The incredible new £1bn airport set to transform beautiful island nation | World | News
An underrated Caribbean island is all set to get a new £806million ($1billion) international airport that will connect it to the world. Dominica, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, is often called the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” due to its rich biodiversity and eco-tourism opportunities.
The airport, which is likely to be operational by 2027, aims to transform the country’s connectivity by enabling direct flights from North America, Europe, and other international destinations.
It will replace the existing Douglas-Charles Airport, which mainly serves regional flights.
Montreal Management Consultants Development Ltd. is developing the airport, and China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group Co., Ltd. is handling design and construction.
The project is primarily funded through Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme, which has been instrumental in financing major infrastructure projects on the island.
Once operational, the airport is expected to significantly boost Dominica’s tourism industry, making it easier for visitors to access the island’s renowned eco-tourism attractions, such as the Waitukubuli National Trail and Boiling Lake.
Additionally, it will create thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth by increasing trade and foreign investment opportunities.
Samuel Johnson, CEO of the Dominica international airport development, told Skift: “You can have the best attractions, the best hotels and the best brands, but if it’s difficult to get to the island, it adds that much more friction to the journey of a visitor.
“And we are an island in a chain of islands, so they could as easily land in any of our sister islands which are easier instead of ours.
“So we definitely think it’s going to improve several aspects of the country.”
The island’s rugged terrain and the heavy rains that fell in October last year have caused some roadblocks in the work process.
In an update, Mr Johsnon said: “We are a little bit ahead of schedule deliberately because we knew the rainy season would come.
“Heavy rains have caused temporary stoppages and pooling of water in certain areas, but these issues are expected to be resolved once the site is fully levelled and drainage systems are completed.”
At present, there are no direct flights for British travellers to the island. To reach the island, tourists need to fly to St Lucia by British Airways and take a ferry to Dominica island.