Douglas-Charles Airport

Small but functional airport. Limited number of flights and destinations. We used the online pre-entry immigration and customs declaration which was easy to do and we experienced relatively short wait immigration times for entry and professional and friendly service. There is no immigration check when departing (like the USA), just the usual security screening which seemed thorough and quick. Some shops available in departure waiting area. Departure gate seats were available and typical. Only negative here is having to pay $80 US per couple to go to or from Roseau and most everywhere else, due to very limited public bus van service (unlike some other islands where you can catch the public bus). Having time, we walked the 10 to 15 minute walk outside the airport to the main highway (got some fun incredulous looks from people as we strolled out) where buses sometimes pick up people, as evidenced by locals and airport workers waiting and confirming yep you can catch a bus here sometime. The walk was pleasant and easy, but we stood with locals waiting for about an hour with no bus passing by in the late afternoon, so due to some looming rain and no shelter and my desire to stay happily married, we caved in and paid the $80 for private taxi bus. We jokingly wondered whether the public bus was asked to stand by hidden and waiting for the crazy tourists to cave in so the locals could get where they needed? 😂 Probably not, think it was the later hour that reduced the bus frequency. Anyways we enjoyed conversing with nice folks as we waited, worth a try I guess. Anyways all good here and no surprises. My last video here shows the construction of the new airport well underway a bit north of current airport.

Officials are treating you as if you were a thug if you are a man and traveling solo : luggage was every time fully checked and you bet it’s a mess when it’s over. Seemed like they would have loved to find some illegal stuff in it. Keep that in mind, been there for more than ten check ins and outs, seemed like bribe is what everyone over there is waiting for… Not only at the airport thou, must be the government setting the trend. They should live by the rule that it’s the visitor they’re supposed to be welcoming in that still so beautiful country.

I had a wonderful time at the Douglas-Charles Airport. We were able to get checked in and drop off our bags quickly, and then I was escorted to the lounge for a security screening. There were many comfortable chairs and complimentary snacks and beverages. They had boarding announcements and walked us out the plane when it was time to board. Fantastic!

If I could give this place 0 stars I wouldn’t hesitate. The airport is functional I suppose so it can have the star for that. The security staff are the most despicable bunch of airport staff I’ve ever encountered after over 20 years of travelling across the world - these are the WORST by a clear mile. They try to intimidate you and enforce ridiculous rules that they have clearly made up. There were three of us in the ‘queue’ and we were all one travelling party. The man put on his shades and tried to act like an army sergeant demanding we stand in a straight line in a specific place or he won’t look at our passports. I was then told I had to remove my headscarf. I asked for a female to search me and was refused. He asked if I wear it for faith reasons to which I responded yes and he berated me mockingly saying ‘what religion is that then?!’ Which is NONE of his business. He clearly made an assumption based on the fact I was in shorts and a t shirt because he was far too ignorant to understand that multiple faiths wear a headscarf. I had been through passport checks and everything with the scarf on, so my identity was nowhere close to concealed yet this man MICKEY MARTIN decided he would embarrass me to prove a point. This is only one incident that happened here at this airport There are about 12 security officers in a security area the size of a bathroom all staring and standing about doing nothing while MICKEY MARTIN and the other guy with his shades bullies people. They are all inconsistent too. My mum wasn’t asked for her boarding pass but I was. My friend had to unpack her entire bag for no reason, no reason was given. This was clearly another pathetic bullying tactic. When asked how to complain about Mr Martin, I was told smugly that I can complain to his supervisor who was standing there watching the whole thing. That’s good considering I’ll be complaining to the Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority about him and the others. Multiple airport staff told me these people get complained about all the time. I’ll make sure that I go as high as possible to complain. Absolutely DISGUSTING!!!!!!!!!!!!

The staff are so kind and helpful! I’d say the friendliest airport staffs I’ve ever met in the Caribbean! And not because I’m from there 😉

Dominica is a breathtaking country with warm, stunning people. Almost everyone I’ve met has been incredibly kind and welcoming—true ambassadors of the island’s famed hospitality. However, my experience at Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) was disappointing. The security staff seemed unprofessional, with little regard for efficiency or courtesy. Many appeared distracted—more interested in chatting and flirting than doing their jobs. Given Dominica’s small population, nepotism likely plays a role in such hires, which sadly undermines the country’s reputation for visitors arriving by air. This is especially jarring because Dominica itself is magical lush rainforests, waterfalls, and the friendliest locals in the Caribbean. But first impressions matter, and the airport’s lack of professionalism stands in stark contrast to the island’s beauty. Hopefully, authorities take note and improve standards soon. Still, don’t let this deter you! Once you’re past the airport, Dominica’s heart and soul shine through—just brace yourself for a rough start…

Cute airport but Be careful with the security checks on your way out. They had a terrible attitude and They seized our liquids for no reason. This is not representative of the island and a poor impression to give visitors on their way out.

There is no good connection to Roseau, the capital city. Pretty much the only choice is to get there by taxi which can be really costly, is about an hour far. They mentioned something about a bus, but they told me I was too late to get one (I arrived at 3pm). I understand that there are not many people coming to that airport, so they cannot serve you by regular public transport, but there is definitely room for progress regardless that.