Cibao International Airport (STI)
Cibao International Airport (STI) is among the most active airports in the Dominican Republic. It serves the northern region of the country and connects passengers to the Caribbean, North America, and other parts of the world. Regardless of whether your purpose is business or leisure, this handbook will be your aid in finding your way through the airport’s terminals, gates, and facilities effortlessly. You’ll find everything here: from check-in procedures and security to dining, transportation, and passenger amenities. Our comprehensive guide to Cibao International Airport (STI) covers all the basics, making your journey much easier.
Complete Overview of Cibao International Airport (STI)
Cibao International Airport (STI) is the main entrance to the northern region of the Dominican Republic, linking tourists with various Caribbean and other worldwide destinations. Here is essential information about the airport:
| Name of the airport | Cibao International Airport (STI)/Santiago Airport |
| ICAO Code | MDST |
| IATA Code | STI |
| Number of Terminals | 3 (International, Domestic, and Cargo terminals) |
| Runways | 3 |
| Airlines from STI | Air Europa, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, and Caicos Express Airways |
| Annual Record of Passengers | More than 2.2 million |
| Destinations | 11 |
| Owned and Operated By | Aeropuerto Internacional del Cibao S.A. |
| Contact Number | +1 809-233-8000 |
| Address | Victor Manuel Espaillat Avenue, Santiago de los Caballeros 51081, Dominican Republic |
Cibao International Airport (STI) Terminals Guide
The STI Airport has a main international terminal, alongside a domestic terminal and a cargo terminal.
International Terminal (Main Terminal):
- The international terminal is the main and only active passenger terminal at Cibao International Airport (STI). It has six gates, numbered B1 to B6. Out of these, five gates, B1, B2, and B4 to B6, are fitted with boarding docks, and Gate B3 is reserved for small aircraft.
- The international terminal is available at the midpoint of the two oldest terminals – one that used to be for domestic flights and the other for cargo. It is well-equipped with state-of-the-art airport facilities, including passenger processing, security screening, and baggage handling. At the moment, JetBlue Airways is the most significant carrier at the airport.
- The airport is currently considering various development projects to accommodate its growing operations. These projects entail new gate additions, enlarged baggage handling areas, and taxiway improvements. Moreover, the terminal has undergone some changes lately, and new boarding docks have been created at gates B1 and B2.
Domestic Terminal (General Aviation Hall):
- The former domestic terminal consists of three stands (A1–A3) and is adjacent to the international terminal. Although it was primarily a terminal for domestic commercial flights, it is now used only for charter and private flights.
- Aerolineas Mas previously served as the airport’s primary domestic carrier. Air Century, which once provided domestic flights from this airport, also ceased operations later.
Ground Transport Options at Cibao International Airport (STI)
There are official taxi stations right next to the terminal building where passengers can easily get a taxi just after arrival. The airport taxi service is available 24/7; passengers don’t need to make a prior reservation. The table below provides estimated taxi fares for various locations.
| Destination | Estimated Fare (USD) | Service Types Available |
| Downtown Santiago | $25 – $35 | Standard, Luxury, Shared |
| Puerto Plata | $45 – $60 | Standard, Luxury, Shared |
| Cabarete | $50 – $65 | Standard, Luxury, Shared |
There are official taxi stations right next to the terminal building where passengers can easily get a taxi just after arrival. The airport taxi service is available 24/7; passengers don’t need to make a reservation in advance.
Car Rental Options at Cibao International Airport
The car rental companies at Cibao International Airport offer you a wide range of local and international options within the terminal. National, Avis, Europcar, Alamo, Enterprise, Budget, Zezgo, MEX Rent A Car, and AbbyCar are the largest providers. For your added convenience, most rental desks operate according to flight schedules.
When you rent a car before your trip, you can get an affordable price and even choose a vehicle to your liking. The car rental companies at the STI Airport offer a variety of vehicles, including mini cars, electric vehicles, and compact cars. To rent a car, you have to provide your driver’s license, passport, and credit card.
