Philadelphia airport’s biggest airline will soon fly to another Caribbean destination
The route to the Dominican Republic last operated from Philadelphia International Airport in 2022.
American Airlines is bringing back a direct flight from the Philadelphia International Airport to Santiago, Dominican Republic, just in time for the summer season.
Flights are scheduled to begin May 21 and will be offered four times a week. The route was last offered in 2022.
“As Philadelphia’s hometown airline, we take pride in the robust international service we provide for PHL customers to popular destinations around the world — and we know the Caribbean is a sought-after getaway for summer vacation,” Lakshman Amaranayaka, American Airlines vice president of PHL operations, said in a statement.
American is also starting daily service to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, from PHL in May.
Flights for both destinations are now available for purchase on the airline’s website.
In addition to these two Dominican Republic routes, American will fly to a dozen other destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America this summer. The airline has been adding international routes, with new flights out of PHL to Europe, as well as domestic destinations in recent years.
American is the largest operator out of PHL, having transported nearly 20 million passengers through the airport in 2024. The airline is among the largest employers in Philadelphia and has over 10,000 employees in the region.
Across all airlines, PHL saw a 2.5% decrease in passenger volume last year, to 30.1 million travelers.
But PHL’s international travel has been increasing and is expected to continue to grow this year. Some 4.1 million passengers traveling through PHL in 2025 were heading to or returning from international destinations — nearly 14% of all passengers.
Meanwhile, the airport is preparing for what is expected to be a standout year for tourism in the city. This year, Philadelphia expects to welcome travelers for the FIFA World Cup soccer games, the MLB All-Star Game, and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The airport has been getting ready with a $500 million upgrade which includes additional bathrooms, new terminal exit doors, and more.