American Eagle to close San Juan hub – sources

Airline industry sources are revealing that American Eagle is moving toward ending its 41 years of service to Dominica and other Eastern Caribbean destinations, with the scheduled phase-out of its San Juan, Puerto Rico base.

Reports indicate that the airline is overhauling its routes and international operations in the wake of American Airlines’ ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring process.

According to the sources all ATR 72 turboprop planes are being phased out at the end of 2013.

It was reported that American Eagle has announced to employees that the San Juan base will be closed by March 2013; a move that will create a vacuum in the region.

Reductions in flights began in September 2008 when the airline cut daily departures from 93 to 51, a 45 percent reduction. More came in 2010 when American Eagle ended flights to Anguilla; Port of Spain, Trinidad; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Flights were also cut to Nevis, St. Maarten, Curacao, Bonaire, and Canouan.

The remaining destinations presently being served by American Eagle from San Juan are Antigua, Beef Island (British Virgin Islands), Barbados, Martinique, Grenada, Guadalupe, Dominica, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and La Romana, Punta Cana, Santiago and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Most are served on a daily basis.

On a weekly basis American Eagle serves Dominica with 896 seats from San Juan

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196 Comments

  1. Haha
    August 11, 2017

    Lol.. Haha, if everyone commented gave a dollar to Our Country we would have an airport already..lol.. But it is good to see so many concerned for our future, blessing everyone

  2. Erica
    October 9, 2012

    Does anyone have an update on the AA situation. I need to buy my daughter’s ticket to travel home April 2013. Will AA infact no longer be serving Dominica? What is so bad about LIat?

    • colorblind
      October 26, 2012

      Eagle is pulling out so look for options. Depending on where you are located, You can fly Jet Blue to PR or Barbados and LIAT to Dominica. Other options if you are in NJ or NY I think are Delta to St. Marteen and LIAT to Dominica. Not sure if there wil be AA flights directly to Antigua…if you still want to use them. but there are options, we will survive.

  3. .
    April 9, 2012

    Seems JetBlue will have to take up the slack into DA.

    Or better still….. LIAT could invest in some of those larger capacity aircrafts, and operate more flights out of San Juan. Thus filling the void that will be left by the outgoing American Eagle.

  4. April 9, 2012

    WOYE Look they have to fall back on LIAT. The same Airline they want to destroy is the same one that they have to use to get out of DA. LIAT , your satisfaction is sure.

  5. LIMINGLUCY
    April 9, 2012

    MOST OF YOU TALKING YOUR NONSENE HAVENT EVEN BEEN HOME IN AGES…I TRAVEL TO DA EVERY YEAR FOR CARNINVAL AND GO THRU BARBADOS, WITH NO PROBLEM, ALL U NEED TO STOP DEPENDING ON AA AIRLINES THEY DONT GIVE A SH ABOUT US……AND STOP BLAMING SKERRIT FOR THIS HOW IS THAT IS DONING? ALL U DUMMY IN A CANS… NEED TO STOP…..

  6. 4progress
    April 9, 2012

    DNO is staying very quite on that issue.

    WHERE IS THE POLL FOR AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ??????????????????

  7. remember
    April 8, 2012

    wow that will hurt the ross school and will damage the business in picard

  8. dj phil it!
    April 8, 2012

    we will see what happen

  9. AA Frequent Flyer
    April 8, 2012

    People an International Airport is not the Answer, I am from the BVI and we dont have an international airport but guess what $$$$ be flowing at our airport like crazy. I can recall at one point AA had up to 8 flights a day, during peak season. The PAX density on the island is high, therefore there is a need for a great number of flights. Unlike Dominica the PAX density is not really that good.

    So building an international airport with no passengers is only gonna put the country in Dept, because the airlines are gonna charge the government for every empty seat when they fly in, if the government wants their service, ask the neighboring island of St.Lucia,American Airlines asked them to do the same.

    Now the BVI is gonna suffer greatly seeing that there will no longer be ATR service into the island. But we have St.Thomas and ferry service as back up. so instead of rushing to the idea of building an international airport, it was decided that the Runway at the airport has to be extended to accommodate larger aircraft, at lease the regional jets operated by jet blue and American Eagle.

    Dominica just needs to get some Serious Engineers to perform on the Melville Hall, do some land reclamation, and extend the runway out into the sea. SXM and BVI have been doing this for ages now so theres no reason why Dominica cant do it….the Chinese built an airport out in the ocean so we can look to get some chinese engineers and contractors.

  10. AA Frequent Flyer
    April 8, 2012

    Dis is some really bad news, the situation in Dominica is already so horrible in terms of Air Access its getting even worst. All the other islands that American Eagle operates their ATR service into have some form of alternate, whether through jet service direct from US. Mainland, or like the BVI customers fly into St.Thomas and take the Ferry over.
    Now we are stuck with Liat, who SUCKS!!!!!!
    Honestly i have nothing against liat, but the Union is banging the airline from their back with their face in the dirt.This really does not affect the intercaribbean travellers as AA prices are usually way higher than than liats, but for customers travelling between the US mainland and VI this means very BAD news.\

    I’ve heard United Airlines intend to operate a service similar to American Eagles Caribbean service. if its true i hope the prices are good, cuz UNITED is EXPENSIVE!!!!!

    I was recently looking at tickets to Dominica and noticed that American Eagle Added two (2) additional flights from SJU to DOM in the morning, i guess for the cricket, which i fine is super cool. I am so booking to DOM.

  11. Air Dominica
    April 8, 2012

    Executive Airlines (Operator of the ATR 72 for American Eagle) could enter an ACMI agreement with Government of Dominica for the establishment of Air Dominica with two ATR 72’s as a minimum. ACMI lease includes Aircraft, Crew, Maintainence, Insurance. The airline already has the Air Operator Certificate and is certified by the FAA. Simple rebrand the aircraft, create Air Dominica brand with logo, website for reservations & booking.

    ACMI is the best way to lease an aircraft since all the headaches are taken away from starting an airline from scratch.

    Where do I find a suitable airworthy aircraft, where can I find qualified Pilots & Flight Attendants, How long do I have wait for route approvals and obtain an Air Operator Certificate? What restrictions will I have on the type of aircraft I operate based on limitations ie runway length Melville Hall airport? Start up capital for a new airline is the hardest these are just some of challenges we avoid if we can have an ACMI lease for a Dominican airline. Basically you pay by the month or flight hour depending on your agreement. Government pays the lessor of the aircraft, Government through the brand Air Dominica will sell the seats to the public via website. Again a viable solution.

    We would rent the plane, crew like a car. We do not worry about costly maintainence or insurance, legal paperwork required for the airline.

  12. dominican/liat
    April 8, 2012

    poor me for a woman that goes to dominica how many times a year i was so happy when eagle came cause liat had let me down so many times but am happy to say our LIVE ISLAND ANY TIME (LIAT) has always been aroen many comes and go but liat remain liat liat i love you am back in love with you

  13. Anonymous
    April 7, 2012

    My Fellow Dominicans-
    Have we considered towing the island closer to Guadelope or some other island so we can benefit from their international airport?

    I think we should seriously start to think in that direction. RS has the history of negotiating with the Chinese.

