the intercontinental dominica with black-sand beach
The beach at the InterContinental Dominica resort.
Flights

United Airlines Is Adding Flights to a New Caribbean Island: Dominica

By: Alexander Britell - September 30, 2024

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. 

dominica live
The sky hot tub at the Fort Young, one of the property’s signature amenities.

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.”

secret bay
Secret Bay has become one of the most celebrated hotels in the Caribbean.

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.

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