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Punta Cana is set to become the global epicenter of civil aviation this November as it hosts the 17th ICAO Air Services Negotiation (ICAN2025) Event from 10 to 14 November 2025. ICAN 2025 is organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and spearheaded locally by the Civil Aviation Board (Junta de Aviación Civil – JAC). ICAN is hailed as the most important global platform for air services negotiations, offering participating States a central meeting place to conduct crucial bilateral, regional, or plurilateral air services negotiations and consultations. The event, which has seen participation from over 162 states since its inception, will be conducted in a hybrid setting (in-person and virtually). ICAN2025 offers more than just negotiation time; it provides invaluable networking opportunities for policymakers, regulators, air operators, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the forum will allow participants to learn about current industry trends and issues and exchange experiences. Representatives from 193 states are expected to attend, with the Dominican Republic aiming to secure at least 20 new bilateral agreements during the meeting. The decision by ICAO to select the Dominican Republic as the host for the Americas—a choice attributed to the nation’s remarkable growth in tourism and aviation—ratifies the international community’s confidence in the country’s leadership in air connectivity. Under the Abinader administration, the JAC has signed 50 of the country’s 73 active bilateral agreements, including landmark open skies deals with countries like the United States, Canada, Spain, and Singapore. This aggressive push has positioned the Dominican Republic as the second country with the highest index of air connectivity in all of Latin America, currently linking 414 destinations in 75 countries. This expansion is evident in the numbers:Routes: Increased from 878 in 2020 to 1,096 in 2025.Airlines: Currently served by 365 active airlines.Local operators: The number of national airlines has risen from six in 2020 to 13 today, increasing seat capacity significantly. Impact and future outlookHosting ICAN solidifies the Dominican Republic’s position as a regional air connectivity hub. The event is expected to generate new opportunities for investment, cooperation, and tourism promotion under ICAO standards. Read more in Spanish:Civil Aviation Board International Civil Aviation Organization 28 October 2025
