This new route will have two weekly frequencies on Thursdays and Saturdays, with capacity for 291 passengers.
The Spanish airline, Air Europa, inaugurated its new route that will connect the city of Santiago de los Caballeros with Madrid, Spain, in an act headed by the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader.
The aircraft arrived at the Cibao International Airport on flight number 120, with 291 passengers and a special delegation of the airline headed by its founder Juan José Hidalgo and prominent journalists from the Spanish media.
Félix García, president of the Board of Directors of Cibao International Airport, assured that this event represents a great advance in terms of connectivity for the Dominican Republic.
“Madrid, being one of the most important cities in Europe, opens a valuable door to multiple opportunities in terms of commerce, culture and tourism. It is indisputable that this new route will bring with it a significant flow of visitors, investors and tourists that will undoubtedly contribute to economic dynamism,” he said.
He also thanked the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and the President for the backing and support for this project, in addition to major works that served as a “boost” such as the cable car and monorail. “The opening of this route is another example of our commitment to constant growth and the modernization of our facilities and services.
Each new destination we add to our flight network is a step forward in our goal of positioning Santiago as an important international airline hub,” said García.
From its hub at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport, Air Europa will operate two weekly flights to Santiago de los Caballeros, every Thursday and Saturday, which will be added to the daily flights to Santo Domingo and the five weekly flights to Punta Cana, for a total of 14 weekly flights to the Dominican market.
Betting on Santiago
Juan José Hidalgo, founder of Air Europa, emphasized that this new route will encourage and facilitate travel for residents of the Cibao region who travel to Europe for tourism or business. It will also create a new flow of Cibaeños traveling to Europe, and of Spaniards and other Europeans connecting with this rich region, which he is very happy to “bet” more and more on.
“This new route will also facilitate the transport of products originating in the Northern region exported to Spain, and will promote the city of Santiago and the Cibao region as a tourist destination in Europe,” added the top executive.
The arrival at the airport terminal was enlivened to the rhythm of the Folkloric Ballet of the Ministry of Tourism.
With the new route, it reaches the second most important city of the Caribbean country, and will maintain regular flights. The aircraft has a capacity for 291 people, of which this time more than 100 of the visitors are from Europe.
Operations will be carried out in a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, designed to achieve better cabin pressurization, greater silence on board, which offers a better feeling of rest and reduces jet lag (discomfort caused by travel).
At the same time, it reduces transatlantic flight time. On the first flight from Spain, Hidalgo himself traveled, who led the ribbon cutting ceremony at the boarding gate to the plane that goes directly to the Cibao airport. Subsequently, the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration received a commission of Spanish journalists; there they discovered the great historical wealth that this noble city possesses.
A satisfactory experience
For Spanish vacationer Fernando Gonzalez, this initial route has been very “pleasant” despite the approximately nine-hour flight.
“Everything was very comfortable, fast, we didn’t feel anything on the plane, quite punctual and very good. It is something very special for being inaugural, in Spain they also did a ribbon cutting and here we arrived even before time,” he described. Gonzalez said he felt very comfortable with the Dominican Republic for its natural beauty, unique gastronomy and “beautiful women”.
“I’ve been here several times. Apart from Santiago I’ve been to Santo Domingo, to Samana to dive and see whales and to Sanchez Ramirez. I love the Caribbean. I think it’s fantastic,” said the tourist.
Source: Mitur.gob.do
