Melville Hall Airport

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Melville Hall Airport, officially known as Douglas-Charles Airport, is flanked by the Kachibona River and positioned between Marigot and Wesley on Dominica's Northeast coast. The airport is a critical gateway for travellers to and from the island, playing a vital role in Dominica’s connectivity and Tourism Industry.

About Melville Hall Airport

Melville Hall Airport in Saint Andrew Parish, Dominica, is connected by the Dr. Nicholas Liverpool Highway to the south and the Melville Hall – Portsmouth Road to the north. It was initially constructed in the early 1960s to provide better access to Dominica, which previously relied heavily on maritime travel. Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and larger aircraft. In 2014, the airport was officially renamed Douglas-Charles Airport in honor of Prime Ministers Roosevelt "Rosie" Bernard Douglas and Pierre Charles, who contributed significantly to its development.

Airlines and Flight Operations at Melville Hall Airport

The airport is served by several airlines, offering a network of routes that span the Caribbean and extend to international destinations:

• LIAT: Offers regular services to numerous Eastern Caribbean destinations.
• Winair: Provides connectivity to nearby islands, including St. Maarten.
• Air Antilles: Operates flights to and from French Caribbean territories.
• Seaborne Airlines/Silver Airways: Links Dominica with Puerto Rico and the United States.
• InterCaribbean Airways: Expands travel options within the Caribbean.
• American Airlines/American Eagle: Connects Dominica directly with Miami, facilitating access to and from the United States.
• Sunrise Airways:
• Ground Handlers Ltd.: Delivers comprehensive support, including baggage handling, check-in, and ramp services, to ensure efficient airport operations.

Airport Facilities and Services at Melville Hall Airport

• Runway Specifications: The airport has a runway measuring 5,761 feet in length and 148 feet in width, surfaced with asphalt. It supports night landings, which began in April 2010.
• Recent Developments: In July 2021, American Airlines initiated a twice-weekly nonstop jet service between Miami and Dominica, later increasing to daily flights. The airport also accommodates charter services to various Caribbean destinations.

Historical Significance and Modern Role

• Historical Context: Originally opened in 1961, the airport has undergone significant upgrades to accommodate modern aircraft and increase passenger capacity. The first commercial jet landing was made in 1989 by a BAe 146.
• Current Operations: Today, the airport plays a crucial role in Dominica’s tourism industry and serves as a critical hub for disaster relief operations and cargo shipments.