Great News! Air France returns to the Dominican Republic this winter. Paris-Punta Cana

The long-haul network of the French national carrier is getting a boost this coming winter: Air France will resume its direct service between Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic beginning 13 January 2026, operating three times a week.

This is significant not just for the airline, but for France-based holiday-makers and the wider Caribbean tourism ecosystem. In this article we unpack what the return flight means, why the Dominican Republic remains a key long-haul destination for French travellers, and how it ties in with airport-transportation logistics, especially for visitors heading to Punta Cana.

 

The new Paris – Punta Cana route.

Air France will operate three weekly flights on the CDG → Punta Cana corridor, with departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
The schedule (local times) is as follows:

Flight AF 968 departs CDG at 14:25, arriving Punta Cana at 18:45.

The return flight AF 969 departs Punta Cana at 21:05 and arrives Paris at 10:30 the following day.

The service will run from 13 January 2026 until 28 March 2026 (covering the core European winter season).

 

Why the return to Punta Cana matters

Re-establishing French long-haul connection

Air France had previously terminated this route in March 2023, citing high fuel taxes and operational cost pressures. Its return signals renewed confidence in the destination and the demand from French travellers for warm-weather getaways during the European winter.

Strong recent performance for the Dominican Republic

In 2024, the Dominican Republic welcomed 142,456 French visitors,  accounting for 19% of European arrivals. Further, in the first four months of 2025, 69,431 French arrivals were recorded. Notably, about 77% of these French travellers used Punta Cana airport as their entry point.

The numbers underline both the continuous appeal of the destination and the strategic importance of Punta Cana as a gateway.

Destination choice: Punta Cana

Punta Cana is entrenched as the “balnéaire” (beach and resort) hub of the Dominican Republic for European, especially French tourists. With the return of a major airline link, it strengthens the destination’s accessibility and competitiveness in the winter sun-holiday market.

 

What this means for travelers coming from France.

For French and other European holiday-makers, the resumption of a direct CDG → Punta Cana route brings a number of advantages:

Reduced travel complexity: A non-stop route avoids connections, which means less transit time, fewer potential delays, and more predictable travel.

Better arrival times: The arrival in Punta Cana at 18:45 local time allows for check-in, dinner and rest without a day lost in transit.

Winter-sun appeal: The January–March window taps into peak demand for the Caribbean sun season when Europe is mid-winter.

At the same time, travelers should be aware of a few practical considerations:

Travel documentation: Ensure passports are valid, any visa or entry formalities for the Dominican Republic are met, and factor in health/travel insurance.

Airport arrival logistics: On arrival in Punta Cana (via Punta Cana International Airport – PUJ), ground transportation and hotel transfers need to be arranged. With a relatively late arrival time, having a reliable transfer in place can ease the welcome.

Accommodation and resort selection: With direct connectivity increasing, resorts may see higher occupancy, early bookings help to secure preferred dates and rates.

Seasonal dynamic: The three-month service window suggests this is targeted at winter-sun holiday makers. If you aim for a longer stay (or travel outside that period), check alternative routing or times.

 

Implications for tourism and transport providers

From the perspective of destination infrastructure and service providers, the return of Air France has positive ripple effects:

More inbound visitors: With a major carrier coming back, structural demand is supported, which can boost hotel stays, excursions and local services.

Quality expectations: European travellers (especially those connecting via Paris) often expect a certain level of service, which puts premium on efficient airport transfers, clean vehicles, multilingual drivers, and seamless logistics.

Competitive pressure: Ground-transportation suppliers must ensure reliability, punctuality and comfort, especially for arrivals after 18:00 when guests are tired from travel and keen to relax.

 

Tips for travellers arriving in Punta Cana

Here are some practical tips to get the most out of your arrival and stay:

Pre-book your airport transfer. Especially helpful after an evening arrival (18:45). Avoid waiting in taxi queues or negotiating on arrival.

Confirm flight arrival time. Late arrival means you may reach your hotel closer to or after 20:00; check whether your resort offers late check-in and evening meals.

Pack for immediate relaxation. After arrival, it’s nice to hit the beach or pool quickly. Carry swimwear and light clothing in your hand-luggage if possible.

Manage currency/travel cards. While many resorts accept cards, having some local pesos (DOP) or USD can be useful for tipping or small services on arrival.

Plan your first full day. With arrival in the evening, your first full day in Punta Cana is prime time to explore: beach, snorkelling, catamaran, or a resort day with spa.

Check local transport options. If you plan excursions (zip-line, cave tours, off-site restaurants) check whether your hotel transfer company offers multiday rates or shared rides.

 

Airport Transportation’s recommendation for transfers in Punta Cana

At AirportTransportation.com, we specialize in comfortable, reliable airport-to-hotel transfers in Punta Cana and beyond. With the return of Air France’s direct flight service, efficient ground transport becomes even more pivotal for a smooth holiday start.
Here’s how we support your stay:

Meet & greet at arrival: Our driver will be waiting at the gate with your name, assist with luggage, and escort you to a comfortable vehicle.

Modern fleet & fixed pricing: No hidden taxi surcharges. Transparent pricing and modern air-conditioned vehicles mean you rest easy after the flight.

Door-to-door service: Whether you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort or a private villa, we deliver straight to your accommodation.

Flexible arrivals: Given the 18:45 touchdown time of AF 968, we’re ready to take you to your hotel even if you arrive close to 20:00 local time.

Multilingual assistance: Our team speaks English, French and Spanish, ideal for French visitors arriving via Paris.

Pre-booking & peace of mind: Book online in advance, receive confirmation, and arrive knowing your transfer is set.

We invite you to reserve your Punta Cana Airport Transportation so you can relax from the moment you land.