Dominica: The island nation has taken a step ahead to tackle tourism growth, through extending the runway at the Douglas-Charles Airport. This new initiative will attract international flights enhancing the island nation’s connectivity across the world.
The Ministry of Dominica marked this initiative as one of the major hits on their road to development and aims to reach 500,000 visitor arrivals by 2030. According to the information provided by the authorities, the runway has been extended by 180 metres to accommodate larger aircrafts and open the doors to a wider market.
The runway has been built with a special material enhancing the capacity and resilience of the new runway throughout challenging climatic conditions.
The authorities while highlighting the significant move, noted the project as a game changer. “Imagine direct flights not just to Miami, but to other major cities—a dream which is now becoming a reality,” they said,” they said.
It was also stated that enhancement would result in fewer cancellations and more stable airline routes, making it a win-win situation for all residents, visitors, and tourists.
Other substantial improvements to the airport include the restoration of the parking facilities, which will improve the customer experience and efficiency. All of these upgrades made at the airport were marked to meet the international standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Notably, the Minister of Tourism, Denise Charles Pemberton visited the site last week where she expressed her pleasure towards the completion of the project. She stated that this critical development will strengthen the airport’s overall capacity and operational efficiency, paving the way for higher airline traffic and better service for passengers.
She also added that the developments led across the island nation are not just meant for restorations or upgrades but to ensure that every Dominican has access to what they need to ease their lifestyle.
She was accompanied by Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, Minister of State in the Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities, and Digital Economy, and Benoit Bardouille, CEO of the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority.