PEI

Charlottetown Airport to have direct flights to Dominican Republic

Sunwing is switching destinations next winter from the Charlottetown airport.

From mid-February to mid-May next year, Sunwing will fly to Puerto Plata instead of Cuba

Sunwing will offer direct flights from Charlottetown to the Dominican Republic from mid-February to mid-May next year. (Pat Martel/CBC)

Sunwing is switching destinations next winter from the Charlottetown airport.

From mid-February to mid-May, the airline will fly to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, instead of Varadero, Cuba, which has been the destination for the last four years.

In a statement to CBC, Sunwing said it made the decision after consulting with travel agency partners and the Charlottetown Airport Authority.

Sunwing says it will offer direct flights to Varadero, Cuba, from Moncton next winter. (Pat Martel/CBC)

Airport CEO Doug Newson says his first choice was Punta Cana in the Dominican, but he's still pleased.

'Should be successful'

"We really wanted to work with them and what works for their product, and we're happy to see a new destination," he said. "Although it's not Punta Cana, I think Puerto Plata will do just as well, and should be successful."

Customers flagged Puerto Plata as a destination with a wider variety of both budget friendly and luxury resorts that cater to a wide variety of travellers, Sunwing said.

With files from Laura Chapin