Dominica International Airport advancing steadily, boosting economic hopes

The Dominica International Airport is on track to become a pivotal hub in the Caribbean as work advances remarkably onsite.

The project, funded by the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme, is situated on Dominica’s scenic northeast coast between Woodford Hill and Wesley. Montreal Management Consultants Development oversees the development, with China Railway No. 5 as the main contractor.

The Dominica International Airport will feature a 2850-meter runway to accommodate widebody aircraft, enabling direct flights to North America, Europe, and key Asian cities. Other modern amenities include a spacious terminal, advanced air traffic control systems, a central substation, a health centre, and extensive cargo handling capabilities. The airport is designed to meet international standards, ensuring safety, efficiency, and comfort for travellers.

In the recent update posted, significant progress has been made on the foundational work. Backfilling and direct dynamic compaction at the culverts, earthworks, and stone excavation at the terminal area are ongoing. These essential groundworks lay the foundation for the airport’s future infrastructure.

The new airport will transform Dominica’s economy by facilitating increased tourism and improved trade connections.

In an interview, Samuel Johson, CEO of the International Airport Development Company (IADC), said that even if a destination has the best attractions, hotels, and brands, it will be useless. It’s challenging to get there.

“We’re [Dominica] 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,” added Johnson.

The $1 billion XCD megadevelopment has already engaged a substantial workforce, contributing to the island’s economic growth.