    Let see what happens

  14. Dominican
    April 7, 2012

    I hope all those educated people with no foresight (the ability to anticipate future events) can now see why an international Airport should have been mandatory for any developing country to attain, Dominica being no exception.

  15. Truth
    April 7, 2012

    You all really think that operating an Airline is like having a ‘rum shop”. Liat is trying. The trade Unions are killing LIAt and limiting it growth. So long Liat Mgt is trying to restructure. BUt no, the union don’t want that. they don’t want any useless employee made redundant. BUt it will happen, LIAT will become more efficient.

    AND lets remain loyal to LIAT, because no matter what comes our way, LIAT is the one airline that has our backs.

    LETS LOVE OUR OWN! LIAT!

    • Maks2772
      April 8, 2012

      So true!!

    • Sheila
      April 9, 2012

      Hello people, Dominica should not build an International Airport – Why ? Because she receive 1000 passengers weekly. Dominica should make use the many hubs around her – Antigua, Martinque , Barbados , St Lucia and San Juan. Dominica should extend Melvill hall Airport, repair and build new terminals – making it the best small Air Port in the Caribbean .

  16. dom
    April 7, 2012

    Well yall stuck with Liat. Maybe yall can ask Caribbean Airlines to Cater to you… Speaking of which I saw a caribbean Airlines 737 land with a full load of passengers for Carifta games. Didn’t see any Dominicans part-taking in the games… oh well..

    Build a proper airport!

    • Antiguan/Dominican
      April 9, 2012

      i guess you wasnt watching carifta games if you say you didnt see any dominicans part-taking.

  17. concerned
    April 7, 2012

    Lord have mercy. Look at the ripple effect of this. This is also going to affect the students coming down to Ross University, because this was their main airline service. Right now they are going to look for areas where there is less stress and hustle. this will affect our economy. Poor us with LIAT

    • anonymous
      August 11, 2014

      that is what happen when a country don’t have an international airport

  18. NY, NY 10025
    April 7, 2012

    Oh my God? This is sad. How am I going to get to D/ca from JFK. I am so disappointed. American Eagle is the only airline that I trust to travel with in terms of courtesy. I hope that would be an opportunity for Jet Blue airlines to take over. This cut will definitely limit my traveling plans to the country I love so much. I do not like the Caribbean airlines, they have no regards for their customers.

    • Domerican/Possie
      April 8, 2012

      Fly American or JetBlue to Barbados. If I’m not mistaken LIAT now has a late flight leaving Barbados at approx. 5:00p.m going to Dominica. I saw this the other day while searching for a flight; I’m guessing this new time was recently introduced. You still get to reach home the same day.

  19. Anonymous
    April 7, 2012

    Words are powerful. People we need to think before we write and speak. Bloggers have been crying “doom” over this country of ours day after day. You just never know when something with such a ripple effect will land on your door step. People stop crying down the country!!! Dominica is not the worst of the nations. I’m so thankful that m Dominican. I was not brought up with tribal hatred. I was born into a peaceful and beautiful country that many long for ESP in the middle seat regions where there is no peace………

    God will make a way people. He did for the Israelites even when they shod continuos rebellion and ingratitude. He will do for us too, I pray…

  20. LIAT IS A PLAGUE
    April 7, 2012

    EBBEH WELL NOW LIAT SMILING MORE.. SEE WAT HAPPEN TO WINAIR, REDJET AND NOW AMERICAN?..lol.. look i heard on the news liat going to raise the air fair u know..so… IS NOW LIAT GO SMILE.. SAKWE POTASSE LIAT

    • April 9, 2012

      LIAT is always there to pick up the Distressed Masses that other so called Airlines left abandoned at their point of origin. LIAT will continue to fly to and from Dominica providing services where they like it or not. LIAT IS HERE TO STAY :-D :wink: :lol:

  21. April 7, 2012

    Here’s an idea. Build one of these: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2007-08/01/content_6462111.htm right next to Portsmouth area. It is a floating runway that they built in Japan. Building it next to the school would be amazing in regards to the students (and maybe Ross can assist in funding (since they charge $50,000 USD per student per year and with over 1200 students on the island (not to mention all those back in the states), it would be a great idea! (Not holding my breath on that happening though.)

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      April 7, 2012

      Innovative idea by the Japanese. However, Who will loan Dominica that type of cash to construct an international airport in these rough and tumble economic times?

      • Pedro
        April 8, 2012

        Why is everyone thinking of who will loan or grant. No one has to loan or grant. Can we convince investors for a BOOT (build own operate, transfer) or BOT (Build operate transfer)..The only issue is whether it will be profitable to the potential investors and the answer lies partly in the volume of passengers that can be attracted and the taxes payable. In other words, the airport can become a business to savvy investors at very little cost to government, except perhaps extra marketing. Eventually the government will own the installation. Why is no one speaking about that? Not even the government?

    • that girl
      April 8, 2012

      BUILDING A RUNWAY NEXT TO A SCHOOL WOULD BE A BIT DISTRACTING DNT YOU THINK?

      THE IDEA HAS MERIT AS LONG AS IT IS FEASIBLE FOR THE DOMINICAN GOVERNMENT, HOWEVER, I DO NOT AGREE WITH THE LOCATION

  22. Morihei Ueshiba
    April 7, 2012

    Skerrit Resign!!

    • D/ca american
      April 7, 2012

      Give skerrit a God dam break

    • Truth
      April 7, 2012

      This has nothing to do with Skerrit

    • eyes
      April 8, 2012

      son what you trying to say you … blame skerrit u sick you seeing they cuting all you sick all you just carrying a hate for this man for nothing you need to get rid of that hate and maybe just then you will prosper

  23. Wow
    April 7, 2012

    From Mr Colin Piper

    “Dominica is in the top five most profitable routes for American Airlines and not because of the money that is paid to American Eagle, but because Dominica is a gateway into their network,“ he explained, stating further, that the airline have been maximizing one bank.

    According to Piper 60 percent of the flights coming into Puerto Rico arrive in the afternoon but American Airlines is not concerned about that.

    He said the airlines have an agenda and it is now incumbent upon us to service the banks that come into San Juan in the afternoons.

    “We as a destination need to go out and sell that availability to another airline and convince them to come from San Juan so that we can now attract people and get them into Dominica the same day. An international airport will not solve that,” he said.”
    https://dominicanewsonline.com/news/all-news/financebusiness/international-airport-wont-solve-dominicas-air-access-problem-piper/

    He is right actually. Those flights from SJU are profitable. If another airline (anyone who cares who) actually looks at regular evening flights from ‘anycity’ USA then it would be a great thing for us and an economically viable route for them.

    As long as the outcome is NOT less flights, but a new service … who cares about SJU? Not me.

    • maks2772
      April 7, 2012

      Colin is an A**!! So becuz of a tween prop, getting a couple of people to the island the same day we don’t need an International Airport!!,,
      It’s not only passengers that will benifit from the Airport.. Maybe he needs to reconsider his position,,

    • January 22, 2013

      Why San Juan? If things are changing anyway, why not seek a nonstop flight from somewhere more convenient, like Miami or Fort Lauderdale?

