Aerolíneas Argentinas bets on Punta Cana and trims Cancún

Aerolíneas Argentinas is making its move in the Caribbean. The Argentine state carrier is raising its bet on Punta Cana with five weekly flights in December and a daily service in its sights for the coming season, according to Arecoa. At the same time, it is cutting frequencies to Cancún, a shift that reshuffles seats between the two big sun-and-beach destinations for Argentine travellers.

The read for the Dominican industry is straightforward. The Argentine market has been growing in arrivals, and every extra seat from Buenos Aires, Córdoba or Rosario turns into occupied rooms in Bávaro, Cap Cana and the eastern zone. Hoteliers with contracts with Argentine tour operators feel the move first, and those selling direct rates capitalise once the flight goes daily.

It remains to be seen whether the Cancún cut holds in the next schedule or is just a seasonal adjustment. What is worth watching is whether other South American carriers follow the same trail. The Dominican Caribbean wins when regional connectivity widens, and this is one more step in that direction.