Dominica, a small island in the Lesser Antilles, is advancing with the construction of its future international airport in the northeastern part of the island. The project includes the development of a runway, taxiways, a passenger terminal, a control tower, and freight facilities, with the government aiming to complete the airport by 2027 or, more cautiously, by the second quarter of 2028, as stated in its latest budget speech. Currently, Dominica is mainly served by regional flights and maritime connections from nearby islands. The new airport is intended to connect the island more directly to North America and Europe, with a capacity of 500,000 passengers per year. Excavation, drainage work, and the first buildings are progressing, aiming to provide the Caribbean destination with a modern infrastructure. Michel Salbot, the representative of the Dominica Tourism Office in France, told Air-Journal that the project is entering a visible phase, with excavation largely underway, the runway layout marked, and the first buildings emerging from the ground. The runway is expected to be 2,850 meters long, allowing for the reception of wide-body aircraft. The location on the Atlantic side was chosen to avoid the challenges posed by mountainous terrain and descending winds, which could complicate aircraft landings. Despite the progress, the project's schedule remains fluid. The Dominica authorities report that excavation and drainage works have reached about 78% completion, while the runway and taxiways have surpassed 60% of their construction. Work is also ongoing on the 22,000 square meter terminal, freight facilities, air traffic control tower, fuel farm, and other essential infrastructures. The 2026-2027 budget speech confirms this momentum, mentioning the ongoing progress on the tunnel and passenger terminal, as well as on freight facilities, air traffic control, fuel storage, and emergency services. The government also plans to deploy the necessary regulatory framework, teams, operational systems, and commercial tools to prepare the airport for operation. Public financing for the project remains significant. The 2026-2027 budget allocates 250 million Eastern Caribbean dollars (approximately 80.5 million euros) for the continuation of the airport project, alongside funds for the development of a marina. The construction is being handled by China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group (CR5), a Chinese company responsible for building the 2,850-meter runway and associated infrastructure. MMC Development Ltd. / Montreal Management Consultants Development is the project developer, involved in financial structuring, fundraising, and contract management. The Government of Dominica oversees the project, and the Citizenship by Investment Program (CBI) is a key public mechanism in its financing, alongside MMC. For Dominica's tourism, the new airport represents a significant shift in scale and accessibility. Michel Salbot notes that the primary market to open is Europe, as the island already serves the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean through its current Douglas-Charles Airport, which can handle smaller aircraft. However, Dominica remains reliant on air connectivity with transfers, often via Antigua or Saint-Martin, for part of its European clientele. The tourism office has already presented the future airport to Air Caraïbes and Corsair, though these meetings are currently for contact and not formal connections. The future air service strategy will involve an operational aviation committee in Dominica, tasked with preparing the platform's operation and airline relations. The challenge extends beyond the French market. The United Kingdom, due to the island's historical ties, and Germany, from which travelers already transit through other Caribbean islands, are also potential markets. The airport's opening could reduce travel times, facilitate combined stays in the Caribbean, and enhance Dominica's appeal to North American and European travelers. For a destination known for its volcanoes, tropical forests, hot springs, hiking, and diving, aerial accessibility remains a crucial factor in its tourism success.