New Flights Make the Most Sought-After Island in the Caribbean Much Easier to Visit

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For the tiny, untouched islands of the eastern Caribbean, drawing in vacationers isn't so often a matter of attraction but access. That's no longer a problem for the idyllic island of Dominica, as a brand new flight route christens a newly completed runway expansion project at the island's sole international airport. 

As Dominica celebrates its third consecutive year as Travel + Leisure 's chosen best island in the Caribbean, it is poised to become even more attractive to U.S. travelers, who are slowly but steadily catching on to its appeal.

No, we're not talking about the Dominican Republic. This is the island of Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a), a largely untouched island of less than 70,000 residents, bathed in the rich, reef-filled waters of the Caribbean. 

Dominica's beaches are mostly of the inky, black-sand variety, its verdant, volcanic landscapes made famous by the Pirates of the Caribbean movies filmed there. Among its natural wonders, it's also home to a little luxury, including what is considered the very best resort in the Caribbean.

Dominica has already felt the island-impacting effects of increased airlift, having welcomed its first and only direct flight route from the United States at the end of 2021. What started as a twice-weekly American Airlines flight from Miami has since increased to daily frequency, with two flights on Saturdays. Before this initial American Airlines flight, travelers from the mainland U.S. had to stop over in islands like Puerto Rico or St. Maarten before traveling onward to Dominica.

It has been a major part of helping enhance the island's profile with U.S. travelers and comes at a banner time. Not only has the island been named the best in the Caribbean three years running, it has also racked up coveted spots on Time's list of the World's Greatest Places in 2023, Matador Network's list of 25 places to travel to in 2025, and the number one spot on BBC Travel's list of 25 best places to travel in 2025.

The brand new United Airlines flight from the airline's Newark Liberty International Airport hub promises to offer even greater and easier access from a larger portion of the population of U.S. travelers, who still make up the vast majority of visitors headed to the Caribbean. The inaugural flight departed from the airport on February 15th to great fanfare. It was celebrated at the airport with a gate event that gathered Dominican dignitaries and local and airport officials, along with travelers eager to board the flight.

"We are thrilled to welcome United Airlines to Dominica," said Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, Dominica's Minister of Tourism. "This new service is a testament to Dominica's growing appeal as a leisure destination known for our amazing nature experiences, safe and vibrant cultural festivals, and one-of-a-kind hospitality.... We look forward to welcoming more visitors to our shores with this new route and strengthening our connection with the Northeast and beyond."

It's part of United's growing number of routes to unique destinations around the world. New routes bring some of the more far-flung locations close, from Mongolia and Greenland, to already popular, closer-to-home destinations like Medellín, Colombia.

"The launch of our new nonstop service from Newark to Dominica is an exciting milestone for United as Newark is truly a global gateway," said Jon Gooda, United Airline's Vice President of Airport Operations at Newark Liberty International Airport. "Connecting travelers to this stunning, vibrant island reinforces United's commitment to providing passengers with convenient options to visit and explore a wide range of unique destinations. We look forward to helping travelers experience the beauty and rich culture of Dominica."

Travelers disembarking on the island were greeted with a water cannon salute and celebratory welcome from the Discover Dominica Authority to a destination that has long enchanted the intrepid travelers who have made the journey.

More than just another Caribbean island to check off the bucket list, Dominica invites visitors to experience a new paradigm in Caribbean travel. This island is more than just a destination for a "fly-and-flop" vacation spent moving — slowly — from the hotel pool to the beach and back again. Instead, the highlights of Dominica include a hidden lake with waters that boil from the island's volcanic core and vast underwater landscapes marked with canyons and craters that are among the world's most renowned dive sites. There's even a 40-mile kayaking trail running along the island's rugged western shores, past blissfully bare beaches and soaring cliffs.

Dominica skews towards adventurous travelers, but its award-winning hotels and resorts have a universal appeal. The award-winning boutique resort Secret Bay is the island's undeniable star, featuring just 23 eco-luxury villas scattered across a lush, tropical property perched above one of the island's best beaches. However, the island is also home to an increasingly impressive array of properties, from the larger, luxury InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel, to the beloved Fort Young Hotel and Dive Resort in the capital city.

Still largely untouched by travelers, especially in comparison to some of its busy, built-up neighbors, Dominica feels like paradise found. Now, it's just a whole lot easier to discover.