Samaná, Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic welcomed 11 aircraft with more than 20 passengers on board to Prof. Juan Bosch International Airport “El Catey” as part of the “Caribbean Air Rally” Fly-In event.
Each Fly-In contributes to boosting the economy of the provinces where they land, as it attracts high-spending tourists. Currently, the country receives approximately 15 Fly-In flights per year.
The aircraft and their crews were greeted on the tarmac by the Director of the Airport Department (DA), Víctor Pichardo, along with a delegation of officials from the institution, to welcome them to the country.
“We are thrilled to welcome Caribbean Air Rally 2026, in honor of the late Catherine Tobenas, a champion of general aviation and a lifelong ally of the Dominican Republic,” said Pichardo, after acknowledging the growth of private aviation in the country.
He emphasized that this recreational aviation initiative is part of the institutional efforts to promote non-commercial private aviation, with the support of the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, “who approved the protocol for its promotion and strengthening, and today we are enjoying the results, such as the growth of these types of activities that boost the economy of each province they visit.”
Meanwhile, Camil Dumont, president of Air Rally and coordinator of the visiting team, appreciated the reception from the authorities and highlighted the improvement the country has shown in general aviation, especially since 2020.
“Since 2020, the situation has changed for the better, and I think that’s due to the people,” Dumont stated, adding that they have been making trips to the Caribbean for twenty-four years and will celebrate their 25th anniversary in the country, given its strategic location for traveling to other destinations.
The aircraft originally departed from Fort Lauderdale, in southern Florida, USA, for a tour of the Caribbean. Beginning their first stop in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where they stayed for three days, they will then depart from the Dominican Republic for Nevis, located in the Windward Islands.
The visitors will be in the Dominican Republic for three days.
Víctor Pichardo with the visitors during the Caribbean Air Rally 2026 upon their arrival at Catey Airport, Samaná.
In the Pictures
1- Víctor Pichardo, Director of the Airport Authority
2- Gustavo Rodríguez, Vice President of the US Pilots Association
3- Camil Dumont, President of the Caribbean Air Rally