  24. Wow
    April 7, 2012
  25. Spades
    April 7, 2012

    Liat full of ****. They don’t have no competition and they always doing ppl what the hell they want and i think everybody knows that. Whenever you travel on liat you always have to wonder ‘boy, am i going to reach on time…am i going to make my connecting flight…am i ever going to reach’. I have traveled on liat and when i get to Antigua they cancelling there flights and the workers more wicked they not telling you anything…What kind of service is that?
    The dude who owns Virgin Atlantic and Virgin America, rumor has it that he is planning on starting another airline called Virgin Caribbean using those same Dash8 planes as liat. If that is really true then that would be good, liat need blows, they need to feel what we been going through.

  26. Wow
    April 7, 2012

    Go via Barbados / Antigua /St Maarten/ Guadeloupe etc …. SJU is ugly anyway.

    On a side note. DA is now expected to invest in LIAT. It’s time to pressure them to get their S*** in order and serve us better …. if they want our money they can give us better service.

    We have so many hubs… it’s a case of getting the connections to …. well …. connect.

    • Truth
      April 7, 2012

      Barbados is now an excellent hub. Liat has a Flight that leaves BGI at 5:05pm which allows on coming from NOrth, central or south America to get into Dominica on the same day…

      I believe that late flight was recently introduced. Thank you liat!

      • Malatete
        April 8, 2012

        You are right. That flight is excellent (provided tailwind does not exceed 5 knots on landing), also for passengers coming from the U.K. It has been on operation since Sept. of last year.

      • Air access
        April 9, 2012

        They are polite there also and don’t lose your bags.

        All non-stop routes to Bridgetown Barbados.

        Birmingham, UK 8h 55m Thomson
        Charlotte, USA 4h 25m US Airways
        Dallas, USA 5h 30m American
        Dominica 1h 0m LIAT
        Kingston 2h 35m Caribbean Airlines
        London, UK 8h 43m Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Thomson
        Manchester, UK 8h 50m Thomson, Virgin Atlantic
        Miami, USA 3h 25m American
        Montreal, Canada 5h 10m Air Canada
        New York, USA 4h 51m American, JetBlue
        Sao Paulo, Brazil 5h 40m Gol
        Toronto, Canada

        They have a flight to Barbados from DOM at 7/8am enough time for most flights out of Bridgetown,

        Barbados is our gateway.

    • islandboy
      April 8, 2012

      i heard that dominica and stlucia intends to invest in liat.. big mistake.. its a black hole putting money in liat.. anyway.. and that money is way not enough to do any damage control for liat.. what we re hearing like 3.5 million EDC..dollars from each island, THE PROS & CONS are .. that hopefully other competition will come in [ Barbados said they are doing what they can to put REDJET back in the air in 2 Months ..HURRAY]perhaps jetblue,air canada might fill the gap left by AA eagle, & now the rumour is Virgin ATl.. wants in good news— liat feels it can now own the skies even more since american eagle will terminate flights in a yr…IRONICALLY i think in the caricom islands apart from jamaica/bahamas .. ONLY DOM and STLU.. have 2 airports .. that is causing losses for each island we both need to shut down the smaller airports we each have and focus on only one.. and try to either sell those profitable airport lands to local/foreign investors or as part of roseau / castries expansions and tourism focused areas.. AIRPORT PROPERTY are worth multi millions.. after all the lands are flat and near the coast of each island mentioned … the gov need to recoup losses from teh global recession why not help the country out by being innovative , and cost effective ..

  27. I love to travel
    April 7, 2012

    All airlines are cutting back now, so building an international airport will not solve the problem. The answer is to get people to travel more which includes, lower gas prices and subsequently lower air fair.

    • May
      April 7, 2012

      So who said about International Airport????????????

  28. International Airpor
    April 7, 2012

    Dominica and the voting public are living in the dream world when it comes to the International Airport. St Vinent will have one built and operational in 2014, even little Tortola (British Virgin Islands) has plans to lengthen its runway of 5000 ft to 7000 ft accomodate medium-large jets in a few yrs. Dominica political parties are dragging their feet. Kudos to DLP for the wasteful spending on night landing and Melville Hall Upgrade. With American Eagle gone its back to LIAT monopoly. Until we get a new International Airport to get new airlines like JetBlue, Air Tran, Spirit Air Dominica is not going anywhere. Excuse after excuse why one can’t be built. They say there is no money alas St Vincent PM had the money issue for his International Airport but he got creative and he has results to prove it. Dominica has nothing to show plan after plan for an International Airport except empty promises we gonna build one one day. I am sick and tired of hearing this, I want to see mountains blown up, foundation being layed, runway being paved. DNO do your part and do some investigative journalism with some aviation experts. Educate ppl on why we need an International Airport.

    • 4progress
      April 8, 2012

      DNO is staying very quite on that issue.

      WHERE IS THE POLL FOR AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ??????????????????

    • Igloo
      April 10, 2012

      And when you blowing up those mountains what you going to do with all the volcanoes underneath them?? 8-O 8-O 8-O

  29. Q
    April 7, 2012

    At the end of the financial year. Reports will say that American Airline CEO got an estimated bonus $12 Million dollars. FOR WHAT??
    These companies/share holders are just absurd.
    Just the thought of having to depend on LIAT gives me chills!

    Hope something get done, soon.

  30. brois
    April 6, 2012

    who do i start to blame now. as usual dominica always get the bad end of the stick!!my fellow dominicans there are/will more to come.diasporas,students, visitors and travelers prepare to pay more for less.

  31. A SET OF MAH GEE WII
    April 6, 2012

    Well i cant remember when last i took eagle.. their ish too high

  32. Anonymous
    April 6, 2012

    please donot be despondednt my people-AIR China is on its way. This was revealed in the MOU- ASK RS. I heard the flight schedule will be something like DOM-CHINA-New York, with a possible lay over in AFGHANISTAN under Taliban watch. I also heard the from a reliable source that the airline will be subsidized by the CHINKNEES.
    The sadest part however is that dominicans will need to go to a clearing house in argentina or some other country to get visas in the next couple of months.
    Voice from Grand bay

    • new york
      April 8, 2012

      dont put grand bay in your mouth

  33. crystal
    April 6, 2012

    Signs of the time, they are appearing everywhere.

  34. April 6, 2012

    In GOD’S MIGHTY NAME on day i will help, very soon too

  35. April 6, 2012

    The government need to come together and form an airline service for the country,they need to stop asking for help from other airline companies when they can form there own service for the country, someone said an airline company for the country should be named NIA (Nature Isle Airlines),I am an 18 year old who’s dreams it to run an airline company and i’ve been thinking of that same plan and that same company name for a long long time. so i think this should be done, goverment of Dominica at least try it out, it might solve the counties air service problems….thank you

  36. London
    April 6, 2012

    Well now we going to see mezey with LIAT the Caribbean airlines SKERRIT contact VIRGIN to do the Dominica route something must be done to assist us in coming home in Antigua they stealing all your stuff those VOLER

  37. Real
    April 6, 2012

    Hotels will get a big blow. Unemployment rate is expected to increase at a record high. Sad for us in the region. The question is what next for us??????

    • Anonymous
      April 6, 2012

      Tell your PM to embark on an International Airport…..Only a fool will not see the importance of an International Airport….

