How to reach the island

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Dominica’s major airport remains closed until further notice due to the effects of Tropical Storm Erika.

That means the primary way to access the island is via ferry from Guadeloupe or Martinique.

The French Caribbean’s major ferry operator, L’express des Iles, has announced a new schedule and special rates between both Martinique and Guadeloupe. (The company also offers less frequent ferries from Saint Lucia)

Regional carrier LIAT has also announced the operation of an additional 29 flights to Guadeloupe this week to facilitate movement in and out of Dominica via the ferry.

And Seaborne has made a similar move, increasing flights to Guadeloupe out of San Juan. It will be substantially increasing its service to Guadeloupe, with up to three-times-daily service between San Juan and Pointe a Pitre through Sept. 16.

“We are devastated to learn of the loss of life and sustained damage that has occurred in Dominica as a result of Tropical Storm Erika,” said Gary Foss, CEO of Seaborne Airlines, “Our company and our employees are making all efforts to help travelers, relief workers, and the citizenry of Dominica at this time.”

That allows passengers to take the ferry to Dominica out of Pointe a Pitre.

Dominica’s smaller airport, Canefield, is open, and regional carrier WINAIR has announced special once-daily service between St Maarten and Dominica for the next 9 days.

Caribbean Helicopters also offers daily service between Antigua and Dominica (max. 6 passengers), while Hummingbird Air offers flights Mondays and Fridays out of St Maarten.

Hummingbird is also operating flights from St Thomas/St Croix five days per week.