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On 24 September 2025, in a joyful and lively atmosphere at Douglas–Charles Airport, a ceremonial event was held to mark the arrival of the first direct Contour Airlines flight from St Thomas to Dominica. This landmark occasion signalled the beginning of a new chapter for the island, renowned for its pristine natural environment. The launch of regular air services will not only strengthen the country’s transport connectivity with the wider world but also open new avenues for sustainable economic growth, investment and tourism.
The event brought together the nation’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, Speaker of the House of Assembly Joseph Isaac, Acting Minister for Tourism Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, and President of Contour Airlines, Mr Benjamin Monson.
Contour Airlines is launching regular flights on two key routes:
Direct flight St Thomas – Dominica: operated three times weekly, this restores a long-lost direct link between Dominica and the US Virgin Islands.
As Marva Williams, CEO of the Discover Dominica Authority, noted in her speech, the new service has been warmly welcomed by the diaspora. “One resident [of St Thomas] told me: ‘Now I can come home more often and bring my children to know Dominica better’,” she recalled.
Speakers unanimously stressed that this is more than just a new flight.
“What we have witnessed here today is not simply the landing of an aircraft. It is a milestone in our nation’s continued journey towards growth, connection, and progress,” said Mr Blaize Jones, Chairman of the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority.
Acting Minister for Tourism Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite described reliable air links as “the cornerstone of any successful tourism strategy”. She emphasised that the new service will stimulate demand for local services — hotels, restaurants, taxis and excursions — creating a positive economic effect across the island, particularly in rural communities.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit called the launch of the flight “a demonstration of confidence in Dominica” and a clear signal to investors. “This collaboration with Contour Airlines sends a strong message. Dominica is open. Free business, free investment and free world,” he stated.
Contour Airlines President Benjamin Monson explained that his company, which specialises in regional flights and partners with major carriers such as American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, had considered numerous Caribbean markets before choosing Dominica. “When we met with the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority, it was obvious this is where we wanted to start,” he admitted.
As a gesture of commitment, the airline has emblazoned the slogan “Pride of Domincia” on the aircraft, a move gratefully acknowledged by the Prime Minister.
The launch coincides with preparations for the 25th World Creole Music Festival, held annually in October and traditionally drawing thousands of visitors. The expansion of air links is also seen as an important step towards the opening of Dominica’s new international airport, which in the long term will further transform the island’s accessibility.
Addressing citizens, the Prime Minister urged everyone to support the new airline: “We must give priority to flying with Contour Airlines to ensure its success… That is what’s going to make this relationship last for a very long time.”
With the arrival of the first Contour Airlines flight, Dominica takes a confident step into the future — where the sky is no longer a boundary but a bridge to new opportunities.
With the opening of this new route, Dominica strengthens its status as a vital hub between the Caribbean and North America. Ahead lies the construction of an international airport, the growth of hotel infrastructure and the adoption of sustainable tourism standards. Together, these projects form a long-term strategy in which reliable connectivity becomes a catalyst for all sectors of the economy — from hospitality and catering to cultural initiatives and international investment.
For participants in the Citizenship by Investment Programme, this represents further confirmation that Dominica combines institutional reliability with expanding opportunities for global mobility. The inaugural Contour Airlines flight is a significant milestone: the country is making steady progress towards a future where its openness to the world is backed by tangible results.