    • Islandman
      April 7, 2012

      I am not a Dominican but I must highlight the following…Your PM needs to embark on an International Airport….Only a fool will not understand the importance of such an endeavor…..It is all about the status-quo with the PM and his Cabinet in Dominica, while they continue to mismanage the country and deprived the citizenry of empowerment…..sad but true…

      • Sheila
        April 9, 2012

        Hollo people ,Dominica should not build an International Airport – Why ? Because she receive 1000 passengers weekly . Dominica should make use of the many hubs around her – Antigua , Martinique , Barbados, st Lucia and San Jaun . She should extend Melvill Hall airport , repair and build new terminals – making it the best small airport in the Caribbean .

  38. Anonymous
    April 6, 2012

    and i bet their prices will still jack up,while they leave our in puertrico

  39. Anonymous
    April 6, 2012

    well we will see hw their students will come down.

  40. why
    April 6, 2012

    This offcourse is just another reason why we need to have better facilities in Dominica that can allow for international flights. This country is always behind and now with American Eagle pulling out where will that leave us in terms of flight options (thought there were not much options to beging with) into Dominica. When are we going to come out of the darkness.

    • Kazimi
      April 6, 2012

      Dominica is not they only Caribbean country that do have an international airport. The British Virgin Islands does not have one. American Eagle and Liat are the largest airline to service their airport. In fact, their runway is shorter than Dominica, however, they to rely on such a service and they have higest Per-capital than all the islands in the Caribbean without an international airport; I am just saying. We can build it, but if we do not have the traffic they will not come. It will just be a losing route for the airline.

      Both Martinique and Guadeloupe have international airports and the eagle and Liat is the only airline to service them within the region. They do have Air Caraibe, but U.S carriers just won’t go there, international airport or not.

    • me
      April 6, 2012

      read the article again you obviously just glanced at it

    • D/A
      April 6, 2012

      I concur. People keep whining each time someone brings up a point like this but let’s face it, we really need to step up our game. Having LIAT as the only airline with operations at Melville Hall is just going to make it that much more difficult to get to Dominica.

    • Truth
      April 7, 2012

      Do u even understand why American is pulling out?
      DOesn’t PR have a state of the art airport facilities? is that enough to keep American?

      International Airport is not the answer.

  41. April 6, 2012

    the general non-dynamic problem we have in dominica , is the inability for some persons in the machinary of gorvernment to plan, in all their planning, plan for the furure. we lack visionary thinkers in gorvernment and the ministries. The gorvernment spent millions of dollars at melville hall to accommodate basically one airline, LIAT. an airline which utilizes Dash-8s as its only alternative and means of aircrafts. to this day the economical benefits and the ability to increase air passangers to dominica “four fold” as a result night landing is yet to be realized. how can we develope my people when our leaders like BLACKMORE AND DOUGLAS thinks so backward????? These two ministers always blame LIAT or ECCAA for their inabilities. And lack of innovative ventures to bring new alirlines to the Island. Even Austrie once said at a convention,Dominicans will never see “BIG JETS FLYING BOOOOOOM TO LAND IN DOMINICA” … to this day dominica don’t even have at least a 7000 ft runway to accommodate at least MD-80s,B-737s or A319s with passangers…

    • Islandman
      April 6, 2012

      Well said……..

  42. April 6, 2012

    What is happening to this airlines?
    So mean just now we will not be able to use our US visa? lol lol lol

  43. None
    April 6, 2012

    That’s a big blow to the Caribbean Island. LIAT is going to jack up their prices now. The government need to make improvement to the airport or build a bigger one so bigger planes can come to Dominica. It’s going to be really hard when American Eagle closes it’s doors. Thank God my family moved to STT.

    • THINK
      April 6, 2012

      A bigger airport is not going to cut it, out of the 896 seats, the big question is HOW MANY GO BACK FULL, the popuation can not handle an international or bigger airport, our travel flow is not that huge

      • me
        April 6, 2012

        amen dunno what soo hard to understand about that

      • Big-bannan
        April 6, 2012

        Wrong. That is the same backward mentality. The other countries may not suffer as badly as we do,due to the fact that they have alternatives.
        If we had a bigger airport we would have more flexibility to allow other airlines. We are left with LIAT the nightmare.

      • Islandman
        April 7, 2012

        Nonsense……absolute hogwash…..you have to be living on another planet…..only someone who is not living on planet earth will not understand the economic benefits of an International Airport…wake up..

      • None
        April 7, 2012

        You’re saying Dominica cannot handle an airport like STT’s….are you serious????

    • Anonymous
      April 6, 2012

      who gives a rats about your family

  44. Madness
    April 6, 2012

    God bless Liat. Leave island anytime ,how ever you will still get to your destination. Liat is here to stay. The leaders of the caribbean should invest more money into liat.They should move away from the turbo prop and move towards regional jet like the Bombardier 700, the airbus 319 this is gloden opportunity for liat to capitlize and take control of the saun juan hub. Liat should form alliance with Jet Blue to ensure that connection from saun juan to other caribbean islands goes well. The decision by AA not to discontinued the saun juan will be a major blow to the caribbean, Liat is all we have. Its not about an internatinal airport its about our survial as a caribbean nation. Every one of the islands will be affected by this. Its is time for the leaders of the caribbean to turn liat into an international air line.

  45. Nathaniel Peltier
    April 6, 2012

    Brilliant chance for Liat to increase there presents and market share. Improve and increase the fleet. Caribbean sun was working on something like that. Getting the american certification why can liat not go for that?

    Then again with the inefficiency at that company they might not be able to pull it off. Looking at the mess they are making in the Caribbean.

    • April 7, 2012

      LIAT always had American Certification.

  46. Da lover
    April 6, 2012

    Liat management must be smiling

    • Lord help us
      April 6, 2012

      Ooh my, what are we going to do,LIAT never in time ,omg we are going to sock salt now

  47. over the seas
    April 6, 2012

    C’est actuellement nous fini bat!! We will have to sell up to our pwel to travel liat smh

    • DANZIGER
      April 6, 2012

      Liat is too expensive to go guada just there is tete negre so I rather stay home.

  48. As I see it
    April 6, 2012

    With the remaining destinations that are still being served via SJU, Dominica will be the one affected the most since we are the only one that does not have an international airport where AA could fly non stop from the US.
    This breaking news is further proof of our government wasted money (actually dumped millions of $$) at melville hall which as of today is still not suitable for night landing.
    But you see, that’s exactly what we get when people are politically blind like we are in Dominica.

    • Channel 1
      April 6, 2012

      @As I see it – Well said. It is quite clear to most right thinking Dominicans that the island needs an international airport or at least a jet airport to accommodate larger passenger jets and traffic.

      It is a pity this government is stuck in reverse gear and continues to move by looking through its rear view mirror while thinking the direction it is heading is forward.

    • Islandman
      April 7, 2012

      well said…

    • Malatete
      April 8, 2012

      Correction, the Melville Hall upgrade was financed mainly by the E.U. and to a lesser extend by Venezuela. If anyone should feel aggrieved it qwould be their tax payers. Its ironic now to hear complaints from our U.S. based Dominicans, who’s adopted country did not contribute a penny.

