Flights to Dominica's Airport Resume Following Erika's Devastation

by Brian Major
Last updated: 3:23 PM ET, Tue September 22, 2015

Commercial airline flights to and from Douglas-Charles Airport on the eastern Caribbean island of Dominica resumed this week following the facility's recent closure in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Erika late August.

Dominica's Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority have authorized the resumption of commercial flights while working to restore essential services to the badly damaged terminal building, government officials said Monday.

While the main regional carriers serving the airport, LIAT, Seaborne Airlines and Winair, have made several test landings since receiving authorization to resume operations, only one is currently offering service at the airport. LIAT resumed flights to Douglas-Charles Airport from Antigua, Barbadosand Guadeloupe on September 18. Seaborne Airlines will resume flights between Douglas-Charles Airport and San Juan on September 23.

Finally, Winair will resume two flights per week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, between Guadeloupe and St. Maarten and Douglas-Charles Airport. Dominica officials expect the airline to resume its regular schedule of four flights weekly to Douglas-Charles Airport in November.

"We continue to see daily progress in the tourism sector," said Colin Piper, Dominica's director of tourism. "Fans of the Nature Island will be pleased to know that most of their favorite locations and activities are operational and ready for their next visit." The country has also issued a video update on the island's tourism attractions following the devastating storm.

Officials also report Caribbean Helicopters is providing daily, fixed-wing service on a six-seater aircraft between Dominica's Canefield Airport and Antigua three times daily. In addition, Hummingbird Air offers charters to Canefield from St. Maarten, St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Most of Dominica's hotels, resorts, tour operators and dive shops are operational, officials report. Visitors are encouraged however to check directly with their accommodations regarding the status of their properties and surrounding infrastructure. Some hotels and tour operators are beginning their annual September/October closure.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.