TUI Ireland has unveiled exciting news for travelers from Northern Ireland, announcing new direct flights from Belfast International Airport to Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, scheduled to launch on June 20, 2026.
These direct flights will operate weekly over the course of four weeks, providing travelers with more options to explore the popular Caribbean destination. Outbound flights are set to depart from Belfast International Airport at 11:20 AM, landing smoothly in Punta Cana at 2:40 PM, ensuring convenient travel hours for holidaymakers.
Prices for these newly offered flights will start from £878 per person based on a 14-day stay. This competitively priced service aims to cater to the needs of families and travel groups eager to enjoy the sun-soaked beaches and vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic.
Craig Morgan, head of Ireland for TUI, expressed enthusiasm about the new route, stating, "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." He emphasized the significance of this route, noting, "This is the only direct flight available from Belfast to the Dominican Republic and it will open up an exciting range of hotels and unique holiday experiences for Northern Ireland’s holidaymakers to enjoy."
Adding to the excitement, Morgan mentioned how this new route complements TUI's existing long-haul flights from Belfast to Florida and Mexico, along with various European destinations such as the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, and Greece. This strategic addition to their offerings reinforces TUI's commitment to make travel more accessible for residents of Northern Ireland.
Dan Owens, CEO of Belfast International Airport, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the importance of the Dominican Republic as a premier travel destination. He noted, "The Dominican Republic is a must-see destination for any traveler, and we are thrilled TUI is introducing this new direct route to Punta Cana International Airport." His statement underlines the airport's goal to develop direct routes for travelers from their local airport, enhancing travel convenience for Northern Ireland residents.
TUI's new route marks exciting progress for air travel from Northern Ireland, particularly as they face competition from budget carriers like Jet2, EasyJet, and Ryanair. The introduction of this specific flight may serve as a response to growing demand for direct connections to Caribbean destinations.
Interestingly, TUI has also announced recent cutbacks, including the scrapping of flights to the US, Costa Rica, and Saint Lucia. This shift reflects the dynamic nature of the travel industry and the need for companies to adapt to changing consumer preferences and global travel trends.
Overall, TUI's new direct flights from Belfast to Punta Cana highlight a significant development for the regional travel market, opening doors to wonderful vacation opportunities for Northern Ireland's travelers. With the Dominican Republic growing as a sought-after holiday destination, TUI's initiative anticipates rising interest and increased participation from local holiday enthusiasts seeking warm-weather getaways.