  49. tom
    April 6, 2012

    papa, look that person giving tetemorne a bad name
    plz note: not everyone from tetemorne is this retarded

    • TeteMorne I from...
      April 7, 2012

      Tom, anyone who begins a sentence with a SMALL letter IS retarded. Look in de mirror my friend, your reflection is screaming for attention. YOU are retarded. So one can not express his/her opinion? This is MY opinion: I think AA sucks!

      Before you type on some borrowed computer, check yourself. :mrgreen:

  50. steve
    April 6, 2012

    its a SAD da for Dominicans overseas……..

    • Big-bannan
      April 6, 2012

      Steve, Dominicas at home suffer more than the ones abroad.

  51. Kazimi
    April 6, 2012

    This is great time for the people of Dominica to come together and form their own airline.

    Well, for those who have the resources. To come behind someone who had he passion to run an airline, but need the financial backing.

    As Dominica we have to innovate and not wait with open arms for someone to show us or give us. Think outside the norm.

    However, like of money causes or society to always beg!

    • Done.
      April 6, 2012

      Form an airline with what, a couple of Cessna twins?

      Aircraft are extremely expensive to purchase and operate. There isn’t enough money in all of Dominica to form an airline.

      • Kazimi
        April 8, 2012

        yes there is! Do you know what Dominica purchasing power is? It is now 1 billion plus. I don’t know if people of Dominica know this, but we have passed St. Kitts when it come to purchasing power as of last year. In fact, they have dropped off from having a billion plus in purchasing power which they enjoyed and Dominica made it to the billion plus. It would take less than 5 Million to get hold of several Dash-8 aircraft, some only cost $552,000.00 to buy out right and they can also be wet lease. This will be a start, Rome was not built in a Day, some people just want to build Rome over night and that is the problem with many Dominicans. They want B777 at the first airline, you have to start small. Dash-8’s like LIAT would be the best start and it can serve Destinations that is only in the interest of Dominica. For example it might not go to Grenada, St. Vincent or nevis; we would have Liat for that. It goes where it is feasible.

    • Aviator
      April 7, 2012

      You are perfectly right Kazimi. Some projects are under study. One thing must be taken into account. There is no profit to make; There WILL be a loss each and every year. Now , it needs to be clear for investors and operators as to who will participate in the financial loss.
      On the other hand, it is needed in Dominica.
      How much is this worth ????

      • Kazimi
        April 8, 2012

        Aviator I like you! Some people have no idea what costs are involved, we will make a loss in the first few years of operation, but losses will be less and less with each passing year if we choose our routes carefully. We can always make profit instantly if people are happy by the package we provide. Liat has not grown as an airline or show litte R&D. You can see that they plan to remain just a regional carrier and that is ok, but they have not improve service or take advantage of their long monopoly in the region.

        One advantage to Liat is that it can fly from any Island within the Caricom, OECS and even french and Dutch islands and go to any other island from there.

        That is not the case for the eagle. Once it left PR based on the rules it had to go back to the port of origin which was PR as a foreign airline within the region.

  52. cc
    April 6, 2012

    We should now seriously consider getting an international airport, or at least lengthen the runway so larger airlines can land in DA. We cannot afford to be at LIAT’s mercy, if they were to go under what is DA going to do?

  53. Satelite
    April 6, 2012

    Lord I wish I had the money to set up a National Airline Service for Dominica, with two planes going north and two going south. I would name it Nat-I-Air (nature islands air).

    Once again LIAT going to rule the air and for sure will INCREASE their air fares. Papa God help us.

    • maindesk
      April 6, 2012

      Liat fare to SJU has always been less than AA

    • Tony
      April 7, 2012

      Hi, Good idea all we need is two flights a day from Puerto Rico. Since this information is out about American Eagle now is the time to plan so we could have something in place before they discontinue to route. I have to admit that anytime I travel from NYC to Dominica I always used American Eagle from Puerto Rico.

      • Kazimi
        April 8, 2012

        That is true, but if the country and the people do step up and form and airline. They would have to merge a relationship with another carrier from the U.S.A.. Which would allowed fluid service between connections.

        This same airline will might also go to SXM, ANU and BDS and you can connect with air Dominique. So, str8 flight to from NYC to ANU it is:) Skip the PR bit

  54. da gyal
    April 6, 2012

    wow… it’s going to be hells to come back home now…

  55. Autism
    April 6, 2012

    Poor us..mrprime minister we need international airport please,sll these other contries have other us airlines going to there country , we will only have liat

  56. toma
    April 6, 2012

    i dont give a damn about them either after the way they treated me when i was on my way home to see my sick mother,they could to hell

  57. Real Dominican
    April 6, 2012

    Time for Dominica to Develop new gateways to and from the US via Florida with other airlines like Continental, US Air, Jet Blue, and the other major players in the US fly to other areas in the Caribbean. Why don’t they talk to Sun Shine Airways and BVI Airways to help them? LIAT is more shit; L(Luggage) I (in) A (any) T (Territory). Isn’t the runway there (Dominica Melville Hall Airport), now suited for jet services between Dominica and Florida at least?

    • Big-bannan
      April 6, 2012

      And you call yourself “Real Dominican” you don’t even know that we are still a “prop only” airport? lol

      • Kazimi
        April 8, 2012

        737 and a 727 all land in Dominica. We can take A319, A21. The major problem we have is packing at the Terminal.

    • yout
      April 6, 2012

      no to your last question

    • NY, NY 10025
      April 7, 2012

      I agree. Let’s “keep our fingers cross”, that one of the US airline will take over from American Eagle. Jet Blue is my favorite.

      • iwannabeapilot
        April 8, 2012

        American Eagle is a Subsidiary of American Eagle, meaning they are already part of the company. American Eagle is not a “Caribbean Airline” but rather operates throughout the US.

  58. Anthony P. Ismael
    April 6, 2012

    Dominica will definitely suffer. It will be back to Caribbean Airlines, then LIAT all day to get to Dominica.

    • NY, NY 10025
      April 7, 2012

      Yes Tony, Can you imagine what it is going to be like thinking that we are going to transfer to a Caribbean airline from a major US airline to D/ca? I definitely don’t like this idea. I hope that we will have another choice of a US airline when the time comes.

  59. Countrry
    April 6, 2012

    Boy it’s then you will know times are tuff! You better wise up and treat the cruise passengers Irie because thats all your gonna see from now on.

  60. G
    April 6, 2012

    How can someone actual come on hear and say, ” that’s good, their staff is rude.” Who cares, I don’t care if I’m seeing one once in a while. We have to look at the bigger picture, we lose American Eagle and Liat will gain more ground in raising their prices again! This airline called Liat, has the government of
    Many different eastern Caribbean Islands in their pocket, what do you think is going to happen now? The prices to go to these islands will just sky rocket. First Redjet, now AA….this is not good..think about it before you speak.

  61. a a
    April 6, 2012

    The remaining destinations presently being served by American Eagle from San Juan are:

    Antigua: Has an International Airport, capable and experienced government and a smart voting population.

    Beef Island (British Virgin Islands: Has an International Airport, a capable and experienced government and a smart voting population.

    Barbados: Has an International Airport, a capable and experienced government and an extremely intelligent voting population.

