Copa Airlines Now Opens Reservations for New Routes of Puerto Plata to Santiago, Expanding its Connectivity Between the Dominican Republic, Chile, Caribbean and South America

Copa Airlines has announced plans to significantly expand its network within the Dominican Republic starting in January 2026. This expansion includes launching new non-stop flights to Puerto Plata and reinstating suspended service to Santiago de los Caballeros, strengthening the airline's Caribbean presence.

Flights to Puerto Plata's Gregorio Luperón International Airport, Copa's fourth Dominican destination alongside Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, and Santiago, will commence on January 13, 2026. The airline will operate three weekly flights (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays) using Boeing 737 aircraft seating approximately 166 passengers. The schedule features flights departing Panama City at 7:55 a.m. and arriving in Puerto Plata at 11:32 a.m. local time, with return flights leaving Puerto Plata at 12:37 p.m. and arriving in Panama City at 2:19 p.m. local time.

Simultaneously, on January 15, 2026, Copa Airlines will resume operations to Santiago de los Caballeros, the Dominican Republic's second-largest city and a major commercial and industrial hub. This reinstatement reflects the airline's confidence in Santiago's economic and tourism potential.

The airline emphasizes that this strategic expansion aims to tap into tourism and economic development opportunities in the Dominican Republic, particularly the busy north coast. Copa CEO Pedro Heilbron highlighted that the increased connectivity will foster greater cultural connections and economic relationships between Panama, the Dominican Republic, and other interconnected regions. The new routes are expected to bring significant numbers of tourists and business travelers, generating direct economic benefits for local businesses like hotels and restaurants, creating employment opportunities, and promoting regional economic growth.

Central to Copa Airlines' Caribbean strategy is its Hub of the Americas at Panama City's Tocumen International Airport (PTY), which facilitates convenient connections across North America, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.