Spanish
New York, United States.- Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR), led by Mexican magnate Fernando Chico Pardo, has requested a meeting with Dominican President Luis Abinader to discuss the suspension of the Bávaro International Airport (AIB) project. ASUR, which owns 25% of AIB's shares and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, expressed its concern about the decisions of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) which, according to them, negatively affect their investment and that of other American shareholders.
In a letter sent to the president, ASUR argues that it conducted an exhaustive due diligence before investing, ensuring the legality and technical feasibility of the project. They highlight that the AIB had permits from various state entities, presidential decree 270-20, and a concession contract similar to that of other private airports in the country.
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The company expressed surprise at decree 02-24, issued by President Abinader in January 2024, which repealed the prior authorization for the AIB. ASUR questions the IDAC's recommendation based on a Supreme Court of Justice ruling and a regulatory modification that, according to them, disregards the exclusive authority of the Executive Branch to approve international airports, as established by the country's Aeronautical Law.
ASUR also criticizes IDAC's administrative resolution that requires AIB to be framed within the Public-Private Partnerships Law, arguing that the project is fully financed with private capital and does not require public funds, just like other private airports in the Dominican Republic.
The company reaffirms its commitment to foreign investment in the country and hopes that, through direct dialogue with President Abinader, solutions can be found that benefit the development of tourism and the Dominican economy.
