Sunrise Dominicana has submitted a request to the U.S. Department of Transportation for permission to start its flight operations between the Dominican Republic and the United States. The newly established airline requests exemption authority to operate scheduled passenger services and charter flights for a five-year period.

The airline expansion plans of the company receive a major boost through this development because it enables the airline to start operations in one of the globe’s biggest and most difficult aviation markets.

Plans for Scheduled and Charter Operations

In a regulatory filing submitted Monday, Sunrise Dominicana outlined its intention to operate a mix of regular scheduled flights and charter services connecting the Dominican Republic with destinations in the United States. However, the airline did not specify which U.S. cities or airports it plans to serve.

Approval from U.S. regulators would allow the airline to establish international routes and compete with existing carriers operating between the two countries. The United States and the Dominican Republic share strong travel demand, driven by tourism, business travel, and family connections.

If successful, Sunrise Dominicana would have a number of Caribbean and Latin American carriers to compete with in the congested U.S.–Caribbean market.

Fleet Strategy and Aircraft Plans

To support its planned operations, Sunrise Dominicana has secured leases for several regional aircraft. These include the Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, the Embraer ERJ 135, and two British Aerospace Jetstream 32 aircraft.

These smaller regional aircraft are well-suited for short- and medium-haul routes within the Caribbean and nearby international markets, including Florida and other southeastern U.S. destinations. The aircraft offer lower operating costs and provide flexibility for airlines entering new markets.

The use of regional aircraft suggests the airline may initially focus on shorter routes and secondary markets before expanding to larger aircraft and additional destinations.

Airline Background and Current Operations

Sunrise Dominicana was founded in 2022 and received its air operator certification in the Dominican Republic in 2025. The airline is based at Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo, which serves as its main operational hub.

Currently, the airline operates flights to destinations within the Caribbean, including Antigua and Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. These routes represent the airline’s initial efforts to establish a presence in regional aviation markets.

The airline’s leadership brings experience from the broader Caribbean aviation sector. Sunrise Dominicana is led by President Philippe Bayard, who is also the founder of Sunrise Airways, a Haiti-based carrier that already operates flights to U.S. destinations including Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Expansion into the U.S. Market

Entering the U.S. market would represent a major milestone for Sunrise Dominicana. Approval from regulators would allow the airline to expand its network, attract new passengers, and strengthen its position in the Caribbean aviation industry.

The Dominican Republic is one of the most important aviation markets in the Caribbean, with strong passenger demand driven by tourism and international travel. New airline entrants can increase competition, improve connectivity, and provide travelers with more options.

If the exemption authority is granted, Sunrise Dominicana could begin building its presence in the U.S. market and gradually expand its operations. The airline’s expansion reflects continued growth in Caribbean aviation and highlights increasing demand for regional and international air travel.