Dominica flights that come direct from international destinations are still generally not possible to find, despite the growing popularity of the island as an ecotourism destination. The two airports on Dominica, Melville Hall Airport in the north and Canefield Airport in the southwest near Roseau, are both small regional airports that receive regional Dominica flights only. Melville Hall is the larger of the two airports and the location at which tourists usually arrive.

If you're wondering how to get to Dominica, the journey is not a difficult one despite the lack of direct international flights. If you are traveling to other Caribbean islands, it is simple to get cheap flights to Dominica from one of the more popular islands such as Guadeloupe or Martinique, which flank Dominica to the north and south. Fast ferry service, which only takes a couple of hours, from these nearby islands, as well as St Lucia, to Dominica is also popular. The company that operates these comfortable ferries is called L'Express des Iles. Check ferry schedules for how to get to Dominica before you plan your trip, however, as ferry service is sometimes suspended for maintenance at certain periods of the year.

You can also find cheap flights to Dominica through connecting cities such as San Juan, Puerto Rico, Barbados, Antigua, and St Lucia on popular airlines such as Virgin, American Airlines, WestJet, Air Canada and Air France. Many of them use local Caribbean airlines such as LIAT or American Eagle to connect to Dominica. For most LIAT connections, you will have to stay overnight at another destination before catching your flight to Dominica the next morning. As of Fall 2010, there were no Dominica flights flying in at night, although Melville Hall Airport is scheduled to have lights operational in the near future. Be aware that in the popular tourist season, flights on LIAT fill up very quickly, so book ahead either with a ticket agent or through a larger airline such as American Airlines.

Dominica Map

Once you have figured out how to get to Dominica, upon your arrival at Melville Hall Airport you have a choice of renting a car, taking a taxi, or going by local bus. Almost all the tourist attractions on the small island of Dominica are within an hour or two driving distance, though the roads are not in very good condition. If you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road, using your horn frequently, and navigating sometimes-rough terrain, you will likely enjoy renting a car to see the island at your leisure. If not, there are many reasonably priced taxis around waiting to give you a ride around the island. If you have plenty of time and patience to spare, you can try using the local buses, though this option can prove frustrating as schedules are not often adhered to.

The best time to find cheap flights to Dominica is of course in the off-season, though be aware that hurricanes and tropical storms occur often starting in June and continuing through November. Navigating the island and waters during those months can be dangerous. If you're willing to brave the risk, however, flights can be much cheaper and there will be fewer tourists, allowing you a more private look at this beautiful island.