    Martinique, Guadalupe, St. Croix, St. Thomas, and La Romana, Punta Cana, Santiago and Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: Developed countries with persons who never had and may never have the mentality of some Domnicans.

    Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia: International Airport, Capable Experienced Leadership, Intelligent Voting Population.

    So now everyone with their international airport will easily get replacement flights and airlines.

    SOMEBODY MISSING!!

    TAKE A WILD GUESS: DOMINICA!…Go Figure

    Bah Bye

    • Too shy
      April 6, 2012

      And what exactly do you mean by “smart voting population”? All you people will give others the impression that only stupid people in Dominica. You know, I am really tired of Dominicans who think they are smarter than all other Dominicans. Guess what? Your party lost two years ago. Get OVER it!

    • woye
      April 7, 2012

      hahahaha…I like that!

      Let them seat down there on the “next level”

      Fantasy Development!

      woye!

      • Malgraysa
        April 8, 2012

        Next level? you make me laugh. The other day I went to the post office to mail some letters and was provided with stamps and a bottle of Elmers glue to stick them to the envelopes. The bottles of glue were seured to the wall with a piece of cord so that nobody would steal them. You think I’m joling? Go check with the post office. This too is a reality of our “next level”!

    • logical
      April 7, 2012

      b4 you start spittin crap about Dominica. don’t count the overseas departments of France and the US bcuz they didn’t pay 4 their airports. YES big MAMA gave it o them. the one in Grenada was built by Cuba during the communist regime there in the 80’s. Barbados is little London/England and a population about 4time that of Dominica. Ask St. Lucia how much it cost them for all those empty seats with a population twice that of ours. when spitting , post all the facts.

      • May
        April 7, 2012

        Yeah, so we should just seat back and wait for somebody to build one for us while we watch the wasted money at Melville Hall.

      • O O
        April 7, 2012

        It doesnt matter who build what airport in what country. The point is, the leaders there know what REAL development is.

        And about St. Lucia, whether some empty seats are costing them money, ALOT ALOT ALOT OF FOREIGN INVESTMENT CAME TO ST. LUCIA. The economy there is doing extremely well. Research the economic indicators for 2011,2010.

        You have plenty guts to mention St. Lucia here when they doing waaaaaay better than us.

      • Aviator
        April 7, 2012

        You are perfectly right logical.

      • Foolish Pride!!
        April 10, 2012

        The fact is something will still be happening in these islands after Eagle tell them go suck salt cause American Airlines coming, Jet Blue coming, Delta coming..

    • bob
      April 7, 2012

      actually the airport at beef island isnt an international airport its not even the original size of melville hall

  62. di sa encor
    April 6, 2012

    Just think of all the medical students American Eagle bring in & out of Dominica. Hmm!!

  63. DONT CRY dominicans
    April 6, 2012

    you all are the same ones that say we dont need one and was asking whos going to pay for it ill love to know who pays for the rest things that are going on in dominica right now? and the next thing in in dominca lots of people dont want to see the place go no where if its not them thats doing it. if you take the two so called airport to find one you still geting half of are airport

  64. iwannabeapilot
    April 6, 2012

    Read about this earlier last week on airliners.net

    Due to the recent restructuring cost issues surfacing between Executive airlines/ American Eagle a regional subsidiary (used for connecting mainstream flights to smaller/ less pax dense airports)and parent Company American Airlines both airlines are thinking of cease SJU based operations in order to save money and so forth.

    Rumor has it that AA and jetblue airways (B6) are also justifying some kind of merger, and the Regional jets will be a lot cheaper to maintain. The only two countries that American eagle serves that “can’t” handle the RJ’s are Dominica and Tortola; although the ERJ-145 that AE has and EMB-170 from B6 can easily operate out of melville hall IMO.

    At the end of the day, if they do indeed pull out of SJU, then we will be stuck with LIAT and possibly caribbean airlines once they acquire more of their ATR-72 600 aircraft.

  65. Kali
    April 6, 2012

    I hope this will be a wake up call to Dominicans that complacency and attitudes of “good enough” get us nowhere. When the call first came out to improve our airport and ability to attract flights, the answer was “we have AA and LIAT, people can get here”. Now look how easily we find ourselves out in the cold. Remember what they taught us in school, “good, better, best, never let it rest, until your good is better, and your better best”. Words to live by

  66. LULZ
    April 6, 2012

    I would like to know who are those sources? Why is this source not linked?

  67. April 6, 2012

    Now all you Dominicans will see what I have been talking about for many decades now”WE need an international airport.”

    now the govt have to scrumble to find alternate air access to D/ca.
    Short sightedness is a bliss to any nation.
    how will the tourists get to Da now ??

    • hmmmmm
      April 6, 2012

      not only that, in the airline industry its all about agreements with other airlines, things gonna be bad, all them connection with different airlines to get to your final destination is alot of problems.things that gotta be taken into consideration is baggage allowance , wow thats too much travel stress government better attract an airline that will provide direct flights to the US

  68. joe
    April 6, 2012

    so that mean those of us flying from the u.s must do island hopping .that sucks

  69. lucian born
    April 6, 2012

    :cry: well last i heard the chinese were building a real air port for u guys

    • May
      April 7, 2012

      NO Lucian you heard wrong its a STATE MALICE!!!!!!!

  70. Inspector
    April 6, 2012

    That’s the problem when our policy makers have no insight, no foresight, no vision!
    We’ll forever remain the laughing stock of the region!
    Do we know what’s happening in St. Vincent now? By 2014, they will be welcoming long distant flights to their new international airport!!!
    Poor pretty Cinderella! Poor Pi Ti!!

  71. Francisco Telemaque
    April 6, 2012

    What is going to happen here is that Dominican’s wishing to return home from Europe, and North America, will suffer the most, we will overnight and spending more time on the islands, mainly Barbados, and Antigua.

    By the time we get to Dominica, our luggage will disappear, never to be seen again!

    In any event, we ” doh need no International Airport cause Antigua, and Barbados have one already!”

    ” All Dominica need is to refurbish Melville Airport, install landing lights, and that will serve the purpose.”

    ” We cannot afford de International Airport cause it too expensive, what we need is a soft loan with no interest to build it.” (Ian Douglas).

    In the two quotes above, the first one were comments made by the labor party in 1962.

    The second was advise given to Athie Martin, by Trinidadian Bertrand in the first place, and secondly by Gonzales of St. Vincent who I am sure is laughing at Dominicans right now!

    That is what happens when politics takes precedence over what is actually necessary in the life’s of our citizens.

    Francisco Etienne-Dods Telemaque

    • May
      April 7, 2012

      Yes this is so true, I remembered Ralph Gonzales of St.Vincent telling Roosie just after the 2000 election that Dominica don’t need an international airport but a couple years after he went ahead and built one in his own country of St.vincent. Now he is laughing at us.

  72. Anonymous
    April 6, 2012

    the american will teach all laborites a lesson in many ways. let see who is the boss now, RS OR UNCLE SAM

    VOICE FROM BOSTON

    • Wow
      April 7, 2012

      Go eat your grits …. idiot.

  73. joy
    April 6, 2012

    the government should try to get Jet blue coming to D.A.it’s very nice. try it you will like it.and it’s cheaper than american.

