French carrier Air Caraïbes is expanding its service to the Dominican Republic with two new weekly direct flights on the Paris–Samaná route, with an additional Paris–Punta Cana frequency planned before the end of the year.

The announcement came during a travel trade fair in Paris, where Dominican Republic Tourism Minister David Collado and Air Caraïbes President Marc Rochet formalized the new route with a handshake at the Dominican stand.

It’s the second major announcement for Air Caraïbes this week, along with the company’s high-profile agreement with Caribbean Airlines.

The new Paris Orly–Samaná (El Catey) service is set to launch this winter season, strengthening the airline’s already robust presence in the destination. Air Caraïbes currently operates up to seven weekly flights to Punta Cana and up to three to Santo Domingo during the winter season.

Collado thanked the airline for stepping in to fill the gap left when Air France suspended its direct flights to the Dominican Republic in 2023. Rebuilding air connectivity with France has become a key priority for Dominican tourism officials, who are aiming to revive what was once one of the country’s strongest European markets.

The number of French visitors to the Dominican Republic has dropped from an annual average of 225,000 to just over 144,000 this year. French tourists spend an average of 11 days in the country and generate around $161 million annually, according to Collado.

“This is a market that we want to reconquer,” he said. “With this alliance with Air Caraïbes, we are confident that by 2026 the Dominican Republic will welcome 250,000 French visitors.”

Marc Rochet highlighted the airline’s commitment to the Dominican market, noting that the new service will be operated with Airbus A350 aircraft. “These are the best and most modern airplanes in Europe,” he said.

The expansion underscores growing efforts by the Dominican Republic to restore and increase flight capacity from France, a critical source market for the country’s tourism industry.