Punta Cana Airport (PUJ) Overview 2025 - Flights, Terminals, Transfers and Tips

PUJ is the IATA (International Air Transport Association) code for Punta Cana International Airport. The code is derived from the airport’s location in Punta Cana, a renowned tourist destination in the Dominican Republic. IATA codes are three-letter identifiers used globally to simplify airport recognition. For example:

• JFK represents John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
• LAX stands for Los Angeles International Airport in California.
• Similarly, PUJ signifies Punta Cana International Airport.

The Dominican Republic has several airports, but its most popular one is Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). It serves as the main gateway for tourists visiting Punta Cana and the surrounding areas. Other airports in the country include:

5 main airports of the Dominican Republic

Punta Cana International Airport is particularly well-known for its thatched-roof terminals and open-air design, reflecting the tropical charm of the Caribbean.

Yes, PUJ is the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic and one of the busiest in the Caribbean. It handles over 7.5 million passengers annually and is a major hub for international tourists visiting the region. The airport’s high volume of traffic is due to:

• Its location near popular resorts and beaches.
• The large number of direct flights from North America, Europe, and South America.
• A modern infrastructure capable of handling high passenger volumes efficiently.

For comparison:

• PUJ has more international arrivals than Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), the second-busiest airport in the country.
• During peak travel seasons, such as winter and holiday months, the airport experiences significant increases in passenger traffic.

Flights to PUJ can be expensive due to several factors:

• High demand. Punta Cana is one of the most sought-after vacation spots in the Caribbean. The high demand, especially during the peak season (December to April), drives up ticket prices.
• Limited competition. Although many airlines operate routes to PUJ, certain flights, especially non-stop ones from major cities, have limited options, leading to higher prices.
• Seasonal variations. Prices tend to spike during holidays, winter breaks, and special events due to increased travel.
• Airport fees and taxes. PUJ charges landing and service fees that can contribute to the overall ticket cost. Airlines often pass these costs on to passengers.

For instance, a round-trip flight from New York (JFK) to Punta Cana (PUJ) may cost $500 – $800 during peak season but drop to $300 – $400 in the off-season. To save, travelers can book flights months in advance or look for connecting routes.

Punta Cana International Airport is privately owned and operated by Grupo Puntacana, a Dominican company that played a significant role in developing the Punta Cana region into a world-class tourist destination. Grupo Puntacana is also known for its commitment to sustainability, managing the airport with eco-friendly practices, including a solar energy system to power parts of its operations.

Punta Cana International Airport spans an area designed to handle millions of passengers annually. It features three main terminals (A, B, and FBO) with modern facilities to accommodate international and domestic flights. Key highlights of its size and capacity include:

• Over 7.5 million passengers annually, making it the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic.
• One runway, 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) long, capable of handling large aircraft like Boeing 747s.
• The terminals cover a combined area of over 80,000 square meters (861,112 square feet), with Terminal B being the newest and most advanced, built to cater to growing traffic.

The airport’s infrastructure supports luxury lounges, shopping areas, and restaurants, ensuring comfort for travelers. Its open-air design and tropical aesthetics add to the experience.

Yes, there are numerous direct flights to the Dominican Republic, especially to PUJ. Many airlines offer non-stop routes from major cities in North America, Europe, and South America.

Examples of non-stop flights to the Dominican Republic

Direct flights make Punta Cana easily accessible for international tourists. Charter flights and seasonal services also add to the variety of options.

It is recommended to arrive at PUJ airport at least 3 hours before your flight for international departures. Here’s why:

• High passenger volume. PUJ is a busy airport, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Security checks. Clearing security and immigration can take time due to the large number of travelers.
• Check-in procedures. Airlines may close check-in counters 60 minutes before departure, so arriving early ensures you have enough time.
• Shopping & dining. PUJ offers duty-free shops and restaurants that you can explore if you have extra time.

For domestic flights, a 1.5 to 2-hour advance arrival is typically sufficient.

Getting through customs at PUJ can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on factors such as:

• Time of arrival. Flights landing during peak hours can lead to longer waits.
• Number of flights. Multiple international arrivals at the same time can increase processing times.
• Preparedness. Having documents like your passport, e-ticket, and customs declaration form ready can speed up the process.

If you want to minimize delays, you should:

1. Opt for flights that arrive early in the morning or late at night.
2. Use the “VIP Fast Track” service offered by PUJ for expedited immigration and customs clearance.

The busiest days at PUJ airport are typically Saturdays and Sundays, coinciding with peak tourist travel schedules. Here’s why:

• Most vacation packages in Punta Cana operate on 7-day cycles, causing a high influx of arrivals and departures over the weekend.
• Airlines schedule additional flights on weekends to accommodate demand.

During peak holiday seasons (Christmas, New Year, and Spring Break), the airport experiences even higher traffic. For smoother travel, consider flying mid-week when the airport is less crowded.

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) has three main terminals:

• Terminal A. Primarily handles international flights from North America and Europe. It is the oldest terminal at PUJ and is still in use for several major airlines.
• Terminal B. The newest terminal, opened in 2018, is used for high-capacity flights and offers modern amenities, including more spacious check-in areas and additional gates.
• Terminal FBO (Fixed Base Operator). This terminal serves private and charter flights, as well as VIP passengers, offering exclusive services like lounges and expedited processing.

These terminals help streamline the airport’s high passenger traffic and provide passengers with a variety of services.

Yes, you can walk from Terminal A to Terminal B at Punta Cana International Airport, as they are connected by a short, well-marked pedestrian walkway. The distance is approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on your walking pace.

However, if you are traveling with a lot of luggage or have limited mobility, you may prefer using available shuttle buses that can take you between terminals.

There are several reasons why flights to Punta Cana (PUJ) can be expensive:

• Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination, especially during the peak travel seasons (December to April), which leads to higher ticket prices.
• Although many airlines operate flights to PUJ, there may not be as many non-stop options available, particularly during off-peak seasons. Limited competition can drive prices up.
• PUJ charges various taxes and fees for airlines using the airport, which can be passed on to travelers in the form of higher ticket prices.
• The cost of flights typically spikes during holidays, weekends, and school breaks, when many families are looking to travel.

By booking in advance or flying mid-week, travelers can often find lower prices.

Punta Cana is located in the Dominican Republic, a country on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic shares the island with Haiti. Punta Cana is on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic and is one of the country’s most famous tourist destinations, known for its beautiful beaches, resorts, and all-inclusive hotels.

The cheapest months to fly to the Dominican Republic, including Punta Cana, are typically:

• September and October are the off-season for tourism due to the hurricane season. As a result, airlines often offer discounts to encourage travel.
• Just before the peak holiday season begins in December, November often has lower prices.

To get the best deals, it’s advisable to book your flights at least 3-6 months in advance, as last-minute bookings tend to be more expensive, especially during peak periods.