Budget startup carrier Arajet unveils nonstop flights from New York to Dominican Republic

Dominican airline Arajet announced that it will launch flights to the New York area in June, revealing new details of the startup carrier’s plans to expand its nascent presence in the United States.

The low-cost airline will start flying between Santo Domingo’s Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on June 16, Arajet told The Points Guy. The airline had already announced its intention to fly the route but had not provided a start date.

Fares on the new route will start at $127 one-way from Newark to Santo Domingo and $135 one-way in the other direction.

A new hub in the Caribbean? Startup budget carrier Arajet sets first US routes amid ambitious expansion plan

“Arajet is committed to making air travel accessible and affordable for the Dominican community and American tourists alike, and New York is a key market to strengthen our U.S. presence,” Victor Pacheco, the CEO and founder of Arajet, said in a statement shared with TPG, adding that the new flights will help “establish Arajet as a new competitive carrier for U.S. travelers booking vacations and getaways as well as visiting home and family.”

Arajet, which was founded in 2022, operates a fleet of 10 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.

Beyond Arajet, several airlines already operate direct flights between the New York area and Santo Domingo, including United Airlines from EWR and both JetBlue and Delta Air Lines from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Where Arajet flies

The Newark route marks a further U.S. expansion for the airline even before its debut in the country.  That comes April 11, when Arajet’s first-ever U.S. flights begin with service between Santo Domingo and Miami International Airport (MIA). Flights from Santo Domingo to San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in Puerto Rico will follow on June 4. Then on June 13, the carrier plans to launch flights between MIA and Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) near one of the Dominican Republic’s popular areas for beach resorts.

In total, the carrier flies to more than 20 destinations across the Caribbean, Latin America and beyond, including flights to Argentina, Brazil, Aruba and Costa Rica. The airline also flies to two cities in Canada: Montreal and Toronto.

Newark isn’t the end of Arajet’s expansion plans. The carrier told TPG it plans to add more routes, but wouldn’t offer details.

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Flying experience

Arajet operates as a budget carrier, with three fare bundles passengers can choose from: the Smart Plan, which includes a personal item but does not include a carry-on or checked bag in the ticket fare; the Comfort Plan, which includes one checked bag, seat selection and the option to change your flight; and the Extra Plan, which includes both a carry-on and checked bag, seat selection, priority boarding and up to three flight changes.

Baggage fees start at $39.99 per leg for a carry-on bag and $24.99 per leg for the first checked bag when purchased during booking. Those prices jump to $100 per leg for a carry-on bag and $80 per leg for a checked bag when purchased at the airport.

Related reading: 

• Best all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic
• The best all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana for every type of traveler
• Budget airline survival guide: Avoid fees and enjoy your flight
• 6 ways to improve your low-cost flight experience
• Best ways to book flights to the Caribbean using points and miles