The concessionaire company Dominican Airports 21st Century (Aerodom) rejected the accusations of repeated failure to comply with its contractual obligations with the Dominican State. In an official statement, the company, managed by the French company Vinci, assured that these statements “do not reflect reality” and reaffirmed that it has complied and continues to fully comply with all the commitments established in the concession contract.
By placing criticism and opinions in the media as the target of his denial, he ignored the direct complaints of the president Luis Abinaderformulated last week, and by the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, in December. Abinader even warned that he could take these breaches to court.
Investments
According to the company, since Vinci Airports took control of Aerodomhave been made sustained investmentsverifiable and visible in the country’s airport infrastructure. Only in the years 2024 and 2025, investments exceeded US$75 millionaimed mainly at the modernization and expansion of key facilities.
Among the notable works are the construction of the new cargo terminal and the renovation of the central atrium of the Las Americas International Airport José Francisco Peña Gómez (AILA). Added to these are multiple interventions carried out over the last two years, such as the remodeling and expansion of the parking lots, the installation of a rainwater collection system, the comprehensive renovation of the arrivals and departures areas – with new ceilings, seats, floors and elevators – and the ongoing installation of an automated baggage handling system. According to Aerodomthese improvements have made it possible to increase both the passenger experience such as airport operational efficiency.
Criticisms of Abinader
That is not, however, the opinion of President Abinader, who in a meeting with journalists referred to Vinci in very critical terms and complained that they have failed to fulfill their responsibilities regarding the construction of a new terminal. Numerous user complaints accompany the presidential criticismreferring to unrenovated sanitary facilities, a general blackout that caused the airport to close last year, as well as problems with runway lighting that have also affected airline operations. This newspaper reported on the arrival of an American Airlines flight that was stopped on the taxiway because there were no personnel to accompany it on the approach to the chute where passengers disembark. The air conditioning system suffers from frequent deficiencies and the luggage straps are outdated and inefficient.
The statement also highlights investment in renewable energy through the development of solar parks in all concessioned airports. The installed capacity exceeds nine megawattswhich makes Aerodom in one of the main private self-generators in the country and reduces the demand for energy from the national electrical system. The company emphasizes that this initiative is part of a sustainability strategy aligned with international standards.
New terminal AILA
One of the central points of the document is the status of the project for the new airport terminal. AILAwhose execution has been the subject of public debate. Aerodom maintains that it is a large-scale and highly technically complex work, which requires rigorous planning and gradual execution. During 2024 and 2025, a preparatory phase considered critical, which included specialized geotechnical studies, the comprehensive design of the project and the obtaining of the environmental permits corresponding.
Construction work began in June 2025 with preliminary work such as demolitions and land clearance already completed. Subsequently, in December 2025, the main contract of construction, which allowed the full execution of the project. According to Aerodomthe work is progressing according to the schedule established in the concession contract, with a scheduled completion date for the second half of 2028.
Although Vinci speaks of total intervention of the AILAthe arrival and departure vehicular areas continue to be chaotic due to the absence of adequate channels for traffic and a poor signage.
The company also reported that the total investment of the new terminal exceeds US$350 millionan amount that exceeds the commitment originally assumed in the contract. Aerodom emphasizes that this approach responds to its policy of meeting the highest international standards of safety, quality and performance, typical of a global airport operator.
On a financial level, the concessionaire recalled that in 2024 it carried out the agreed payment of US$775 million to the Dominican Republic, in addition to assuming the operation, maintenance and improvement of all airports.
At the close of the statement, the company reaffirms its commitment to continue investing in the country and work in coordination with the authorities to offer airport infrastructure modern, safe and world class. He maintained that the investments executed are measurable and adhere to the international best practices.
Part of the financing for these investments comes from rate increases approved by the Government. Since November 2025, the infrastructure use fee rose from US$19.67 to US$20.77, while the baggage fee was set at US$3.50. These charges apply to each traveler entering or leaving the country. According to Aerodom, construction work began in June 2025 with preliminary work such as demolition and land clearance already completed. Then, in December 2025, the main construction contract was signed, which “allowed for full implementation of the project.”
