Samaná El Catey International Airport (MDCY / AZS) Pilot Guide 2026
Introduction
Samaná El Catey International Airport (MDCY/AZS), officially known as Presidente Juan
Introduction
Samaná El Catey International Airport (MDCY/AZS), officially known as Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport, serves the beautiful Samaná Peninsula and northeastern Dominican Republic. Located near El Catey, the airport provides direct access to Samaná, Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, El Limón, and several luxury tourism developments throughout the region.
For private pilots, charter operators, and business aviation departments, MDCY offers one of the most scenic arrivals in the Caribbean. The airport combines international customs services, long runway infrastructure, low congestion levels, and proximity to some of the Dominican Republic’s most exclusive destinations.
As tourism and real estate investment continue to expand across the peninsula, Samaná has become increasingly important for private aviation, luxury tourism, and executive travel.
Airport Overview
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Samaná El Catey International Airport |
| Official Name | Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport |
| ICAO | MDCY |
| IATA | AZS |
| Airport Type | International Airport |
| Customs Available | Yes |
| Immigration Available | Yes |
| Airport of Entry | Yes |
| Fuel Services | Available |
| Business Aviation | Available |
Why Pilots Choose Samaná
Samaná has become one of the most desirable destinations in the Caribbean.
Advantages include:
- Low airport congestion
- Scenic approaches
- Luxury tourism market
- Modern airport infrastructure
- Access to private villas
- Marina developments
- Eco-tourism attractions
- Excellent runway facilities
Many operators prefer MDCY over busier airports because of its efficient operations and direct access to the peninsula.
Airport History
The airport opened in 2006 as part of a national effort to increase tourism access to the Samaná Peninsula.
Prior to the airport’s construction, travelers often had to arrive through Santo Domingo and complete lengthy ground transfers.
The airport dramatically reduced travel times and accelerated tourism development throughout:
- Las Terrenas
- Samaná
- Las Galeras
- El Limón
- Portillo
Today the airport remains one of the Dominican Republic’s most modern international airports.
Runway Information
Runway 07/25
Length:
Approximately 3,000 meters (9,843 feet)
Surface:
Asphalt
Lighting:
Available
Instrument Procedures:
Available
The runway accommodates:
- Business jets
- Commercial airliners
- Turboprops
- Charter aircraft
- General aviation aircraft
Aircraft commonly operating at MDCY include:
- Gulfstream Series
- Falcon Series
- Challenger Series
- Citation Series
- Boeing 737
- Airbus A320
- ATR aircraft
Air Traffic Control
Services include:
- Ground Control
- Tower Services
- Approach Services
- Instrument Procedures
Pilots should always verify current frequencies through official aeronautical publications.
Customs and Immigration Procedures
MDCY is a designated international airport of entry.
Typical arrival process:
- Land and taxi to assigned parking.
- Meet ground handling representative.
- Complete immigration procedures.
- Complete customs inspection.
- Proceed to destination.
Related Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-customs-immigration-guide/
Fuel Availability
Fuel services support both private and commercial aviation.
Jet A
Available.
Avgas
Availability should be verified prior to arrival.
Fuel Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-aviation-fuel-guide/
Private Aviation Operations
The Samaná region has experienced significant growth in private aviation traffic.
Popular users include:
- Luxury travelers
- Property owners
- Resort developers
- Charter operators
- International investors
Many visitors arrive aboard private aircraft before continuing to:
- Luxury villas
- Marinas
- Boutique resorts
- Eco-tourism destinations
Business Aviation
Corporate traffic continues to grow as investment expands throughout northeastern Dominican Republic.
Industries generating aviation demand include:
- Tourism development
- Real estate
- Hospitality
- Construction
- Marine services
Weather Considerations
Weather at MDCY differs from many other Dominican airports.
Atlantic Exposure
The airport experiences direct Atlantic weather influences.
Trade Winds
Consistent easterly winds affect operations year-round.
Tropical Moisture
Weather can change rapidly due to moisture moving off the Atlantic.
Hurricane Season
June through November requires additional weather planning.
Weather Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-aviation-weather-guide/
Transportation Options
Transportation services include:
- Rental vehicles
- Resort transportation
- Executive transfers
- Private drivers
- Taxi services
Approximate travel times:
Las Terrenas:
25–35 minutes
Samaná Town:
40–50 minutes
El Limón:
35 minutes
Las Galeras:
75 minutes
Hotels and Resorts Near Samaná Airport
Sublime Samaná Hotel & Residences
Luxury beachfront property near Las Terrenas.
Bahia Principe Grand El Portillo
Popular all-inclusive resort.
Xëliter Balcones del Atlántico
Luxury condominium resort.
Viva Wyndham V Samana
Adults-only beachfront resort.
Bannister Hotel & Yacht Club
Luxury marina and hotel development.
Top Attractions Near MDCY
Las Terrenas
One of the Caribbean’s most desirable beach towns.
Known for:
- International community
- Restaurants
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Luxury real estate
El Limón Waterfall
One of the Dominican Republic’s most famous natural attractions.
Visitors can reach the waterfall via:
- Horseback excursions
- Hiking tours
Whale Watching
Every year thousands of humpback whales migrate to Samaná Bay.
Peak season:
January through March
This is considered one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world.
Cayo Levantado
Known as Bacardi Island.
Popular for:
- Beaches
- Boat excursions
- Photography
- Day trips
Los Haitises National Park
Protected natural area featuring:
- Mangroves
- Caves
- Wildlife
- Boat tours
Real Estate and Investment
The Samaná Peninsula continues to attract international investors.
Popular investment sectors include:
- Luxury villas
- Vacation rentals
- Resorts
- Marina developments
- Hospitality projects
This growth continues to support increased private aviation activity.
Internal Links
Complete Pilot Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/complete-pilot-guide-to-flying-to-the-dominican-republic/
Fuel Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-aviation-fuel-guide/
Weather Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-aviation-weather-guide/
Customs Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/dominican-republic-customs-immigration-guide/
Las Américas Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/las-americas-international-airport-mdsd-sdq-guide/
Punta Cana Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/punta-cana-international-airport-mdpc-puj-guide/
Cibao Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/cibao-international-airport-mdst-sti-guide/
Puerto Plata Guide:
https://flydominicanrepublic.com/gregorio-luperon-international-airport-mdpp-pop-guide/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Samaná Airport?
ICAO: MDCY
IATA: AZS
Is customs available?
Yes.
Is Jet A fuel available?
Yes.
How far is the airport from Las Terrenas?
Approximately 25–35 minutes.
Does the airport support private jets?
Yes. The runway supports virtually all business jet categories.
What is the best time to visit Samaná?
December through April generally provides the best weather conditions.
Why is Samaná popular among private aviation travelers?
The region combines luxury tourism, beaches, marinas, eco-tourism, whale watching, and relatively low airport congestion.
Conclusion
Samaná El Catey International Airport provides one of the most attractive aviation gateways in the Caribbean. With a long runway, international customs services, growing private aviation infrastructure, and direct access to some of the Dominican Republic’s most spectacular destinations, MDCY continues to grow in importance among both leisure and business aviation operators.
For pilots seeking an alternative to larger Caribbean airports, Samaná offers a unique combination of operational convenience, natural beauty, and luxury tourism opportunities.
Author: Franklin Polanco
Publisher: FlyDominicanRepublic.com
Last Updated: June 2026
