United Airlines Is Adding Flights to a New Caribbean Island: Dominica
For years, getting to Dominica and its small airport hidden behind mountaintops was not an easy feat. You could fly through San Juan. Or Martinique. Or St Maarten. A nonstop flight from the United States was just a dream.
Everything changed in 2021, when American Airlines launched the first-ever nonstop flights from the US to Dominica, with regular service out of Miami.
It’s been a game-changer for the island, connecting travelers with the many natural wonders of Dominica, from its waterfalls, hiking trails and volcanos to its growing collection of top-level luxury resorts like Secret Bay and the InterContinental Dominica.
Recently, Dominica made another push for international flights, expanding the runway at its Douglas Charles airport – efforts that have now paid off.
United Airlines has officially launched bookings for the first-ever nonstop flight between Newark and Dominica, which will begin operating on Feb. 15, Caribbean Journal has confirmed.
The new nonstop service on Boeing 737-700 aircraft will connect the Northeastern market with Dominica on a four-and-a-half hour flight, with service once weekly on Saturdays.
The choice is aircraft is notable; American’s Miami service has been running on smaller Embraer aircraft. With the 6,351-foot runway expansion, it can now accommodate traditional 737s.
The new flight is a “major step forward” for Dominica Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton said in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal. “This route will help alleviate the access constraints faced by the destination over the years.”
Are you planning a trip to Dominica? In recent years, the destination has carved out a unique niche as an eco-luxury hotspot — combining access to the kinds of natural attractions like the Emerald Pool and the Boiling Lake that are unique in the region — with fantastic luxury resorts.
The two best places to stay on the island? The boutique Secret Bay luxury resort, home to spectacular, high-design villas with private plunge pools; and the larger InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort and Spa.
If you want to stay in the capital, there’s one outstanding option: the recently-transformed Fort Young hotel, which also doubles as the island’s top dive resort.
What about prices?
Rates for the February flights start at $714 in basic economy, with that number going up to $804 roundtrip in economy. Roundtrip Newark-Dominica in business class will run you $1,449, according to United.
