Samaná El Catey International

Samaná El Catey International Airport (Spanish: Aeropuerto Internacional Samaná El Catey), also known as President Juan Bosch Airport, is the main aerial gateway to the picturesque Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. Opened in 2006, this modern airport has become a key transport hub for tourists seeking to discover the region's pristine beaches, coconut groves, and national parks. Its strategic location allows for quick access to the most popular resorts, bypassing long and tiring transfers from other parts of the country.

The main advantage of El Catey airport is its convenient location, which significantly reduces travel time to key tourist spots. The journey to the lively town of Las Terrenas takes only about 30 minutes, and to the provincial capital Santa Bárbara de Samaná, from where excursions for humpback whale watching depart, takes approximately 40-50 minutes. The airport is designed to accommodate large long-haul aircraft, including the Boeing 747, and its terminal is capable of serving up to 600 passengers per hour, ensuring a comfortable and swift completion of all arrival formalities. Thanks to this, travellers can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the tropical paradise for which the Samaná Peninsula is famous almost immediately after landing.

• Official Website: www.aerodom.com/samana
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (809) 338-5888
• Address: Autopista Nagua-Samaná, Km 20, El Catey, Samaná, República Dominicana
• Email: info@aerodom.com (general email of the operator company, Aerodom)
• Social Media: The airport is managed by Aerodom; current information can be found on their official pages:
  • Facebook: AerodomRD
  • X (Twitter): @AerodomRD
  • Instagram: @aerodomrd
• Lost Luggage Information: For questions regarding luggage lost during a flight, you must first contact your airline's representative at the airport. For items left within the terminal building, please contact the airport information service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance regarding airport operations, you may use the information desk phone number.

There are several ways to get to Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS), located on the picturesque Samaná Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. The choice depends on your budget, level of comfort, and desire to experience the local culture.

Taxi and Tourist Transfer

This is the most popular and convenient method for tourists. Counters for official taxis and companies offering transfers are located directly in the arrivals area. It is recommended to book a transfer in advance through your hotel or travel agency to avoid inflated prices. The trip to popular resort areas, such as Las Terrenas or Santa Bárbara de Samaná, takes from 30 to 50 minutes. Taxi fares usually vary from 40 to 80 USD depending on the final destination. This option guarantees comfort, especially if you are travelling with large luggage.

Car Rental

For independent travellers, renting a car is an ideal option. Offices of both international and local rental companies are available at or near the airport. This gives you the freedom to explore the entire peninsula at your own pace. The roads leading from the airport, including the toll road Autopista del Nordeste, are in good condition. Please note that the driving style in the country can be quite chaotic. There is a car park at El Catey airport where you can leave your rental car.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly, but also the most adventurous method, is local minibuses known as "guaguas". There is usually no direct route from the airport to the resorts. You will need to walk to the main road and flag down a passing minibus. This option is suitable for travellers with light luggage who are ready for an adventure and do not speak Spanish. The cost of the trip will be minimal (a few dollars), but be prepared for possible transfers and a lack of air conditioning.

Other Airports Nearby

Although Samaná El Catey Airport is key for the peninsula, it is worth knowing about other air hubs in the region. Depending on your itinerary, it may be convenient to fly into one of them and then reach Samaná by ground transport. Nearby airports include: La Isabela International Airport (JBQ) in Santo Domingo, Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago, as well as the country's largest, Las Américas International Airport (SDQ).

Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS) is a modern and compact aviation hub that pleasantly surprises with its simple and clear structure. There is only one passenger terminal here, serving both international and domestic flights, which completely eliminates confusion with transfers and complex maps. The entire process — from arriving at the airport to boarding the plane — takes place in a single building.

The main feature of the terminal is its unique open-air architecture. The building is designed in a Caribbean style with high ceilings resembling a traditional thatched "palapa" roof. Thanks to this, there is plenty of air and natural light inside, creating the relaxed atmosphere of a resort rather than a bustling transport hub. This allows travellers to feel the spirit of the Dominican Republic immediately upon arrival.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building but are clearly separated.

• Departure Zone: includes check-in counters, a security checkpoint, and a comfortable waiting hall with Duty Free shops, souvenir stalls, and cafes.
• Arrival Zone: consists of the passport control area, baggage claim belts, and the customs hall. All procedures take place sequentially and quickly.

Due to the small size of the airport, completing all formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and security screening last on average from 30 to 60 minutes. Nevertheless, during the peak tourist season, queues are possible, so it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard — 2-3 hours before an international flight.

Orienting yourself in El Catey airport is very easy. Since there is only one terminal, you will not have to look for walkways or shuttles. Just move along with the flow of passengers following the signs. The airport staff are friendly and always ready to help. The main advice is not to rush and to enjoy the unusual atmosphere of this air terminal, which will be a wonderful start or end to your journey.

Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS), officially named after President Juan Bosch (Aeropuerto Internacional Presidente Juan Bosch), is one of the youngest and most modern airports in the Dominican Republic. Its history began relatively recently, but it is closely linked to the rapid development of tourism on the picturesque Samaná Peninsula.

