International Airport Project

The International Airport Project in Dominica is a highly anticipated infrastructure development to boost the island’s connectivity, tourism, and economic growth. Situated in the Wesley area, the project is scheduled for completion by 2025, making it Dominica’s largest-ever infrastructure initiative. This project will significantly enhance Dominica’s international accessibility, which is currently limited by smaller airports such as Douglas-Charles Airport.

Key Players of Dominica’s International Airport Project

Montreal Management Consultants Development Ltd. is the primary contractor for the airport’s construction, having signed a US$1 billion contract with the Dominica government on June 9, 2021. Another important partner in the project is China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group Co., Ltd. (CR5), which is tasked with designing, constructing, and commissioning the airport facilities. The International Airport Development Company, led by CEO Samuel Johnson, oversees the overall project management and ensures adherence to legal and technical specifications.

Economic and Job Creation Impact

As the project progresses, over 300 Dominicans are currently employed in the construction phase, involving over 1000 workers at its peak. Local contractors are also engaged in various construction phases, such as building offices and housing developments for displaced residents from the Wesley area. This project focuses on increasing the island’s tourism capacity and provides significant employment and skills development opportunities for the local population.

Project Costs and Funding

The project’s total cost is estimated at over EC$1 billion (approximately US$370 million), with funding primarily sourced through Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme. The CBI Programme provides a pathway for investors to contribute to the country’s development in exchange for Dominica citizenship. Other funding streams include Dominica’s Economic Diversification Fund (EDF), which supports infrastructure and public projects across various sectors, including tourism, healthcare, and agriculture.

Timeline and Milestones

The airport is expected to be completed by 2025, with significant construction milestones such as the passenger terminal building starting in August 2024 and additional work on the runway, taxiway, and apron commencing by October 2025. According to Dominica’s Finance Minister, Dr. Irving McIntyre, the project is moving ahead of schedule, who praised the progress made during the 2023/2024 budget address. Preparatory work such as land clearing, earthworks, and the levelling of the site began in June 2023. These are some of the most significant earthworks projects in the Eastern Caribbean.

Infrastructure and Tourism Boost

The airport will accommodate large aircraft and enable direct flights from North America, Europe, and other international destinations. This marks a pivotal development in enhancing Dominica’s eco-tourism and adventure tourism industries, which are centred around its pristine natural attractions, such as the Waitukubuli National Trail, Boiling Lake, and Trafalgar Falls.

Dominica’s government also sees the airport as a catalyst for broader economic development, including increased agricultural exports and trade. The project is expected to be crucial in achieving the country’s goal of attracting 500,000 stayover visitors annually by 2030, as outlined in Dominica’s National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 (NRDS).

Government and Ministry Involvement

The Ministry of Public Works, Public Utilities, and Digital Economy, led by Minister Fidel Grant, plays a crucial role in overseeing the construction process and ensuring local involvement. The project also aligns with Dominica’s Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP), which emphasizes sustainable infrastructure development.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has been a vocal advocate for the project, frequently updating citizens on progress and ensuring that local communities, such as the displaced residents of Wesley, are compensated and resettled.

Conclusion: A Gateway to Growth

The International Airport Project is expected to revolutionize air travel to Dominica, supporting the island’s long-term development goals and positioning it as a leading destination for sustainable tourism in the Caribbean. By improving connectivity and expanding the tourism sector, the airport will not only boost economic growth but also provide a significant increase in employment and local business opportunities.