TUI launches new flights to the Caribbean’s cheapest island
TUI has confirmed a new flight route will launch next year to a popular Caribbean island.
The new direct route will operate from Belfast International Airport to Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republicnext year.
Starting from June 20, 2026, the routes will run for four weeks, operating a weekly service.
Outbound flights depart from Belfast International Airport at 11.20am, landing in Punta Cana at 2.40pm.
Flights take around around 8hr20 - much quicker than flights to Barbados or Jamaica.
The flights start from £878pp, when travelling for 14 days.
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But if you are happy to fly a bit earlier, TUI has seven-night holiday packages from £826pp when travelling from Manchester.
The Dominican Republic is often regarded as one of the cheapest islands in the Caribbean, with its low prices a major lure for British tourists.
From beautiful sandy beaches to fantastic resorts, the Dominican Republic has everything holidaymakers would expect from a Caribbean island.
With its white sand beaches, Punta Cana is the most visited location on the island.
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Both Bavaro and Arena Gorda beaches are popular spots for watersports and sunbathing.
There's also Santo Domingo, the ancient capital that's been described as where "history meets nightlife".
Santo Domingo is also a Unesco World Heritage Site, which is also home to the Caribbean's tallest mountain, Pico Duarte.
The dry season, which usually runs from late January to mid-March and between November and mid-December, is considered the best time to visit.
This is because temperatures sit in the mid-twenties to low-thirties, with virtually zero chance of rain.
Although for the cheapest prices, the best time to visit is between November and March.
Temperatures will still be pleasant for Brits and there will be a low chance of rain too.
Craig Morgan, Head of Ireland for TUI, said: "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.
"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."
Meanwhile, Dan Owens, CEO of Belfast International Airport, added: "The Dominican Republic is a must-see destination for any traveller, and we are thrilled that TUI is introducing this new direct route to Punta Cana International Airport.
"This route is a welcome addition to the TUI network and part of our commitment to develop direct routes for travellers direct from their local airport.”
In the Dominican Republic, the official language is Spanish, although English will be spoken at hotels and tourist attractions.
The island's currency is the Dominican Peso, with £10 getting around 721 pesos.
Brits can stay in the Dominican Republic for 30 days visa-free but will need a passport valid for at least six months upon arrival.
The UK government deems the Dominican Republic to be a safe destination for tourism; however, they advise Brits to be cautious when travelling there.
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Other new flight routes launching from the UK
PLENTY of other airlines are launching a host of new routes from UK airports, here's a few...
- Jet2 is launching a new service from Bournemouth and Agadir, just weeks after Ryanair scrapped the very same route
- Tour operator Jet2 is also launching new flights from Leeds Bradford Airport to Marrakesh
- easyJet is launching a new route from London Gatwick to Brest in Brittany this June
- Eastern Airways is poised to operate a direct route between Newquay Airport in north Cornwall and London Southend Airport in Essex
- British Airways is also launching a new flight from London Heathrow to Tbilisi on March 30.
Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic has also launched two new flights to exciting destinations departing from London Heathrow.
And Ryanair is set to launch five new routes from a UK airport just in time for summer holidays.
