Melville Hall Airport

Douglas-Charles Airport, known as Melville Hall until 2014, serves as the main air gateway to Dominica — the Caribbean's "Nature Island." It is situated on the picturesque northeast coast, near the town of Marigot, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. Landing here is an adventure in itself, offering travelers panoramic views of tropical rainforests. Although the airport is located approximately an hour's drive from the capital, the city of Roseau, this trip turns into a fascinating journey along the island's winding roads. The air hub is a key node connecting Dominica with other Caribbean islands and North America.

Despite its modest size, Douglas-Charles Airport is constantly being modernized to meet international standards. Its runway is 1,756 meters long, and modern navigation equipment allows for night flights, which has significantly increased the island's transport accessibility. For the comfort of travelers, the passenger terminal includes a waiting hall, check-in counters, a customs control zone, as well as a small Executive Lounge. Upon exiting the terminal, you can always find taxis or use car rental services to further explore Dominica.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), formerly known as Melville Hall. Please note that data may change, and we recommend checking official resources before your trip.

• Official Website: The airport does not have its own separate website. Current information is published on the portal of the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA).
• Information Desk Phone: The main number for contacting the airport is: +1 (767) 445-7101.
• Address: Douglas-Charles Airport, Marigot, Commonwealth of Dominica. It is important to know that the airport is located approximately 60-90 minutes by car from the capital, the city of Roseau.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is usually not provided. It is recommended to use the contact forms on the DASPA website for communication.
• Social Media: Dedicated social media pages for the airport may be inactive. News and updates are most often published on the pages of the Dominica Tourist Office or DASPA.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's representative at the airport directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance on-site, please visit the information desk in the main terminal. You can use the general inquiry number for support by phone.

Getting from the capital of Dominica, the city of Roseau, to the island's main international airport, Melville Hall (today officially called Douglas-Charles Airport, DOM), is a small journey in itself. The airport is located on the opposite, northeastern side of the island, so the road takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours. The route passes through picturesque mountain passes, so be sure to allocate sufficient time in your schedule.

Taxi or Transfer is the most common and convenient option for tourists. A trip from Roseau to the airport usually has a fixed cost, which is recommended to be agreed upon with the driver before starting the journey. This is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach your destination, especially if you are traveling with luggage. You can book a transfer at your hotel or through one of the local tourism companies.

Public Transport in the form of private minibuses is the most budget-friendly method. There is no direct route from Roseau to the airport. You will need to find a bus heading towards the town of Marigot, located nearby the airport. This option is suitable for travelers with light luggage who are ready for an adventure, as the trip may take significantly more time and require transfers.

Car Rental will give you freedom of movement and the opportunity to explore the island at your own pace. You can rent a car at one of the numerous agencies in Roseau. It is important to remember that Dominica has left-hand traffic, the roads are narrow and winding, and foreigners need to obtain a local temporary driving permit to drive. The drive by car will take about an hour and a half.

For those arriving at the airport in a rented car, parking is available. The territory of Douglas-Charles Airport has both short-term and long-term parking lots. Given the relatively small size of the terminal complex, finding a free space is usually not difficult.

Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), formerly known as Melville Hall, is the main air gateway of Dominica. Its structure is simple and intuitive, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors. The airport consists of one terminal that handles both international and regional flights.

The terminal layout is extremely logical. It is a compact two-story building where arrival and departure zones are clearly separated. Since there is only one terminal, you do not have to worry about transferring between buildings — all necessary services are under one roof. Navigation is simplified thanks to clear signs and short distances.

The Arrivals Zone is located on the ground floor. Immediately after disembarking, passengers enter the immigration control hall, then the baggage claim and customs inspection area. The general arrivals hall houses car rental counters, taxi offices, and hotel representatives. The Departures Zone is also located in the same building. After checking in at the airline counters, passengers proceed to the second floor for security screening, after which they enter a cozy waiting lounge.

Despite its modest size, the terminal offers a basic set of amenities. The departure lounge has several shops with souvenirs, local goods, and Duty-Free products, as well as a small bar-cafe where you can have a snack while waiting for your flight. The atmosphere here is much calmer than in large international hubs.

Completing all formalities usually does not take much time. Check-in and screening generally proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2–3 hours before the departure of an international flight. During peak hours or when several flights depart simultaneously, queues may form in the small space.

The main tip for navigation is not to worry; getting lost here is practically impossible. The small size of the terminal is its advantage: all services are within walking distance, and the staff is always ready to help and give directions.

The history of the main airport of Dominica, known today as Douglas-Charles Airport, began long before its modern name. It originally bore the name Melville Hall and was officially opened on November 22, 1961. Its construction, carried out by the British Royal Engineers, was a real breakthrough for the island, which until then had been largely isolated from the outside world and relied exclusively on maritime transport.

