Dominican Republic Adds 800 Emergency Flights To Absorb Tourists Canceling Jamaica This Winter

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If you were dreaming of a quiet, last-minute escape to Punta Cana this winter, we at Travel Off Path have some news: the secret is officially out.

After Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of Jamaica in late October, the Dominican Republic has just green-lit a massive 800 extra flights to scoop up travelers who are canceling Jamaica and rerouting their winter sun trips.

Here’s what that actually means for your vacation — and how to avoid getting squeezed out of the Caribbean altogether.

What’s Behind The “Jamaica Exodus”?

Hurricane Melissa slammed Jamaica on October 28, bringing extreme flooding, major infrastructure damage, and billions of dollars in losses.

Recovery has been slower than many hoped:

• Several hotels and resorts on Jamaica’s north and west coasts aren’t expected to fully reopen until mid- to late-2026.
• Jamaica has officially declared an outbreak of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease linked to contaminated floodwater, with confirmed cases and multiple deaths since the storm.
• Health officials are warning travelers to be cautious around standing water and to follow strict hygiene and food-safety measures if they go.

Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic — already one of the hottest destinations on the planet and setting all-time tourism records in 2025 — saw an opportunity.

Héctor Porcella, president of the country’s Civil Aviation Board, said they authorized 800 flights “in one fell swoop” because the tourism that was headed to Jamaica is now being redirected to the DR.

800 Extra Flights = A Very Different Winter In The DR

Those 800 flights, a mix of scheduled and charter services, will be spread over roughly eight months — but the crunch point is the winter high season (Christmas through New Year’s and into early January).

Here’s what that looks like on the ground:

• Occupancy near 95%: Hotel associations in the DR are already projecting more than 95% occupancy over the key holiday weeks.
• Goodbye, last-minute deals: When we broke down why this trendy Caribbean island keeps smashing tourism records in 2025, we noted that prices were already creeping up. With tens of thousands of extra passengers, don’t expect “flash sales” to magically appear.
• Busier airports: Punta Cana International (PUJ) will be packed, but some of this extra lift is also being funneled into Santo Domingo (SDQ) and Puerto Plata (POP), which could be smart plays if you’re flexible.

If you read our guide to the most affordable Caribbean spots for a warm winter vacation, you’ll remember we flagged Puerto Plata as a cheaper, more low-key alternative to Punta Cana — that tip just got even more valuable.

How To Do The Dominican Republic Smart This Winter

If you’re already booked for the DR, don’t panic — but do get organized:

• Lock in transfers now: With occupancy pushing 95%, private transfers, rental cars, and popular excursions can sell out long before you land.
• Confirm your flights: Extra flights mean schedule changes. Keep an eye on your booking and app notifications so you’re not surprised by a time shift.
• Shift your dates if you can: Traveling in mid-January or early February instead of New Year’s week can save serious money and sanity, a strategy we’ve recommended before for Caribbean winter escapes.
• Think beyond Punta Cana: Consider flying into Santo Domingo for a culture-plus-beach combo or Puerto Plata for a more laid-back resort scene and better value.

Should You Still Go To Jamaica Instead?

Here’s the honest take.

Jamaica is open. Cruise arrivals have resumed, and the tourism board is working hard to get key areas back on their feet.

If you:

• Hate crowds
• Don’t mind staying mostly on-property
• Are comfortable with a bit of “rough around the edges” infrastructure

…you could actually have a quieter, crowd-free resort experience in Jamaica this winter.

But there are real caveats:

• Some hotels remain closed or partially operational.
• There is an active leptospirosis outbreak, with health officials advising strict precautions around floodwater and potentially contaminated environments.
• You should be following official guidance from agencies like the CDC and the Jamaican Ministry of Health, and talk to a healthcare professional if you have concerns — especially if you plan to leave the resort bubble.

If you’re risk-averse or traveling with young kids, the DR is going to feel more straightforward right now.

No Space In The DR? Here’s Where To Pivot

If prices in Punta Cana are eye-watering or your dates are already sold out, don’t assume your winter sunshine plans are dead.

A few solid plan-B options we at Travel Off Path love:

• Belize (Placencia): In our recent round-up of two unknown paradise destinations named top Caribbean getaways for 2026, Placencia came out as a super chilled beach town with far fewer crowds than the big resort hubs.
• Saba: Same article, completely different vibe — think tiny, volcanic, and wildly scenic. Amazing for divers and adventurers who want bragging rights.
• Mexico’s Costa Maya (Bacalar & Mahahual): We’ve already shown how Costa Maya still feels “untouched” compared to busier corners of the Riviera Maya, with laid-back Mahahual and dreamy Bacalar lagoon giving you that Caribbean-blue water without the mega-resort mayhem.

The Bottom Line

The Dominican Republic just turned into the main safety valve for a disrupted Caribbean winter.

If you want in:

1. Book now, not “when I see a deal.”
2. Be flexible on dates and airports.
3. Have a back-up destination (Belize, Costa Maya, Saba) ready to go if prices spike.

Whether you ride out the crowds in Punta Cana, stick with a quieter Jamaica, or zig where everyone else zags, this winter is shaping up to be one of the most unusual — and strategic — Caribbean seasons we’ve seen in years.