Samaná’s Presidente Juan Bosch International Airport (El Catey) just opened a dedicated private flight terminal, and for anyone who has ever waited in a general aviation line, the upgrade is significant. The new 300-square-meter facility, operated by Universal Aviation and AERODOM, part of the VINCI Airports group, is the third FBO the company runs in the Dominican Republic, joining terminals in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata. This article covers what the new terminal offers, who it’s designed for, and how it changes the arrival experience for private travelers heading to the Samaná Peninsula.
Universal Aviation now operates seven airports across the Dominican Republic, with the new Samaná FBO marking its third dedicated private terminal in the country.
If you’re flying private into Samaná, this terminal streamlines what used to be a slower, less comfortable process. The dedicated immigration and customs areas mean you clear formalities inside the lounge rather than walking to the main terminal. That said, it’s a luxury upgrade — not a change that affects commercial passengers or travelers on a budget.
Private aviation travelers
Luxury vacationers
Groups arriving by charter
| Feature | What It Is | Who It Serves | Standout Detail | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Terminal (FBO) | Dedicated arrival/departure building for private flights | Private jet and charter passengers | 300 sqm with panoramic terrace | Arrange ground transport through your FBO handler before landing — the terminal itself is compact, and rental car desks are in the main terminal |
| Immigration & Customs | On-site clearance within the FBO | International private arrivals | No need to walk to the main terminal | Have passports and customs forms ready before deplaning — the dedicated counters move fast, but only if paperwork is complete |
| Executive Lounge | Main lounge with kitchen and admin offices | Travelers waiting for connections or ground transport | Designed by architect Rubén Merette | The lounge is best for short waits — for longer layovers, the terrace offers better space, but bring sun protection as shade is limited |
| Eco-Efficient Design | Built with sustainable materials and tech | Environmentally conscious travelers | Reduces environmental footprint per the developer | Ask your handler about the building’s specific features — the eco-efficiency is a design claim, not a certification you can verify on site |
The New Private Terminal at El Catey
The terminal was inaugurated by Igor Rodríguez, Director General of IDAC, and Juan Bancalari, President of ASONAHORES, signaling government and tourism sector backing. Designed by architect Rubén Merette and built by Abbot Puig, the facility includes a main lounge, panoramic terrace, dedicated immigration and customs areas, an executive kitchen, and administrative offices. For families arriving on a private charter, the dedicated clearance areas mean you skip the main terminal entirely — a real advantage with kids in tow.
Universal Aviation’s Samaná FBO is the third they operate in the Dominican Republic — if you’ve used their terminals at La Isabela in Santo Domingo or Gregorio Luperón in Puerto Plata, the service standard and layout will feel familiar, though Samaná’s is the smallest at 300 square meters.
Who This Upgrade Serves
Private aviation in the Dominican Republic has shown sustained growth, according to IDAC Director General Igor Rodríguez, and this terminal is part of a broader push to strengthen competitiveness. Greg Evans, Chairman of Universal Aviation, noted that the company now supports operations at seven airports across the country and assists thousands of flights annually. For travelers, the practical benefit is straightforward: a faster, more comfortable arrival into one of the Caribbean’s more remote peninsula destinations.
What the Terminal Includes
The facility’s features are tailored to the private aviation crowd. The panoramic terrace offers views of the surrounding hills and coastline, while the executive kitchen allows for catering to be staged before departure. Administrative offices on site mean flight planning and paperwork can be handled without leaving the building. The eco-efficient building materials and technology used in construction are part of a broader push by VINCI Airports to reduce environmental impact across its network.
The terminal is new, so ground transport options from the FBO are still developing. Arrange a car or driver through your charter company or the FBO handler before arrival — don’t expect a taxi queue outside the private terminal like you’d find at a major commercial airport.
Practical Section: Planning Your Private Arrival into Samaná
| Consideration | Detail | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Flight clearance | Dedicated immigration and customs inside the FBO | Have all passenger passports and customs forms ready before landing — the counters are fast but expect full documentation |
| Ground transport | No rental car desks inside the FBO | Pre-book a private driver or arrange a rental car through the main terminal — your FBO handler can coordinate this |
| Catering | Executive kitchen available for pre-arranged catering | Order through your charter company or FBO handler at least 24 hours before departure |
| Lounge access | Main lounge and terrace for passengers and crew | Access is included with FBO use — no separate membership or fee beyond standard handling charges |
Booking and Costs
Private terminal access is typically included in your handling fee when you file a flight plan through Universal Aviation. Costs vary by aircraft size and services requested, but the FBO itself doesn’t charge a separate passenger fee. If you’re arriving on a charter arranged through a broker, confirm that the handling includes FBO access at Samaná — some brokers bundle it, others list it as an add-on.
