This Lesser-Known Caribbean Island Is Getting A New International Airport
Frequently mistaken by the Dominican Republic, Dominica is a hidden Caribbean gem that has gained recognition thanks to its lush rainforests, hot springs, extensive natural parks and unspoiled nature.
With a $370 million investment dedicated to the construction of the new international airport, the “nature island of the Caribbean,” as it’s commonly described, looks to reinvent the country’s international connectivity.
Back in 2020, the government purchased around 500 acres of land and hired over 300 local workers for the project. This number is expected to increase to 1,000, said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.
By 2026, when the project has been completed, Dominica will have the operational capacity to host visitors on short- and long-haul flights from the US, Europe and the Caribbean through 20 airlines.
Target markets so far include London, Paris, New York, Miami, Atlanta, Toronto and Charlotte, as well as Caribbean destinations.
This national endeavor is forecast to have an unprecedented impact on Dominica’s development and economic growth.
The country is also committed to ensuring environmental sustainability.
By enacting conscientious environmental regulations, the country can rest assured that construction activities won’t negatively affect the island’s delicate ecosystem.
With such a commitment, Dominica not only safeguards its natural wealth but also serves as a role model for other environmentally responsible developments in the Caribbean.
When compared to other Caribbean hotspots, the island’s tourism industry is not a major player with 65,000 visitors per year.
Although Dominica is served by two airports: Douglas-Charles (DOM) and Canefield (DCF), it mostly relies on nearby islands’ airports to transport its tourists.
According to the CEO of the International Airport Development Company (IADC) Samuel Johnson, a destination can boast world-class brands, attractions and hotels but if it doesn’t provide visitors with straightforward transportation, there’s not much one can do.
“We’re an island in a chain of islands, so they [tourists] could as easily land in any of our sister islands which are easier instead of ours,” he said. “We definitely think it’s going to improve several aspects of the country,” he added.
For his part, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has confirmed that the construction is “advancing rapidly” while major revisions to the hub’s design have been carried out.
“Mobilization is about 99 percent advanced with the completion of accommodation, offices, workshops, storage facilities, utilities, and the concrete mixing plant,” he stated.
Driven by its new source of tourists, Dominica expects to receive over 500,000 visitors by 2030.
(Featured Image: Secret Bay Resort)
