ROSEAU, Dominica – The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) has described as “a significant enhancement to the island’s growing airlift capacity” the decision by United Airlines (UA) increase its flights to the island from October this year.
United Airlines and American Airlines (File Photo)In a statement, the DHTA said that the development marks a notable enhancement to Dominica’s airlift capacity, complementing the expansion of services from American Airlines and underscoring the island’s growing appeal as a premier Caribbean destination.
“More flights translate to increased visitor spending, more opportunities for local service providers, and overall economic growth that benefits communities across the island.
The association encourages all stakeholders, from hotel operators to tour providers, to capitalize on this momentum by elevating service standards, strengthening marketing efforts, and creating memorable visitor experiences that will keep travelers returning to Dominica,” the DHTA added.
DHTA president, Kitwani Ferreria said that this is a positive step forward for Dominica’s tourism industry.
“Reliable and frequent airlift is key to driving visitor arrivals, supporting our hotel and tourism businesses, and solidifying Dominica’s place on the global tourism map. These additional flights from both United Airlines and American Airlines not only make travel easier but also signal growing confidence in Dominica as a destination of choice,” Ferreira added.
Last week, the Dominica’s Parliament approved an increase in a bank guarantee of EC$7.3 million (One EC dollar=US$0.37 cents) to EC$12.2 million from the National Bank of Dominica (NBD) to secure the existing and additional commitments made in the air service agreement between Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) and United Airlines.
The government has successfully negotiated an agreement with UA for direct flights from Newark to Dominica every Saturday beginning on February 14, 2025.
Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre said. United Airlines is very happy with the performance of the Saturday flights, noting that as of May 10, this year, the average load factor was 77 per cent.
He said that the airline is now proposing an additional weekly service between Dominica and Newark, New Jersey, on Wednesdays to commence this October 2025.
“This proposal is subject to an amendment to the minimum revenue guarantee. The new Wednesday flight is proposed for October 19, 2025, to April 26, 2026, and October 17, 2026, to April 24, 2025,’ Dr McIntyre said, adding that the Boeing 737 has a capacity between 126 to 179 passengers.”
He said that United Airlines has proposed amendments to its current air service agreement to incorporate the terms and conditions regarding the Wednesday service, along with a reduction in the amount to be guaranteed for flights for the existing Saturday flights, based on actual historical data and updated cost forecast.
“This, in effect, will be a benefit to the Commonwealth of Dominica. Therefore, increases in the bank guarantee are now required for each period, to reflect the increased flights, after taking into account the adjustment for a reduction in guarantees per flight,” he told legislators.