    • iwannabeapilot
      April 6, 2012

      Even if they can try, the FAA wouldn’t certify it..

    • yout
      April 6, 2012

      where will it land ? on the dame eugenia charles boulevard?????

    • Helen of the West
      April 10, 2012

      Jet Blue comes to St. Lucia and trust me it is cheaper by far so when American Eagle tell us in Lucia go to hell well Lucians just have to take a drive down south to Hewanorra Airport and leave Vigie Airport in the north for LIAT..

  74. Oh Ho
    April 6, 2012

    People let us look at that situation in a positive manner and hope that there will be another more competent and efficient Airline to replace American Eagle. All is not lost.

  75. saka
    April 6, 2012

    Dominica has been their most profitable route in the Caribbean supporting the non-profitable routes like St Lucia for years and so they just can’t close operations here. Also they supposed to have some arrangements with Ross that’s why they always have extra flights for the students during Christmas, Spring Break and Summer.

    They are actually phasing out the older planes (ATR 72)and have newer ones (Bombardier CRJ700) coming in which Melville-hall is suited to handle from the new hub at Miami (Thank God we extended that runway). So I hope to see their flights continue except that it would be directly to Miami instead of that dreaded San Juan airport.

    If they are trying to cut cost they should consider doing their daily flights from Miami to Martinique to Dominica to Guadeloupe then direct back to Miami. This is because these are all their profitable routes in the Caribbean.

    • Anonymous
      April 6, 2012

      how do you know about their profitable routes? u are an insider?

      • saka
        April 7, 2012

        Because I know more than I can share and no I don’t work there. For the past years the workers have been working their butts off without so much as travel privileges like other airlines due to the local ground handler but still coming 1st place in the Caribbean region. Also, the prices of the tickets are always above what we should have been paying between San Juan and Dominica.

    • jam
      April 6, 2012

      interesting, cause caribbean airlines could also do just what u are talking about. the hub in trinidad would be perfect cause they fly to barbados. Besides that they have planes that can fly in to melville hall. They do flts to jfk and toronto so what is needed is someone who knows the airline industry and a very good negotiator . eg. someone wanting to go come to dominica from toronto, flt leaves at 12.00 pm arrives in tnt at 5.am, leaves tnt at 6.30 am arrives in bgi or dom at 8.30 to 9.am .direct flt, no international airport, luggage checked right through…..

    • iwannabeapilot
      April 6, 2012

      They would never certify the CRJ-700 to operate at melville hall with given conditions. I don’t feel like going into detail as to why because it is a waste. Just visit airliners.net

    • yout
      April 6, 2012

      CRJ700’s rquired minimum runway length for takeoff is 5,131 ft , mellville hall is 5,761 however the mountains in the background pose the greatest threat for emergency pull-ups from a sea landing. The jet engines cannot reverse thrust as the props thus causing a mountain landing VERY dangerous.The FAA will never grant licences for such passenger flights and aircrafts to MLLHall if our runway remains aligned as such!

    • Wow
      April 7, 2012

      Too right fella.

      Doom gloom and DLP bashing …. typical response from DA.

      Look, if the route is profitable … they will come.

    • Helen of the West
      April 10, 2012

      Hello obviously they would make a profit from Dominica, most of Lucians don’t used American Airlines/Eagle the service is ridiculous, JET BLUE to the World!!!! (There are options)

  76. Robin Hood
    April 6, 2012

    If the region can come together and get one of the other islands to see what a huge market the Caribbean is then this could be great to get better service. Eagle sucked. I really doubt it was helping dominica because of constant tardiness and rudeness. There’s more to flying than the general public is aware. International airport won’t solve any problems if flights are constantly delayed, if airlines continuously short change their destination financially and if the government isn’t actively involved in the operation. If someone can market the region to Southwest or delta menn. But who cares right when the Caribbean a predominantly black region continue to fight each other with their individualistic mentally. No one wants to share resources here and that’s why this region Is suffering.

    • Robin Hood
      April 6, 2012

      One of the other airlines***

    • Anthony P. Ismael
      April 7, 2012

      We tried with the Federation. “One from ten leaves naught.” We will never unite. Even in cricket, “Small Islanders” were left out. Remember. That’s how we roll in the West Indies. Your comments are way too sensible and pragmatic to take hold upon our present-day leaders.

      • Malatete
        April 8, 2012

        Tony, you are so right. Imagine nine nations/territories in the OECS alone, with nine heads of state for a total population of just over 600,000. It’s like a soap opera. You think these fellows’ ego’s will allow them to give up their perks of office? Right now Roosevelt Skierrit is putting the finishing touches to his own version of the “White House” to rule a nation of barely 70,000.Too many roosters that want to be cock.

  77. warma
    April 6, 2012

    While this is unfortunate, it is not entirely unexpected. AMR has been going thru restructuring and as is customary, the first thing on the chopping block is payroll. I do not shed a tear for AA – they have bled our people for far too long. Flights from New York to Dominica regularly exceeded $1000.00 per individual. That is robbery of the highest order, especially when you consider that the NYC/SJU leg cost around $300 – $400.00. AA is a thieving airline – they need to go out of business.

    It is in these situations that we must learn to be self-reliant. LIAT, for all it’s inequities, has served the region for ages. I would strongly recommend to the governments of the OECS that they make a solid investment in the airline, replace some of those turboprops with a few jet aircraft designed for the airstrips of the region – like the BAE 146 or equivalent. An aircraft like that could easily replace the AA Eagle flights out of SJU into ANU, DOM, SLC, BDS. It would also do the OECS some good (I think) to assist redJet get it’s house in order, integrate reservation systems with LIAT and have the 2 operating as sisters – LIAT for inter-island, redJet for longer-haul flights – like from Ft. Lauderdale/Jamaica – to BDS, SLC, ANU. If done properly, both the schedules and reservation systems of both can more than adequately compensate for loss of AA or other extra-Caribbean carriers. Furthermore, it would be a welcome balance to CAL – the TnT government continues to subsidize that airline, which puts LIAT and any other indigenous Caribbean airline at a distinct disadvantage. I believe a pooling of resources by the OECS governments in assisting both LIAT and redJet achieve viability makes lots of sense.

    • Wow
      April 7, 2012

      AA have been very bad for us.

      They have robbed us blind for years. Good riddance. Now maybe some REAL airline can take us to a REAL US city … not some ugly inconvenient backwater.

      Any US city is OK, I will drive if I have to … that banana republic island is no good to me.

  78. Channel 1
    April 6, 2012

    Stay tuned to hear how Dominica’s most backward government will respond to this issue y’all!!

    • Wow
      April 7, 2012

      Typical … what a useless lazy response. Go away and think of a positive or an alternative and then come here.

      Otherwise you know what to do.

  79. Concerned citiizen
    April 6, 2012

    Wow! We are the island that will be affected the MOST! We need an international airport – caput!!

    • Teresa
      April 6, 2012

      What do you mean “caput”?

    • hhm
      April 6, 2012

      with airlines cutting routes that are not profitable. your response is for us to build an international airport. smh.

    • Anonymous
      April 6, 2012

      International airport for what? seems like you did not read carefully or you did not understand. the airport is not the problem, it’s the airline. This means that we are going to have even less air traffic in and out of Dominica so I am really not seeing the need for an international airport since we difinitely will not be able to maintain it with less flights.

