Dominican Republic Adds 800 Emergency Flights To Absorb Tourists Canceling Jamaica This Winter

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Should you had been dreaming of a quiet, last-minute escape to Punta Cana this winter, we at Travel Off Path have some information: the key is formally out.

After Hurricane Melissa devastated components of Jamaica in late October, the Dominican Republic has simply green-lit a massive 800 extra flights to scoop up vacationers who’re canceling Jamaica and rerouting their winter solar journeys.

Right here’s what that really means to your trip — and learn how to keep away from getting squeezed out of the Caribbean altogether.

What’s Behind The “Jamaica Exodus”?

Hurricane Melissa slammed Jamaica on October 28, bringing excessive flooding, main infrastructure harm, and billions of {dollars} in losses.

Restoration has been slower than many hoped:

• A number of inns and resorts on Jamaica’s north and west coasts aren’t expected to fully reopen till mid- to late-2026.
• Jamaica has formally declared an outbreak of leptospirosis, a bacterial illness linked to contaminated floodwater, with confirmed circumstances and a number of deaths for the reason that storm.
• Well being officers are warning vacationers to be cautious round standing water and to observe strict hygiene and food-safety measures in the event that they go.

In the meantime, the Dominican Republic — already one of many hottest locations on the planet and setting all-time tourism records in 2025 — noticed a possibility.

Héctor Porcella, president of the nation’s Civil Aviation Board, stated they approved 800 flights “in a single fell swoop” as a result of the tourism that was headed to Jamaica is now being redirected to the DR.

800 Additional Flights = A Very Completely different Winter In The DR

These 800 flights, a mixture of scheduled and constitution companies, can be unfold over roughly eight months — however the crunch level is the winter excessive season (Christmas by New Yr’s and into early January).

Right here’s what that appears like on the bottom:

• Occupancy close to 95%: Resort associations within the DR are already projecting greater than 95% occupancy over the important thing vacation weeks.
• Goodbye, last-minute offers: Once we broke down why this stylish Caribbean island retains smashing tourism data in 2025, we famous that costs had been already creeping up. With tens of 1000’s of additional passengers, don’t count on “flash gross sales” to magically seem.
• Busier airports: Punta Cana Worldwide (PUJ) can be packed, however a few of this further elevate can also be being funneled into Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Puerto Plata (POP), which may very well be good performs in case you’re versatile.

Should you learn our information to the most affordable Caribbean spots for a warm winter vacation, you’ll bear in mind we flagged Puerto Plata as a less expensive, extra low-key various to Punta Cana — that tip simply obtained much more useful.

How To Do The Dominican Republic Sensible This Winter

Should you’re already booked for the DR, don’t panic — however do get organized:

• Lock in transfers now: With occupancy pushing 95%, personal transfers, rental vehicles, and standard excursions can promote out lengthy earlier than you land.
• Affirm your flights: Additional flights imply schedule adjustments. Control your reserving and app notifications so that you’re not stunned by a time shift.
• Shift your dates in case you can: Touring in mid-January or early February as a substitute of New Yr’s week can save critical cash and sanity, a method we’ve advisable earlier than for Caribbean winter escapes.
• Suppose past Punta Cana: Contemplate flying into Santo Domingo for a culture-plus-beach combo or Puerto Plata for a extra laid-back resort scene and higher worth.

Ought to You Nonetheless Go To Jamaica As a substitute?

Right here’s the sincere take.

Jamaica is open. Cruise arrivals have resumed, and the tourism board is working exhausting to get key areas again on their toes.

Should you:

• Hate crowds
• Don’t thoughts staying largely on-property
• Are snug with a little bit of “tough across the edges” infrastructure

…you possibly can even have a quieter, crowd-free resort expertise in Jamaica this winter.

However there are actual caveats:

• Some inns stay closed or partially operational.
• There’s an lively leptospirosis outbreak, with well being officers advising strict precautions round floodwater and probably contaminated environments.
• You ought to be following official steerage from businesses just like the CDC and the Jamaican Ministry of Well being, and speak to a healthcare skilled you probably have issues — particularly in case you plan to go away the resort bubble.

Should you’re risk-averse or touring with younger youngsters, the DR goes to really feel extra easy proper now.

No Area In The DR? Right here’s The place To Pivot

If costs in Punta Cana are eye-watering or your dates are already offered out, don’t assume your winter sunshine plans are lifeless.

Just a few strong plan-B choices we at Journey Off Path love:

• Belize (Placencia): In our current round-up of two unknown paradise destinations named top Caribbean getaways for 2026, Placencia got here out as a tremendous chilled seaside city with far fewer crowds than the large resort hubs.
• Saba: Similar article, utterly totally different vibe — assume tiny, volcanic, and wildly scenic. Wonderful for divers and adventurers who need bragging rights.
• Mexico’s Costa Maya (Bacalar & Mahahual): We’ve already proven how Costa Maya still feels “untouched” in comparison with busier corners of the Riviera Maya, with laid-back Mahahual and dreamy Bacalar lagoon providing you with that Caribbean-blue water with out the mega-resort mayhem.

The Backside Line

The Dominican Republic simply was the principle security valve for a disrupted Caribbean winter.

In order for you in:

1. E-book now, not “once I see a deal.”
2. Be versatile on dates and airports.
3. Have a back-up vacation spot (Belize, Costa Maya, Saba) able to go if costs spike.

Whether or not you experience out the crowds in Punta Cana, persist with a quieter Jamaica, or zig the place everybody else zags, this winter is shaping as much as be one of the crucial uncommon — and strategic — Caribbean seasons we’ve seen in years.