Cibao International Airport

Cibao International Airport (STI), located near the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic — Santiago de los Caballeros, is the country's third-busiest aviation hub. It plays a key role in serving the northern region, known as the Cibao Valley. This modern airport serves as an important gateway not only for tourists seeking to discover the beauty of the region but also for the large Dominican diaspora maintaining ties with their homeland. The airport opened in 2002, replacing an older facility and becoming one of the most modern in the Caribbean basin.

Cibao Airport is distinguished by its well-thought-out and passenger-friendly infrastructure. Despite its relatively small size, it offers all necessary services: from duty-free shops and restaurants to comfortable lounges. One of its main features is its strategic location in the heart of the Cibao Valley, making it an ideal starting point for travels across the northern part of the Dominican Republic. From here, it is easy to reach tourist centres such as Puerto Plata, Jarabacoa, and Samaná. The airport is constantly developing, expanding its route network and improving service quality, confirming its status as an important transport hub in the Caribbean region.

Below is the contact information for Cibao International Airport (STI), which will help you plan your trip and contact its services.

• Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and regulations, visit the official airport website: www.aeropuertocibao.com.do.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +1 (809) 233-8000.
• Airport Address: Autopista Duarte Km. 16.5, Licey Al Medio 51000, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.
• Email: For written enquiries, you can use the address: info@aeropuertocibao.com.do.
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains pages on social networks such as Facebook and Instagram, where news and operational updates are published.
• Lost and Found Information: If your belongings were lost on board the aircraft, you should first contact your airline's representative. For items left in the airport terminal, please contact the information service.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and consultation, you can use the main airport telephone number or the feedback form on the official website.

Getting to Cibao International Airport (STI) from the city of Santiago or back is quite simple, as it is located just 15 kilometres from the centre. There are several transport options suitable for any budget and travel style.

Taxi and Private Transfer — the most convenient and popular method. Official taxis are available at the exit of the arrival terminal. The Uber service also operates in the region. The trip to the city centre will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It is extremely important to agree on the fare with the driver before getting into the car to avoid misunderstandings. The estimated price is around 25-35 USD. Booking a transfer online in advance can ensure a fixed price and a meeting with the driver in the arrivals hall.

Public Transport — an option for the most economical and adventurous travellers. It is worth noting that this is not the most comfortable method, especially if you have a lot of luggage. There are no direct bus routes to the terminal doors. You will need to use "gua-guas" (local minibuses) or "carros públicos" (shared taxis) that run along the main highway past the airport. From the stop on the highway to the terminal, you will have to walk (about 15-20 minutes) or take a "motoconcho" (motorcycle taxi). This method will cost just a couple of dollars but requires knowledge of the routes and a readiness for adventure.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for those planning to explore the Cibao region and other parts of the Dominican Republic on their own. The airport hosts offices of both international (Avis, Hertz, Budget) and local rental companies. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to guarantee availability and get the best price. Be prepared for an energetic driving style on local roads.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented car, convenient parking is at your service. The airport grounds have zones for both short-term and long-term parking at reasonable prices, making this option convenient if you are seeing someone off or leaving your car for the duration of your trip.

Cibao International Airport (STI), serving the city of Santiago de los Caballeros and its surroundings, is distinguished by a well-thought-out and compact structure, making it convenient for passengers. The airport consists of one main passenger terminal which serves both international and domestic flights, so travellers do not need to worry about transferring between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is divided into several main zones:

• Departure Zone: Located on the upper level. Here you will find airline check-in counters, baggage drop-off points, and the security screening area. After passing control, passengers enter a spacious waiting hall with boarding gates.
• Arrival Zone: Located on the lower level of the terminal. Passengers arriving in Santiago go through passport control here, collect their luggage in a designated area, and pass through customs inspection.
• Concourses: The terminal has two concourses (wings) for boarding flights. The International Concourse is the primary one and serves most flights to the USA, Panama, and other Caribbean islands. The Domestic Concourse is used for flights within the Dominican Republic.

Completing all formalities at Cibao Airport usually takes less time than in major global hubs. On average, it is recommended to allow about 2 hours for check-in and screening before an international flight. During peak seasons, such as Christmas holidays or summer vacations, this time may increase, so it is better to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure. For domestic flights, 1.5 hours is sufficient.

Navigating the terminal will not cause difficulties. Signs are in Spanish and English, and airport staff are always ready to help. Since all services are located in one building, you will easily find your way from the check-in counter to your boarding gate. After the security zone, Duty Free shops, cafes, and VIP lounges are at your service.

Cibao International Airport (STI), serving the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic — Santiago de los Caballeros, has a relatively short but very eventful history. Its grand opening took place on March 18, 2002. The airport was built from scratch through a private initiative to replace an old and small municipal airfield and to meet the growing needs of the densely populated and economically important Cibao Valley region. From the very beginning, it was designed as a modern and efficient transport hub.

