Dr. Joaquín Balaguer International Airport — also known as La Isabela International Airport — is an international airport in the Dominican Republic, serving as a secondary airport for Santo Domingo. It is located at El Higuero, about northwest of the city. It opened on 23 February 2006 to replace the Herrera International Airport. It is named after former Dominican president Joaquín Balaguer.
History La Isabela airport opened on 23 February 2006 as a second airport in the city of Santo Domingo. It was designed to replace the Herrera International Airport, and is known as Dr. Joaquín Balaguer Airport, named after Dominican president Joaquín Balaguer. The airport is owned and operated by Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom). In 2015, VINCI Airports acquired the company, which had permission from the Government of the Dominican Republic to operate the airport until March 2030. In 2023, the contract between the government and VINCI Airports were extended for another 30 years after 2030.
Location THe airport is located in the locality of El Higuero in the municipality of Santo Domingo. It is situated approximately northwest of the city center.
Infrastructure The airport has a single asphalt runway, measuring in length and in width. It is equipped for IFR approach. It has two taxiways and a parking apron spread over an area of . The parking area is capable of accommodating four small aircraft such as the ATR-72. The Air Traffic Control operates from a -high control tower in the airport.
The airport has a single passenger terminal with a carpet area of . Spread across two levels, it houses commercial shops, airline offices, government and administrative offices, food court, parking and taxi rental areas. Further facilities including a cafe, and duty free shops were added in 2020.
Airlines and Destinations La Isabela Airport primarily serves as an airport for domestic flights operating within the country. It is a hub for private and charter airlines that operate small aircraft.
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