airport in samaná

sephora · #1 12-08-2006, 12:48 AM

I used to live in Samaná, and left this past summer. I'm curious to know if the airport, the new international one that was being built, has been finished. I'm planning on going back in early april, and if the airport is up and running, it'd make traveling easier.
Thanks in advance!

badpiece33 · #2 12-08-2006, 02:51 AM

I believe the airport is now open or about to be opened because a very good friend of mine from STI airport has been transferred to Samana airport as of last week. She is a supervisor in immigration, I will give her a call and find out.

Andy B · #3 12-08-2006, 06:39 AM

Samana's new international airport at el Catey officially opened November 1st and recieved it's first flight November 6th. At this time all flights are charters from Europe and Canada but major American carriers are expected to announce service soon. American Eagle is already rumored to start service to San Juan as soon as they work out a deal with the Dominican government.

DonkeeHotee · #4 12-08-2006, 05:56 PM

I happened to pass by the airport on Wednesday. It looks very nice, but it didn't look like it was operational. It was full of workmen, ladders everywhere, no airport staff to be seen and all check-in desks closed. I took a couple of photos anyway.

Kyle · #5 12-08-2006, 07:29 PM

i can't wait for service from the us to samana...

mountainfrog · #6 12-08-2006, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonkeeHotee

but it didn't look like it was operational...

... but as a matter of fact it is.
We had family arriving there on 11/28.

As there are not many flights coming in yet it may look deserted...

They finished the runway first.... clever, ain't it?

m'frog

sephora · #7 12-08-2006, 11:19 PM

Thanks guys...very helpful
Though it sounds like it won't do me much good if it's only got European flights for the time being, and here I am needing a flight from Miami!

bolivar_c · #8 12-13-2006, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sephora

Thanks guys...very helpful
Though it sounds like it won't do me much good if it's only got European flights for the time being, and here I am needing a flight from Miami!

Im dying for them to open flights from Miami to El Catey also. I go to Samana several times each year, and it would be conventient not having to drive from Puerto Plata or Santiago every time.

sephora · #9 12-13-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bolivar_c

Im dying for them to open flights from Miami to El Catey also. I go to Samana several times each year, and it would be conventient not having to drive from Puerto Plata or Santiago every time.

Really? You drive from Puerto Plata or Santiago to Samaná? I've always done the Santo Domingo-Samaná drive. How long does it take from PP or Santiago?

I'd like to make my travel time as short as possible!

mountainfrog · #10 12-14-2006, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sephora

...Samaná drive. How long does it take from PP or Santiago?

POP-Samaná (Sánchez): about 3 hours
From Santiago about half an hour more.

Not much gained really in comparison to SD.

I'd choose according to the flight details.

m'frog