    • yout
      April 6, 2012

      you all thumb down this person’s post but all politics aside this just shows how important an international airport is “NEEDED”.Dominicans looking to fly internationall have to most likely overnight in SLU,ANU or SXM making travels to North america, south america nd europe very expensive.

      Jump high jump low these are signs of the need for an international airport!

      On a recent flight from JFK to SLU the hostess asked ” how many couples are going to St lucia for their honeymoon ?” I was shocked to see that out of about 91 people ,30 couples were headed to SLU for their honeymoon.
      If we had an international airport wouldn’t we have been able to attract at least 5 couples.

      just my pence and shilling

    • haj
      April 6, 2012

      I was planing a trip for 2013 during the independence but this new turn of events have me reconsidering my plans. The alternative is LIAT and I HATE LIAT….there Employees too DAMN TIEF….

    • Rastafari
      April 6, 2012

      Be veery careful what you ask for!! Who is going to pay for it? If a DIA comes to fruition in Dominica, that means a big increase in VAT, SS and other forms of taxation. Do Dominicans NEED that right now? I think NOT!!! The time line for DIA has already expired. The country is broke. NEEDING something and wishful thinking are two different things.

    • Aviator
      April 6, 2012

      I must say I do not very well understand this comment.
      You say we need an international airport. But this company is planning to end its flights to Melville Hall international airport. In other terms, even a short haul is not bringing money to these airlines. So what makes you think an international airport would be attractive for airlines ? It would only a huge burden on country’s finances, both to repay the investment and to maintain. There would still be no airlines willing to fly to unless they are guaranteed a large revenue, and the costs would be unaffordable for Dominica.

      • ted lewis
        April 6, 2012

        Aviator,

        one airline cutting back on flight may not necessarily indicates that the market is not there for us to have an international airport.

        The # of stay over visitors to Dominica has been increasing , Dominica still haven’t yet exploited it rightful market share in the area of eco- tourism due to lack of international airport . I could go on and on but i tired discuss this topic on DNO.

      • Sheila
        April 10, 2012

        Excellent points . Just repair and up grade the melville hall airport for small jets and make it the best small air port in the Caribbean .

    • Peeping Tom
      April 6, 2012

      Lol, Concerned Citizen, you really do not get it, don’t you?

      :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

    • Concerned citiizen
      April 6, 2012

      Before all u jump high or low..most of the other islands that are being affected do have an international airport…so, they can fly straight from NYC or MIA unlike DOMINICA! Is it clearer!!

  80. TeteMorne I from...
    April 6, 2012

    Good! They suck anyway with some of the RUDEST employees in the universe.

    • Right
      April 6, 2012

      ye freaking rude people hate american airlines

    • iwannabeapilot
      April 6, 2012

      Well, your comment is very accurate, seeing that they ranked first as the Worst Regional Carrier int he US, along with United Airlines topping the mainline category. :mrgreen:

    • Anonymous
      April 6, 2012

      Good??? What are going to do when it’s closed. Yes we can come through other ports but the we have to pay extra for baggage. AA is the only airline once you book in New York, your luggage is tagges straight to DA. Think again before you speak.

      • TeteMorne I from...
        April 7, 2012

        GOD WILL make a way for us to travel back home. HE knows what we are in need of before we ask or think. Doh make me preach today. I have has SEVERAL, TERRIBLE, experiences flying with AA. They are even worse here in the states. There are other airlines which will take up where they left off.

        In the meantime i will GLIDE home if I have to. Take Mr Telemaque’s advice: Build an airport!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      • Right
        April 8, 2012

        that not true it not the only…

    • yout
      April 6, 2012

      it seem to me you’ve never flew on eagle, maybe on your row boat

      • TeteMorne I from...
        April 7, 2012

        Nooooo! I’ve NEVER flown on Eagle. I just take my time and row in my little row boat. What is better? I’ve battled rough seas, fought off white whites, whales, pirates, your mother de socoyant, and more. I have crashed on many a coral reef even swam all the way home. So, what do I know about flying on Eagle….not a damn thing Youth. 8-O

    • Bowdel
      April 6, 2012

      That’s not true… They have some of the best services offered… & unlike LIAT, they don’t ALWAYS up your flight!

    • zandolee banane
      April 6, 2012

      Tete more like it. Do u even understand what this is going to do to us? U talking about rudest employees.

    • hmmmmm
      April 6, 2012

      you all passengers will always vex when you all cant get what allu want.before we cant solve a problem( getting you what you want because we cant) oh we rude, we this , we that .btw Dominica is one the most profit route in the caribbean for american eagle so

      • Dee
        April 7, 2012

        So true.. hmmm. I’m an insider and I knw the employees do their best, I have had several situations where the employee could do nothing further to appease the customer’s wishes and they left unsatisfied grumbling. Eagle has some of the best trained and courteous staff in customer service in Dominica. Of course they are not perfect and may fall short of customer service standards at times but all of this is besides the point. We need to concentrate on the ripple effects of this situation, it does not auger well for this country.

  81. Philogene
    April 6, 2012

    OMG Not good….

  82. POSITIVELY DOMINICAN
    April 6, 2012

    This is disastrous!

    Dominican will be faced with more substandard service and pressure from LIAT!!

  83. Rule
    April 6, 2012

    If LIAT is already in trouble, and now the phasing out of the Eagle flights, how will travelers get to DA without going Island hopping? Get to work minister of tourism and research other viable options for Dominicans.

  84. Fairplay
    April 6, 2012

    Air Sunshine will have to pick up the slack. :?:

  85. me
    April 6, 2012

    …this isn’t good, especially for the Students of Ross who will now either have to take *LIAT* everywhere, or island hop and spend potentially DAYS getting home until they get a flight that can finally take them back home.

    Also, this is just more business for LIAT and we ALL know how badly THEY suck! This is terrible really, terrible.

    The island is essentially crippled now to using LIAT and maybe one or two other airlines that come to Dominica, but not very often (right? correct me on that if I’m wrong)

    For people like me, who now only visit Dominica maybe once or twice a year, the thought of having to take LIAT down there is incredibly frustrating and frankly almost a deterrent to even going in the first place. I have NOT had good experiences with LIAT, nor have many other people!

    But I’m not surprised they did this. Their service to the Caribbean was essentially a “gift” from them for they were “just being nice” in a sense in providing it for us. The Caribbean is NOT one of those places where it’s absolutely crucial that AA flies here. If anything, it’s a waste of their money…hence why now they’ll be shutting down their operations. Hopefully some other airline will pick it up, like Southwestern or Delta! But I highly doubt it though sadly.

    *sigh* oh well! I better get ready to walk. Wait, can I walk on water? sighhhh no I can’t. Walk AND swim then. smh.

    • April 9, 2012

      Don’t fool anyone, you just trying to lure the masses away from LIAT just to get the extra space for you and your family. If you love Dominica that much you should not be posting anything negative as that on DNO. Think about all the propective visitors reading your negative comments. LIAT has it’s good days and bad days just like any other airline and country.

  86. Mia
    April 6, 2012

    This is terrible! Now we’ll be forced to use Liat & they are horrible!

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