Roosevelt Skerrit Celebrates Major Developments at Douglas-Charles Airport: Runway Extension and Safety Enhancements to Boost Tourism

Roseau, Dominica – Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has announced significant strides in Dominica’s infrastructure development, specifically highlighting the runway extension and safety improvements at the Douglas-Charles Airport. Skerrit, who shared the update via his social media, underscored the importance of this upgrade in advancing Dominica’s tourism and accessibility goals.

The runway at Douglas-Charles Airport has been extended to 1,936 meters (6,351 feet), a development that will enable the island to accommodate larger aircraft. This marks a crucial step in Dominica’s ambition to attract more visitors and open the doors to new source markets. The Prime Minister remarked on how this milestone will facilitate direct flights to not just Miami but potentially other major cities in the near future.

The extension and grooving of the runway at the Douglas-Charles Airport will improve access and safety, attracting larger aircraft and leading to an increase in visitor arrivals.

(We’re making significant progress toward our goal of welcoming 500,000 visitors by 2030, tackling… pic.twitter.com/uka9zuqQ6f

— Roosevelt Skerrit (@SkerritR) September 17, 2024

“This is a game-changer!” Skerrit posted. “Imagine direct flights not just to Miami, but other major cities—a dream that’s now becoming reality!”

In addition to the runway extension, grooving of the runway is being implemented, which will enhance safety, especially during wet conditions. These grooves help improve aircraft traction, reducing the risk of skidding and enabling pilots to land more confidently even in challenging weather. Fewer flight cancellations due to adverse conditions are expected, leading to more reliable routes for airlines and increasing confidence in Dominica as a destination.

Skerrit stressed that this development is part of the government’s broader plan to welcome 500,000 visitors by 2030. One of the primary challenges that the island has faced in achieving this goal is accessibility, and the upgrades to Douglas-Charles Airport are seen as a vital solution.

“We’re paving the way—literally—for a brighter future for Dominica,” he added.

With improved access and a safer landing environment, the island is positioned to see a rise in visitor arrivals, benefiting not only the tourism industry but also local residents and businesses who depend on tourism revenue.

The enhancements are part of Dominica’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its tourism infrastructure, attract new airlines, and secure its position as a top destination in the Caribbean. The government is confident that these developments will play a pivotal role in achieving the country’s tourism growth targets.

As Dominica pushes forward with these advancements, visitors and tourism stakeholders alike are hopeful that the changes will lead to more frequent and convenient travel to the island, helping to boost the local economy and create more opportunities for Dominicans.

The announcement has garnered excitement across social media, with many expressing optimism about the potential for increased visitor arrivals and improved access to the island’s natural beauty.

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