Airport updates on Caribbean’s Nature Isle
The much-anticipated Douglas Charles Airport Runway Extension Project in Dominica is poised for a significant milestone, with completion expected by October.
The ongoing extension of the runway at Douglas Charles Airport stands as a pivotal endeavor. This initiative involves lengthening the airport’s runway by an impressive 185 meters, alongside enhancements such as upgraded apron parking facilities and grooving to enhance safety during inclement weather.
Prime Minister Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit has previously announced that the westward extension of the runway will grant aircraft an expanded take-off distance of 1,936 meters from runway 09, located at the mountain end. This is a substantial increase from the current 1,756 meters.
Furthermore, as part of the extension’s advantages, the declared landing distance available on runway 27, situated at the sea end, will see an additional 67-meter extension, reaching a total length of 1,808 meters.
In addition to the physical extension, the runway will undergo grooving enhancements to bolster safety during wet conditions, thereby instilling greater confidence in pilots during the landing phase.
An inspection was conducted last month, with the minister for tourism of Dominica, Denise Charles, leading the site visit.
Meanwhile, more than 200 Dominican nationals are presently engaged in the construction of the island’s international airport, according to Skerrit’s last update about the ambitious project.
“On the construction of the international airport project works are progressing very well and on schedule,” Skerrit said. “I want to also say that there are 207 Dominicans on the international airport project.”
As the project gains momentum, he anticipates a significant increase in the employment of Dominicans, adding that the project could employ as many as 1,000 Dominicans in various capacities.
A historic milestone was reached with the signing of a one-billion-dollar contract between the Government of Dominica and MMC Development Ltd., officially marking the commencement of the long-cherished dream of constructing an international airport. The contract signing ceremony, which took place at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium on June 9, 2021, fulfilled a decades-old aspiration held dear by the nation’s citizens for over half a century.