turismo.news September 9, 2026
Airlines1 min read

Punta Cana Airport earns international accessibility accreditation

Voice reading · ~1 min

Punta Cana International Airport just picked up a distinction that matters more than it seems: the Level 1 Accessibility Accreditation from Airports Council International (ACI World). The recognition comes for its work to make the passenger experience more inclusive, as reported by Dominican Today. This is no decorative award. It is a serious audit on how the airport treats someone in a wheelchair, a traveler with visual impairment, or simply a passenger with reduced mobility.

Here is the bigger picture: accessibility is not charity, it is business. Travelers with disabilities often travel with companions, spend more per stay, and are fiercely loyal to destinations that make life easy. With this seal, Punta Cana gets on the radar of a segment that previously chose other Caribbean spots simply because accessible options were missing.

The real challenge now is not stopping at the airport. Punta Cana Airport's accreditation should push hotels, transfers, and tour operators to meet the same standard. Whoever does it first wins the wallet of a tourist who does not negotiate comfort and pays for it.

Quick questions

What does the ACI World Level 1 accreditation mean?
It's the first step in an international program certifying that the airport meets basic accessibility standards for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.
Which airport in the DR received this accreditation?
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), the country's busiest by passenger volume, received the Level 1 accreditation from ACI World.
Why does it matter for Dominican tourism?
It attracts high-spending, loyal travelers with disabilities. It also positions the DR as an inclusive destination compared to other Caribbean spots.
Does this only apply to the airport or also hotels?
The accreditation applies only to the airport. The challenge is for hotels, transfers, and excursions to follow the same inclusive path.
What comes after Level 1 in airport accessibility?
Higher levels require continuous improvement. For Punta Cana, the next step is maintaining the standard and expanding it to more ground services.

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