Punta Cana (MDPC) Removes Third-Party Handling: What Operators Need to Know
Universal Aviation Dominican Republic reports that as of May 1, 2026, the airport has moved to a centralized coordination model. Third-party handlers are no longer permitted to operate on-airport, and all services must now be arranged directly with the airport’s internal team.
For operators used to working through a preferred handler, this is a structural change to the planning process. Coordination, services, and support that were previously managed externally are now handled entirely by the airport.
What You Need to Plan For
- Third-party handlers are no longer permitted at MDPC
- All general aviation coordination must be handled directly with the airport
- The airport’s internal executive terminal team now manages all services
- Operators must coordinate permits, services, and payments directly
- La Romana International Airport remains a viable alternative when third-party support is required
What Changed at MDPC?
Punta Cana International Airport is owned and operated by Corporación Aeroportuaria del Este, S.A. (CAE), which has implemented a new approach to general aviation handling.
This transition began with the closure of the airport’s dedicated FBO and the relocation of general aviation operations to the VIP terminal.
Effective May 1, 2026:
- All operations must be coordinated directly with the airport
- Third-party handlers and FBOs are no longer permitted to provide services on-site
All coordination must be arranged via: executiveterminal@puntacana.com
The airport’s private aviation team is now responsible for:
- Pre-arrival coordination
- On-site coordination
- Meet-and-greet services
- Support within airport facilities
What This Means for Operators
Operators planning missions to MDPC must now:
- Coordinate all handling requirements directly with the airport
- Arrange permits, services, and support through the airport team
- Confirm payment methods in advance (credit cards accepted subject to airport approval)
Universal Aviation and other third-party providers are no longer able to provide ground handling or direct support services at MDPC.
Required Action
Operators should update internal systems and workflows:
- Remove third-party handler listings for MDPC
- Update preferred handler databases
- Adjust scheduling and dispatch procedures
- Ensure all coordination is directed to the airport
Recommended Alternative: La Romana International Airport
Universal Aviation Dominican Republid – La Romana
For operators requiring a traditional general aviation handling environment, MDLR remains a strong option.
La Romana offers:
- Established general aviation infrastructure
- Experienced handling services
- Efficient processing environment
Additional considerations:
- Ground transfer to Punta Cana is typically 45–60 minutes
- Repositioning should be evaluated based on passenger needs
Continued Support in the Dominican Republic
While third-party handling is no longer available at MDPC, support remains available at other locations across the Dominican Republic, including La Romana (MDLR).
Universal Aviation Dominican Republic can continue to assist with planning, coordination, and ground handling for operators evaluating alternatives or adjusting upcoming missions.
Conclusion
Operations at MDPC now require direct coordination with the airport’s executive terminal team.
Operators should adjust planning workflows accordingly and evaluate alternatives such as MDLR when third-party support is required.
Early coordination and updated internal procedures will be key to operating smoothly under this new model.
