TUI has announced the introduction of new direct flights from Belfast International Airport to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, starting on June 20, 2026. This service, which will operate every Saturday for four weeks, is notable for being the only direct route from Belfast to the Caribbean nation.
The flights will be conducted using TUI's own Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, allowing Northern Ireland travelers to enjoy 14-night holidays at various Dominican resorts, including popular locations such as La Romana, Bayahibe, San Pedro de Macoris, Punta Cana, Bavaro, Cap Cana, Miches, and Uvero Alto.
Craig Morgan, Head of Ireland for TUI, expressed excitement about the new offering: “We are delighted to offer our customers in Northern Ireland the opportunity to experience the Dominican Republic with our new direct flights from Belfast next summer.” Morgan emphasized the importance of the new route, stating, “This is the only direct flight available from Belfast to Dominican Republic, and it will open up an exciting range of hotels and unique holiday experiences for Northern Ireland’s holidaymakers to enjoy in the breathtaking Dominican Republic.”
The Dominican Republic is recognized for its stunning beaches, but it also offers visitors diverse landscapes, including rainforests, mountains, and colonial towns. Punta Cana, known for its vibrant Bavaro resort, features beautiful beaches, with nearby Cap Cana known for its luxurious five-star resorts along white sandy shores. Further south, La Romana provides quieter choices for relaxation, especially the charming fishing village of Bayahibe.
“The Dominican Republic offers the perfect blend of idyllic beaches, luxury resorts, and rich cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for honeymooners, families, and groups of friends alike,” Morgan elaborated, showcasing the variety of experiences travelers can expect.
Booking for this service will be made accessible online, through the TUI app, and via local travel agents. Morgan underscored TUI's commitment to expand travel choices for local holidaymakers, adding, “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to give local holidaymakers access to fantastic destinations direct from Belfast.”
The new route complements TUI's existing long-haul services from Belfast to Florida and Mexico, and it adapts to the growing travel demands among Northern Ireland's holidaymakers. Alongside these destinations, TUI provides several options for European travel, including popular summer locations such as the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, and Greece.
Dan Owens, CEO of Belfast International Airport, welcomed TUI's announcement, declaring, “The Dominican Republic is a must-see destination for any traveller, and we are thrilled TUI is introducing this new direct route to Punta Cana International Airport.” Owens remarked on the significance of the route, calling it “a welcome addition to the TUI network” and reaffirming their dedication to developing more direct travel options from local airports.
This announcement reflects not only TUI's growing commitment to enriching holiday experiences but also the increasing trend for direct flights catering to specific travel desires among Northern Ireland's population.
With its stunning geography and wealth of activities, this new service is set to make planning trips to the Dominican Republic more accessible for tourists from Belfast, providing them with fresh holiday prospects just waiting to be explored.