, fuel costs, and global aviation dynamics.
Arajet’s Current Network and Aircraft
Established in 2022, Arajet quickly positioned itself as a key player in the low-cost segment for the Caribbean and Central America. The airline operates a growing fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency, reduced noise footprint, and longer range capabilities—making them ideal for short- to mid-haul routes in Latin America.
Arajet connects the Dominican Republic to over 20 destinations across Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Aruba, and more, as part of its aggressive expansion into underserved markets.
The airline’s hub at Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo allows for seamless north-south connections. Similarly, San Salvador’s Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport (SAL) serves as a gateway to Central America.
Impact on Travelers and Alternative Routes
For both leisure and business travelers, the Santo Domingo–San Salvador route offered a convenient, direct connection between two of Central America’s vibrant capitals. The withdrawal of this service may prompt travelers to seek connecting flights through hubs such as Panama City (Copa Airlines), Mexico City (Aeroméxico or Volaris), or Bogotá (Avianca).
Although Arajet’s direct service ends, the Dominican Civil Aviation Board (JAC) and El Salvador’s aviation authority recommend exploring codeshare agreements and multi-stop itineraries to maintain connectivity between the nations. Arajet is also expected to reinstate or introduce new routes based on seasonal and strategic demand.
Dominican Republic’s Aviation and Tourism Focus
The Dominican Republic continues to be one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism markets. According to the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR), over 10 million tourists visited the country in 2024, breaking previous records. The government has invested heavily in airport modernization and route subsidies to support increased airline operations.
Santo Domingo remains a central node for both tourism and commerce. Despite the route’s closure, travelers can still benefit from Arajet’s extensive flight map including direct flights to Bogotá, Medellín, Lima, and Cancun.
El Salvador’s Growing Travel Market
El Salvador, under President Nayib Bukele’s “Surf City” tourism initiative, has experienced a 30% rise in tourism revenue year-over-year since 2022. With improved security and infrastructure, the country is attracting visitors not only from Central America but also from North America and Europe.
Though Arajet’s exit may affect direct access from the Caribbean, El Salvador’s national airline Avianca and regional carriers like Volaris El Salvador continue to offer options for regional connectivity.
What Lies Ahead for Arajet
Despite this route’s closure, Arajet’s outlook remains optimistic. The airline recently hinted at launching new destinations in South America and the U.S. East Coast, pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In 2025, Arajet plans to expand its fleet to 15 aircraft, further solidifying its position as a regional low-cost leader.
Passengers affected by the cancellation can request refunds or flight rebooking options through Arajet’s official website or customer service portals. The airline has committed to assisting all travelers impacted by the change.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of the Santo Domingo–San Salvador route by Arajet reflects a strategic pivot toward growth-focused, revenue-optimizing routes. While travelers may face short-term inconveniences, the move underscores the airline’s commitment to long-term viability and service excellence across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Travelers are encouraged to monitor Arajet’s website (www.arajet.com) and official announcements for updates on new route launches, promotional fares, and enhanced connectivity initiatives.
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