The airport was officially inaugurated on November 6, 2006. The main goal of its construction was to create direct and convenient air connections for tourists heading to the peninsula's resorts, such as Las Terrenas, Las Galeras, and Santa Bárbara de Samaná. Before its appearance, travellers had to travel from more distant airports in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, or Puerto Plata, which took several hours.

From the very beginning, the airport was designed to accommodate large long-haul aircraft. Its 3,000-metre runway is capable of serving airliners such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A340. This allowed for the immediate launch of charter and scheduled flights from Europe, Canada, and the USA, which radically changed the region's tourism logistics.

Over the years of its existence, the airport has not undergone massive reconstruction, as it was originally built to modern standards. Regular work is carried out to modernize equipment and maintain infrastructure at a high level. Its opening became a major achievement in the development of the region and allowed the Samaná Peninsula to become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal is designed so that your journey begins or ends with maximum convenience. Before departure, you can visit duty-free shops, where a wide selection of souvenirs, local products, cigars, and perfumes is presented, as well as have a snack in one of the cafes or bars offering both light snacks and full meals.

For those who value enhanced comfort, VIP lounges are provided at the airport. Here you can relax in a quiet setting, enjoying beverages and snacks away from the general bustle. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or attend to work matters. Special charging stations for electronic devices are equipped in the waiting halls.

At El Catey Airport, you will find all basic financial services. Currency exchange points and ATMs where you can withdraw cash are in operation. In case of need, the terminal has a medical centre ready to provide first aid to passengers. This ensures additional peace of mind during travel.

The airport cares for all categories of travellers. For passengers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change a baby in privacy. Passengers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance and the availability of special facilities, such as ramps and equipped restrooms, for unhindered movement around the terminal.

Although there are no hotels directly on the grounds of Samaná El Catey Airport, you will easily find many accommodation options in the nearby resort zones, which can be reached by taxi or transfer. Due to its primarily tourist purpose, the airport does not have dedicated conference rooms or business centres, however, basic conditions for work, such as internet access and quiet zones in VIP lounges, will help solve urgent tasks.

Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS) is a small and compact airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is oriented towards the basic needs of passengers waiting for their flight. Do not expect the variety found in major international hubs here; however, finding a place for a snack or a cup of coffee before departure is certainly possible.

The main food outlets are located in the departure zone (airside), after passing passport control and security screening. Typically, these are small cafes and snack bars. Here, travellers can purchase sandwiches, pastries, crisps, chocolate, as well as hot and cold drinks, including coffee, tea, juices, and sparkling water.

Although the choice of dishes is limited, sometimes you can find something with local flavour. Look out for empanadas (fried pastries with filling) or other Dominican snacks if they are on the menu. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the tastes of the Dominican Republic one last time before departure. Bars also typically offer local beverages.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or Halal dishes) should be prepared for a very limited selection. It is highly recommended to bring suitable snacks with you to avoid inconvenience. The price range at the airport is, as expected, higher than in the city and corresponds to the average level for tourist zones.

For a quick snack, coffee and fresh pastries are ideal. If you are looking for something more substantial, the best option would be a ready-made sandwich or hot dog. The opening hours of establishments are directly linked to the flight schedule: they open a few hours before departure and close after the last plane has left.

Travelling through Samaná El Catey International Airport will be easier and more pleasant if you know a few nuances. Here are several tips that will help you orient yourself and avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport. When planning a departure from El Catey Airport, arrive well in advance. The recommended buffer time is 2-3 hours before the departure of an international flight. Although the airport is not as large as capital hubs, queues are possible during the peak tourist season. It is better to calmly complete all formalities than to worry at the last moment.

Check-in and Screening. To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. Keep your passport and boarding pass ready at the airport. When passing through security, remove laptops and other large gadgets from your carry-on luggage in advance. Remember the rules for carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. Do you want to enjoy views of the Samaná Peninsula from above? When choosing a seat on the plane, study the cabin map (this can be done on specialized websites). Window seats will give you the opportunity to take beautiful photos of the Dominican Republic coastline during takeoff or landing.

Carry-on Luggage. Be sure to pack all valuables in your carry-on luggage: documents, money, electronics, and necessary medication. A change of clothes in case of luggage delay is also advisable. It is strictly forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml in the cabin. Ensure that your power bank meets the airline's power requirements.

Passengers with Connections. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination. Calculate the time needed for the transfer in advance, especially if it involves changing terminals or passing through security control again.

Customs Control. Entry to and exit from the country requires filling out an electronic form (E-ticket). Do this online a few days before your trip to avoid wasting time at the airport. Save the received QR code on your phone. Upon departure, be prepared to present receipts for large purchases, if any.

Saving Time and Money. The best way to save time is to book a transfer in advance from the airport to your hotel in El Catey or other resorts. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be inflated, so take a light snack and an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay, remain calm. First, contact your airline representative for information about the new departure time and your rights (for example, to drinks or meals). Connect to the Wi-Fi at the airport to stay in touch and monitor updates on the departure board.