Cibao International Airport (STI) Parking Guide
Cibao International Airport (STI) offers convenient parking options that are ideal for its single-terminal layout. The short-term and long-term parking grounds are just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal. Every parking lot is also under CCTV surveillance, ensuring the customers’ safety.
Short-Term Parking
Short-term parking spaces are located only a few meters away from the terminal. They are best if you just need to drop off or pick up passengers and make quick visits.
- Hourly Rate: $2 USD
- Maximum Duration: 24 hours
- Distance: Just steps away from the terminal building, making it easy to carry luggage
- Best For: Business travelers, quick errands, and passenger pickups
Long-Term Parking
These zones lie at a considerable distance from the terminals. They are best suited for passengers who need to park their vehicles for an extended period.
- Daily Rate: $16 USD
- Payment Options: Cash or credit card
- Best For: Travelers leaving their car at the airport for several days
Cibao International Airport (STI) VIP Lounge Services and Access
Every VIP lounge at Cibao Airport features modern amenities such as comfortable seats, high-speed internet, private restrooms, televisions, flight information displays, and reading materials. Visitors can enjoy light refreshments, drinks, and alcoholic beverages while also taking advantage of secluded areas and work desks perfect for relaxation or productivity. What’s more is that the VIP Lounge remains open round-the-clock.
Sala Zafiro Lounge (Departures)
- Location: Airside, Second Floor, to the east side of departure gates, near the elevator
- Access: Passengers boarding international flights are only permitted
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM until the last flight
- Maximum period of stay: 3 hours
Sala Zafiro Lounge is ready to offer departing international travelers a variety of services such as free Wi-Fi, local spirits, refreshments, air conditioning, and comfortable furniture. It is a smoke-free and disability-friendly lounge, and digital lounge cards are accepted. Since it is subject to availability, advance booking is recommended.
Turquesa Lounge (Arrivals)
- Location: Landside, opposite the elevator to the left upon clearing immigration
- Access: International and transit passengers only
- Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
- Maximum period of stay: 3 hours
The Turquesa Lounge is a perfect place for arrival or transit passengers who just want to relax after a flight. It is open 24 hours and equipped with Wi-Fi, refreshments, TV, flight monitors, newspapers, magazines, and an area for kids to play. The entrance is free for kids under three. A smart-casual dress code is in place, and no smoking is allowed.
How to Reserve VIP Lounge Access?
Booking a VIP lounge at Cibao Airport is an easy task. Choose the lounge closest to your departure or arrival terminal, then enter your travel date, flight number, flight time, and the number of guests. Finish your booking by providing your name and contact information.
During peak season and from the afternoon to evening, lounges can fill up quickly. Therefore, the best way to gain early access and enjoy a comfortable airport experience is to book your slot in advance.
Fast Track Access at Cibao International Airport (STI)
The Cibao International Airport (STI) features a Fast Track service for both arrivals and departures. It allows passengers to bypass the queue quickly with the help of a personal assistant. Besides, customers at the Zafiro or Amber VIP Lounge can unwind with Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and flight displays. The facilities are accessible to everyone, and confirmation of the instant or rapid booking is guaranteed.
How to Make a Fast Track Reservation at Cibao Airport?
Booking Fast Track at Cibao Airport is very fast and simple. Just fill in your flight information, travel date and time, passenger number, and personal details, and you’ll receive a confirmation email with a QR code. Select if you want arrival or departure services before making a payment. It is highly advisable to book in advance for better prices and availability. Fast-track services are available to everyone with flights from the STI Airport.
Key Facilities and Amenities at Cibao International Airport (STI)
Several essential and passenger-friendly facilities and amenities are available at Cibao International Airport (STI), making the journey comfortable and convenient. Facilities such as baggage services, duty-free shopping, dining options, and traveler support desks ensure a stress-free experience for passengers.
