A technical delegation from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) is conducting a comprehensive review of the Dominica International Airport project as construction continues to advance toward completion.
The week-long mission includes inspections of the construction site, assessments of technical plans and consultations with project stakeholders to ensure the new airport will satisfy regional and international aviation standards before it becomes operational. Representatives from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) are also participating in the visit.
Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica International Airport Development Company, Samuel Johnson, described the visit as another important milestone in the airport’s development.
According to Johnson, ECCAA routinely dispatches specialist teams to review different aspects of the project, providing regulatory oversight while also offering technical guidance throughout construction.
“They have been going through, as ECCAA does periodically, sending different teams for different parts of the airport project to look at our plans, review the progress to date, ask questions with regard to equipment and procedures to ensure that by the time we arrive at the finish of the project, there will be no surprises,” Johnson explained.
The delegation has also held discussions with the Dominica Air and Seaports Authority (DASPA), the airport developer and other technical partners responsible for critical components of the project. Areas under review include the airport master plan, aerodrome surveys, flight procedures and the meteorological services that will support future flight operations.
Johnson said involving regulators and technical agencies throughout construction helps ensure that issues are identified and addressed early rather than after the airport is completed.
The CEO emphasized that an international airport is far more than a collection of buildings, noting that its successful operation depends on close coordination among multiple organizations responsible for aviation safety, security, navigation, customs, immigration and airport management.
“It’s not just a collection of buildings. Airports are like small cities with several different stakeholders,” he said. “Ultimately, they are the ones who will be operating within this infrastructure and ensuring that Dominica can provide safe, reliable aviation services to the region.“
The Dominica International Airport is expected to transform air connectivity by accommodating larger aircraft, expanding international routes and improving access for visitors, investors and residents. Government officials have consistently described the project as one of the country’s most significant infrastructure investments, with the potential to stimulate tourism, trade and wider economic development.
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