The main driving force behind the airport's development was its strategic importance for the huge Dominican diaspora living in the USA, particularly in New York. The introduction of direct flights to Santiago significantly simplified travel for thousands of people maintaining close ties with their homeland. One of the key stages of modernization was the significant extension of the runway. This step allowed for the accommodation of larger wide-body aircraft, opening opportunities for transatlantic flights and further expansion of the route network.

Cibao Airport has never stopped developing. Throughout its history, it has repeatedly expanded and modernized to cope with constantly growing passenger traffic. In recent years, a large-scale reconstruction project was launched, including the construction of a new terminal, the addition of jet bridges, parking expansion, and a complete modernization of existing infrastructure. This is transforming it into one of the most modern airports in the Caribbean basin, focused on passenger comfort.

Among the airport's achievements is the status of the first private international airport in the country, which became a model for similar projects. Today, STI consistently ranks among the top three busiest airports in the Dominican Republic, second only to Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. An interesting fact: its construction was a long-held dream of residents of the entire northern region, and its opening became a truly national event, giving a powerful boost to the economic and social development of the Cibao Valley.

Cibao International Airport (STI) offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Here you will find everything necessary, from places for rest and work to shops and restaurants catering to various tastes and needs.

For those wishing to have a snack or do some shopping, the airport features various cafes and restaurants where you can try both local and international cuisine. The shops, including the Duty Free zone, present a wide assortment of goods: from souvenirs and local delicacies to perfumes, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages. For connoisseurs of enhanced comfort, VIP lounges are available, where you can relax in a calm atmosphere, enjoying snacks, drinks, and other exclusive services.

Staying connected at Cibao Airport is easy — free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. Special charging stations for electronic devices are located in the waiting halls and at boarding gates. Financial matters can also be resolved on the spot: ATMs and currency exchange points are at passengers' disposal.

The airport cares about the well-being of all travellers. If necessary, you can visit the medical point for first aid. For passengers with children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can change and feed a baby in comfortable conditions. All conditions have also been created for people with disabilities: ramps, special restrooms, and staff assistance when moving through the terminal.

Although there are no hotels directly in the airport building, several hotels of various levels are located in the immediate vicinity, which can be quickly reached by taxi. For business travellers who need to hold a meeting or work in a quiet environment, the airport offers the services of business centres and conference rooms equipped with all necessary equipment.

At Cibao International Airport (STI), located near the city of Santiago, travellers can comfortably grab a snack or have a full meal before departure. The majority of dining establishments are concentrated in the main terminal, offering options for every taste and budget.

The main food court is located on the second floor of the terminal, in the public zone (landside), before passing security control. This is the ideal place to have lunch with those seeing you off. Here you can find both international chain outlets, for example, Wendy's, and local cafes. After passing control, in the departure zone (airside), the selection is more limited, but there are several bars and small cafes where you can order drinks and light snacks.

To experience the flavour of the Dominican Republic one last time, visit one of the local cafes. Be sure to try aromatic Dominican coffee, fresh juice from tropical fruits, or traditional empanadas. For those who prefer familiar food, pizza, sandwiches, and burgers from familiar chains are available.

For a quick snack, fast-food restaurants are perfect, where you can take food to go. If you have time for a more leisurely meal, restaurants in the general food court will offer a more diverse menu and comfortable tables for relaxing. Prices, as in most airports, are higher than in the city: a light snack (sandwich and drink) will cost approximately $10-15, and a full lunch — $20-35.

Vegetarians will always find suitable options, such as fresh salads, fruit platters, and various pastries. Passengers adhering to a vegan, gluten-free, or Halal diet are recommended to speak directly to cafe staff to clarify the composition of dishes — they will help select a suitable treat. The opening hours of most establishments are tied to the flight schedule, so you will be able to refresh yourself even early in the morning or late at evening.

Travelling through Cibao International Airport can be an easy and pleasant start or end to your trip to the Dominican Republic. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use our tips, which will help you navigate the airport, save time, and avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival time at the airport. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to complete check-in, baggage drop, and security control without rushing. Although Cibao Airport is not the largest, it can be crowded during peak seasons.

Check-in and security control. To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides such an option. Security control points operate according to standard international rules: be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, from your hand luggage.

Hand luggage and seat selection. Be sure to put all valuables, documents, necessary medications, and a portable charger in your hand luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences: a window seat will give you picturesque views of the Cibao Valley during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat will ensure more legroom and freedom of movement around the cabin.

Customs control and transfers. To enter and exit the Dominican Republic, all passengers must fill out an electronic e-ticket form in advance on a special portal — this will speed up customs clearance. Cibao Airport mainly serves direct flights, so long layovers are rare here. If you do have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage and check in again.

Saving time and money. Book a transfer from the airport in advance to avoid overpaying taxi drivers on the spot. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are generally higher, so you can bring a light snack with you. Take an empty water bottle, which can be filled after passing security control.

In case of flight delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for current information. There are cafes and small shops in the airport where you can pass the time. It is useful to have travel insurance covering cases of flight delay or cancellation to receive compensation for possible expenses.