Enhanced Connectivity Expected as Airlines and Ferries Gear Up Operations in Dominica
Dominica is set to become more accessible than ever as several airlines and ferry services increase their operations. From the first quarter of 2024, enhanced connectivity is expected due to notable developments in the aviation and maritime sectors. This initiative promises more accessible and convenient travel options for visitors from key global hubs, including Barbados, Trinidad, St Lucia, Puerto Rico, Miami, St Martin, and Guadeloupe. This shift is not just a beacon of renewed hope for explorers eager to experience Dominica’s unique charm but also an assurance of a smoother and more enjoyable journey to and from this Caribbean paradise.
“I am pleased to share the exciting news that American Airlines is significantly boosting its service frequency from June 5 to August 5, 2024, and November 5, 2024, to March 31, 2025, with daily flights operating throughout the week. This decision underscores American Airlines’ confidence in Dominica’s tourism product and reflects a significant opportunity for more leisure visitors from our primary source markets in the US and Canada,” says the Minister of Tourism, Honourable Denise Charles-Pemberton. “We welcome travelers to explore Dominica’s top-class offerings, including diving, hiking, whale watching, and wellness activities, as we continue positioning ourselves as a premier destination in the Caribbean.”
The minister added, “In addition to American Airlines, other reputable carriers such as Caribbean Airlines, InterCaribbean Airways, Silver Airways, Winair, and Express des Isles contribute to the enhanced connectivity to Dominica. Winair, for instance, has expanded its services to include a new route from Antigua to Dominica, providing a seamless connection for travelers from the UK. The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority remains dedicated to collaborative efforts, continually working to improve accessibility and increase the convenience of traveling to Dominica, with the ultimate goal of boosting stay-over visitor arrivals to our beautiful island.”
American Airlines – Enhanced Frequency from Miami
American Airlines’ nonstop service from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Dominica (DOM) is set to undergo a substantial shift in frequency during the second quarter of 2024. Presently, the direct service between Miami and Dominica operates three (3) times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. However, from June 5 to August 5, 2024, the service frequency will increase to daily flights, operating on all days of the week from Monday through Sunday.
Caribbean Airlines (CAL) – Expanded Services and Global Connections
Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has upheld its current schedule from Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport (POS) to Dominica (DOM) with a nonstop service and onward to Barbados (BGI) on Thursdays. Additionally, a route from Trinidad (POS) via Barbados (BGI) to Dominica (DOM) and then back to Trinidad (POS) is maintained on Mondays.
The airline has also introduced new services on Wednesdays and Sundays. These flights will depart from Trinidad (POS) to Dominica (DOM), continue to Antigua (ANU), return to Dominica (DOM), and finally back to Trinidad (POS).
The CAL schedule facilitates connections to the Tristate area (NY, CT, NJ) in the US through JFK and to Canada via Toronto. CAL also offers connections to Houston (IAH) via Trinidad (POS) in partnership with United Airlines. For European travelers, connections between Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) and CAL at Trinidad (POS) are available.
The convenience of traveling to Dominica on CAL has been enhanced with visible connections between CAL and American Airlines on platforms like Expedia and Google Flights. With these additions, Caribbean Airlines now provides seven weekly inbound and outbound flights.
InterCaribbean Airways – Increased Daily Flights and Strategic Partnerships
InterCaribbean Airways has significantly expanded its services in the Caribbean, including increased daily flights to Dominica (DOM) and enhanced connections to various destinations. In June 2023, the airline incorporated the ATR 42-500 into its Eastern Caribbean route system, augmenting its service capacity and efficiency.
The airline has also entered into an interline agreement with British Airways (BA), facilitating seamless daily connections with InterCaribbean Airways in Barbados (BGI). This strategic partnership enables same-day connections in both directions, providing greater convenience for passengers traveling from the UK.
InterCaribbean operates seventeen (17) weekly flights to Dominica (DOM), primarily from Barbados (BGI) and St. Lucia (SLU), enhancing the island’s accessibility. The outbound service comprises eighteen (18) flights, two (2) of which are to Tortola (EIS), with the rest serving Barbados (BGI) and St. Lucia (SLU).
These enhancements reflect InterCaribbean’s commitment to improving connectivity and travel options within the Caribbean region, offering more flexibility and convenience for travelers.
Winair- Seamless Caribbean Connections and European Routes
Winair, based in St. Maarten, offers regular flight services to and from Dominica (DOM), with seven weekly departures scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. These flights connect Dominica (DOM) with Antigua (ANU), St Kitts (SKB), and St. Maarten (SXM), providing a convenient travel option for individuals traveling within the Caribbean.
For European travelers coming from or heading to Amsterdam, connections can be made via St. Maarten (SXM) between Winair and major airlines such as KLM and Air France. This provides an easy and efficient travel route for those journeying between Europe and Dominica.
Silver Airways – Codeshare Partnerships and Consistent Connectivity
Silver Airways, a U.S. regional airline, has established codeshare partnerships with American Airlines, JetBlue, United, and Delta. The airline operates both 48-seat and 72-seat ATR aircraft to service the San Juan (SJU) to Dominica (DOM) route.
This partnership allows U.S. travelers to book their journey to Dominica via American Airlines, United, JetBlue, or Delta websites. Their itinerary will include a leg from San Juan to Dominica, operated by Silver Airways, as part of their codeshare agreement.
Silver Airways offers this service six (6) times a week, with inbound flights to Dominica (DOM) available from Monday to Saturday and outbound flights departing from Tuesday to Sunday. This regular schedule ensures reliable connectivity for travelers heading to and from Dominica (DOM) through San Juan.
L’Express Des Isles – Ferry Services Connecting the Caribbean
L’Express Des Isles, a prominent ferry service in the Caribbean, offers regular connections between several islands. The ferry operates five return services per week from Guadeloupe (PTP) to Dominica (DOM), scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Similarly, it maintains a five-day weekly schedule for services from Martinique (FDF) to Dominica (DOM) (Wednesday through Sunday) and return journeys from Dominica (DOM) on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
In addition, L’Express Des Isles runs a four-day weekly service to Saint Lucia (SLU), with departures scheduled for Thursdays through Sundays. Return journeys from St. Lucia (SLU) occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
During peak travel periods such as Easter and public holidays, L’Express Des Isles may increase its frequency of services. Consequently, travelers are strongly advised to check the official L’Express des Isles website or contact their customer service for the most current and accurate schedules.
NavigAIR – Streamlined European Travel Experience
NavigAIR, a service provided by Air Caraïbes, offers a streamlined travel experience for European and French visitors. This comprehensive travel package includes a flight from Orly, Paris, to Guadeloupe, followed by a shuttle service from the airport to the seaport in Guadeloupe. The journey culminates with a ferry ride to Dominica on L’Express des Isles. Notably, all these travel components are bundled into one single price, ensuring visitors reach Dominica the same day they depart.
As we continue through the first quarter of 2024, Dominica is set to enhance its connectivity and become a hub for Caribbean travel and exploration. For further information, stay updated with airline and ferry service announcements and visit the blog section of our website www.discoverdominica.com.
For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at +1 767 448 2045. Or, visit Dominica’s official website, www.DiscoverDominica.com, follow Dominica on Instagram and Facebook and look at their videos on YouTube.