Creating an airport in the mountainous terrain of Dominica was a difficult engineering task. The Melville Hall valley proved to be one of the few places on the island where a runway of sufficient length could be accommodated. Initially, the infrastructure was modest, and the strip could only accept small propeller aircraft, which nonetheless gave a powerful impetus to the development of tourism and trade relations.

Key modernization took place in the 2000s. Thanks to a large-scale project funded by the government of Dominica and the European Union, the runway was significantly lengthened and improved, and the passenger terminal was modernized. This allowed the airport to accept larger regional jet aircraft and, crucially, to facilitate night landings, significantly increasing its operational flexibility. On October 27, 2014, the airport was officially renamed in honor of two former prime ministers of the country — Rosie Douglas and Pierre Charles, who made great contributions to its development.

The airport has repeatedly proven its strategic importance, especially during natural disasters. It played a key role in delivering humanitarian aid after devastating hurricanes, including Hurricane Maria in 2017, which caused serious damage to the airport itself, requiring subsequent restoration. An interesting fact for travelers: the airport is located in the northeast of the island, about an hour's drive from the capital, the city of Roseau. This trip itself is a small adventure, as the road runs through picturesque tropical forests and mountains.

Melville Hall Airport (DOM), the main international airport of Dominica, offers passengers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable wait. Despite its compact size, the terminal is well organized. Here you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite before departure, drink coffee, or try local beverages. There are also shops where you can buy souvenirs, rum, local crafts, and essential goods.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, although speed and connection time may be limited. There are power outlets in the waiting areas for charging electronic devices. The terminal also houses ATMs and currency exchange points, which is very convenient for arriving tourists who need to exchange money for Eastern Caribbean dollars.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with special needs. Assistance is provided to passengers with disabilities, including escort services and access to special restrooms. For travelers with small children, there are mother and child rooms where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment. In case of unforeseen situations, there is a first aid station at the airport.

Melville Hall Airport has a VIP Lounge offering more comfortable waiting conditions for an additional fee. There are no specialized conference rooms or business centers within the terminal itself, however, hotels located in the immediate vicinity of the airport may provide such services. There are no hotels directly in the terminal building, but several accommodation options can be found within a few minutes' drive.

Melville Hall Airport (DOM), the main international airport of Dominica, offers passengers basic but convenient options for snacks and relaxation before departure. Given its relatively small size, you will not find a large variety of restaurants here, but you will be able to satisfy your hunger and thirst while waiting for your flight.

The main food outlets are located in the main hall and in the departure zone after passing security control. As a rule, these are small cafes and bars. Here you can buy sandwiches, pastries, chips, chocolate, and other snacks. For a more substantial, albeit simple lunch, some establishments offer hot local dishes, such as chicken or fish with rice and vegetables. This is a great opportunity to enjoy Caribbean flavors one last time.

Beverages deserve special attention. In the bars, you can order the famous Dominican rum, local Kubuli beer, or refreshing natural juices made from tropical fruits. It is a wonderful way to pass the time before boarding. Prices at the airport, as expected, are higher than in the city but remain within reasonable limits for a tourist facility.

Regarding special dietary needs, the choice for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance may be very limited. It is recommended to carry your own snacks if you follow a strict diet. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule — they are open during departure periods and close after the last plane leaves.

To ensure your journey through Melville Hall Airport (Douglas-Charles Airport), the main air gateway of Dominica, goes as smoothly as possible, use our tips. Although the airport is not very large, proper preparation will help avoid unnecessary stress. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before the departure of international flights to calmly go through all formalities.

Check-in and security control at the airport serving Roseau follow standard international rules. To save time, check in for your flight online if your airline provides this option. At the security checkpoint, be prepared to present laptops and other large electronics separately from hand luggage for inspection. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that Dominica is the "Nature Island" with incredible scenery. If you want to enjoy views of the lush mountains and the Caribbean Sea coast during takeoff or landing, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stand up freely are more important to you, an aisle seat is better suited.

Be sure to take documents, money, medicines, a portable charger, and valuables in your hand luggage. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, flammable substances, and liquids in a volume of more than 100 ml per container. Pay special attention to exotic fruits and plants — their export may be restricted, so it is better to clarify customs rules in advance.

If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-register your luggage at the transit airport. Melville Hall Airport does not feature a large amount of entertainment, so for long waits, it is worth having a book, charged gadgets, or pre-downloaded movies with you.

Upon arrival in Dominica, you will have to undergo immigration and customs control. Keep your passport and the completed migration card, which is usually issued on the plane, ready. Be prepared to answer standard questions about the purpose of your visit and place of accommodation. Upon departure, customs control usually passes faster, but random checks are possible.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online, book a transfer from the airport in advance, and take a light snack and an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security. This will help avoid unnecessary expenses at the airport, where prices are traditionally higher.

In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative to find out the reason and the estimated departure time. Depending on the duration of the delay, the airline may provide vouchers for food or drinks. Keep all receipts — they may be needed to receive compensation from the airline or under travel insurance.