Baggage Claim
Passengers can find the baggage claim in the International Terminal‘s Arrivals section. After passing through immigration and passport control, follow the terminal signs to the carousel displayed on the flight information screen for your baggage. Keep your baggage tag in case you need to prove your claim. In case of loss or damage to your baggage, you should immediately report it to the baggage service counter and contact your airline.
Duty-Free Shopping
Cibao International Airport (STI) has many duty-free shops in the arrivals and departures areas, selling a variety of items like perfume, souvenirs, and cosmetics. Some of the shops selling duty-free products include the STI Main Departure shop, the STI Departure 2nd-Level shop, and the STI Arrival shop.
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found office can be found inside the terminal on the Arrivals level. People can report their lost items by dialing 809-233-8000 immediately. They must provide essential information, e.g., the place, time, and description of the item. If the item has been left on the plane, inform the cabin crew or get in touch with your airline.
Restaurants and Cafés
In Cibao Airport, most food outlets are located on the second floor of the terminal. The travelers can relish Dominican signature dishes such as mangú, sancocho, and pollo guisado, as well as worldwide favorites like burgers, sandwiches, fried chicken, pizza, salads, and healthy snacks.
Guests can also enjoy delicious locally brewed Dominican coffee and espresso-based drinks or freshly prepared fruit juices and smoothies, and they can even try traditional Caribbean refreshments. Prices are very reasonable, with breakfast items usually priced $5–$12, main dishes $8–$25, and drinks $2–$8, making dining accessible for all travelers.
Airlines Operating at Cibao International Airport (STI)
Cibao Airport ranks as the third busiest airport in the Dominican Republic. The list below shows the airlines that operate flights to Cibao Airport.
| Airline | IATA Code | ICAO Code | Official Website | Common Destinations |
| Air Europa | UX | AEA | aireuropa.com | Madrid (MAD) |
| American Airlines | AA | AAL | aa.com | Miami (MIA) |
| Caicos Express | 9Q | CXE | turksandcaicosflights.com | Providenciales (PLS) |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | DAL | delta.com | New York (JFK) |
| Frontier Airlines | F9 | FFT | flyfrontier.com | San Juan (SJU), Philadelphia (PHL) |
| interCaribbean | JY | ICA | intercaribbean.com | Providenciales (PLS) |
| JetBlue Airways | B6 | JBU | jetblue.com | New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Orlando (MCO) |
| Spirit Airlines | NK | NKS | spirit.com | Fort Lauderdale (FLL) |
| United Airlines | UA | UAL | united.com | Newark (EWR) |
Conclusion
Modern and efficient, Cibao International Airport (STI) ensures a flawless travel experience with its top-notch amenities, friendly service, and extensive international connections. Whether it is the terminal, the airlines, the means of transport, the waiting rooms, or Fast Track options, this detailed guide covers everything a passenger needs to know to plan their trip with confidence and have a hassle-free passage at Santiago’s Cibao Airport.
FAQs
Cibao International Airport, airport code STI, is an international airport in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. It is the main airport for the Cibao region in the northern zone and the country’s third-busiest airport by passenger traffic, serving flights to the U.S., the Caribbean, and Europe.
The airport that is closest to Cibao International Airport (STI) is Puerto Plata International Airport (POP), which is a little over 50 kilometers to the north of Santiago. POP primarily serves the northern coast of the country and is the most convenient alternative for people coming to Puerto Plata and the nearby beach areas.
The address of Cibao International Airport (STI) is Avenida Víctor Manuel Espaillat, Santiago de los Caballeros 51081, Dominican Republic. It is situated right outside the city of Santiago and is the main gateway of the Cibao region and the northern Dominican Republic.
Several prominent airlines offer international flights from Cibao International Airport (STI), thus allowing passengers to travel directly to various points in the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. Among them are Air Europa, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, and Caicos Express Airways.