Seasonal Timing
Samaná’s peak season runs roughly December through April, when humpback whale watching draws significant traffic. During these months, the FBO may see higher demand, so confirm slot availability with your handler when filing your flight plan. The terminal’s 300-square-meter size means it can handle only a few arriving flights simultaneously — larger groups or multiple arrivals may need staggered scheduling.
Universal Aviation’s Samaná FBO is part of a network that includes terminals in Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata. If you’re island-hopping through the Dominican Republic, you can use the same handler at multiple airports, which simplifies paperwork and ground coordination across stops.
What to Prioritize If You’re Short on Time
If your layover is under an hour, skip the terrace and head straight to the lounge for customs clearance — the panoramic view is nice, but the clearance counters are the bottleneck. If you have two hours or more, use the executive kitchen to stage a quick meal before your onward flight or ground transfer. For travelers on a tight schedule, pre-arranging ground transport is the single most important step — the FBO is efficient, but the road from El Catey to Samaná town or Las Terrenas takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
- The new FBO at El Catey streamlines private arrivals with dedicated customs and a lounge — but it’s a luxury upgrade, not a change for commercial passengers.
- Pre-arrange ground transport through your handler before landing; the FBO doesn’t have rental car desks or a guaranteed taxi queue.
- Peak season (December–April) may require slot coordination for private flights due to limited FBO capacity.
Before You Go: Samaná Private Aviation Questions Answered
Can commercial passengers use the new terminal?
No. The FBO is restricted to private flights and charters arranged through Universal Aviation or an approved handler. Commercial passengers arriving on scheduled airlines will continue to use the main terminal building for immigration and baggage claim.
Is the terminal worth it for a short stopover?
Yes, if you value speed over scenery. The dedicated clearance counters mean you can be through formalities in under 15 minutes on a good day. But the terminal is small — don’t expect duty-free shopping or multiple dining options. It’s designed for efficiency, not extended stays.
What happens if my flight arrives outside operating hours?
Universal Aviation coordinates with airport authorities for after-hours arrivals, but you should confirm this with your handler when filing the flight plan. The FBO itself may not be staffed 24/7, so late-night or early-morning arrivals could mean using the main terminal’s facilities instead.
Is the eco-efficient design actually noticeable?
Not really, from a passenger perspective. The building uses sustainable materials and energy-efficient technology, but you won’t see solar panels or water recycling systems during a standard visit. The claim is about construction methodology, not a visible feature you can verify on site.
What’s the biggest downside of the new terminal?
Its size. At 300 square meters, the FBO can feel cramped if multiple flights arrive simultaneously. The terrace helps, but during peak season, the lounge can get crowded. If you value space and privacy, consider scheduling your arrival outside the midday window when most charter traffic lands.
Why Samaná’s Luxury Upgrade Matters for the Peninsula
Alexandra Malvezin, Chief Commercial Officer of AERODOM, described the terminal as positioning Samaná among the world’s most exclusive destinations. That’s marketing language, but the practical effect is real: a faster, more comfortable arrival for private travelers who previously had to clear customs in the main terminal alongside commercial passengers. For families like ours, the dedicated clearance area and lounge space would have made a tangible difference on past trips — less waiting, more time on the terrace, and a smoother start to the Samaná leg of the journey. If you’re planning a private flight into the peninsula, the guide to winter travel options in the Dominican Republic covers broader logistics for the region.
References
Godominicanlife. “Samana Opens New Private Flight Terminal at El Catey International Airport.” Go Dominican Life, 2025. ↗
Amodominicana. “Samana Inaugura Terminal de Vuelos Privados en Aeropuerto El Catey.” Amodominicana, 2025. ↗
If you’re weighing other Dominican Republic destinations, the Carib Beach Resort guide covers a family-friendly option on the north coast, while the Club Med Punta Cana refresh article details what’s new at that all-inclusive property. For broader Caribbean travel trends, the Dominican tourism growth report puts the Samaná upgrade in context of the country’s overall travel trajectory.
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