AERODOM, a subsidiary of VINCI Airports, has announced significant progress in the construction of the new passenger terminal at Las Americas International Airport, Jose Francisco Peña Gomez (AILA). With an investment exceeding $350 million, the project is entering a critical phase of ground preparation and foundation work that will dictate the pace of execution for this strategic Caribbean infrastructure.
Foundations and Technology: Progress Beneath the Surface
The project is currently focused on ensuring structural integrity through highly complex technical works. The contractor, VINCI Construction Grands Projets, is operating across five simultaneous fronts, focusing on the site preparation required to support the new facility.
- Drilling and Grouting: Drilling operations have reached 60% completion, while concrete injections (grouting) in the terminal area are at 40%. These tasks are expected to be finalized by the end of May.
- Drainage Management: The perimeter drainage basin, designed with a depth of five meters to collect stormwater runoff, is 50% complete. To date, more than 1,000 truckloads of excavated material have been removed from the site.
- Support Infrastructure: In parallel, earthworks for the taxiway and the installation of piping for the future apron are underway.
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Large-Scale Logistics: High-Capacity Cranes Arrive
One of the most significant operational milestones is the arrival and installation of four high-capacity cranes. Standing at over 40 meters tall, these units will be responsible for erecting the primary structure. Their assembly has commenced following the completion of the specific foundations required for this heavy equipment.
Furthermore, construction of the permanent site camp is progressing according to schedule, with an estimated delivery date in late May, which will optimize on-site logistical management.
Towards a World-Class, Sustainable Terminal
The new AILA infrastructure aims not only to expand capacity but also to redefine operational efficiency standards within the region.
Capacity and Design
Once operational, the terminal will function independently of the existing facility and will be capable of processing up to four million additional passengers annually. The next structural phase will begin after the pouring of a foundation slab measuring approximately 12,000 square meters. Following this milestone, the building’s three levels will rise, featuring a glass facade and an innovative three-dimensional metallic roof.
Commitment to Sustainability
In alignment with VINCI Airports’ environmental objectives, the terminal will integrate an Energy Center powered by a new solar plant, prioritizing energy efficiency and the reduction of the airport’s carbon footprint.
Next Steps
The comprehensive modernization project also includes runway rehabilitation and a new baggage handling system (BHS) in the existing terminal. According to AERODOM’s projections, the full completion of the new terminal—including aircraft parking stands and airport systems—is scheduled for the second half of 2028. This expansion reaffirms the Dominican Republic’s competitiveness as a vital logistical and tourism hub in the hemisphere.
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