Melville Hall Airport, Improvement We Can Appreciate

One of the most widely debated topics among Dominicans like myself, is the necessity of an International airport, which we believe will expedite our travel time and relieve some of the many stops we encounter en-route to Dominica.   Delays are most common during special celebrations such as, Christmas, the World Creole festivities and Carnival times, when thousands of Dominicans as well as other visitors are drawn to the island.   While having an international airport  is a very ambitious expectation on our part, the opportunity to save time and money, as well as encourage other financial opportunities could be very beneficial to the island.  Sporting events, additional hotels, as well as increased tourism, not only for one day visit by ships, but for those visitors who wish to remain on the island for extended stays, could be more available to Dominica, for example.  Unfortunately, an international airport remains a long term goal for the island, one most of us might not be privileged to see, in our life time.  

All is not lost, because construction of the Melville Hall Airport which began a few years ago, is moving along as planned.  Companies from several countries continue the process of working on parts of the airport designated to their areas of expertise.   The completed areas look great and are much more appealing and comfortable to visitors.  Although space appears to be limited, the designs are unique and every inch of available space is being utilized.  Most of us have memories of  what usually occurs when the river overflows, as such, a new backwall has been constructed with additional parking spaces closer to the inside of the wall.  The road from the toll booth to the terminal has also been improved with better access for drivers dropping off and picking up passengers. 

Upon entering the terminal, beautiful flowers and new plants enhances the walkway.  Incoming passengers enter into a brighter, more organized immigration checking area, which allows faster processing of passengers’ documentations.  A conveyor belt is now in operation and allows easier access and faster identification of incoming baggage, which ultimately allows passengers to exit the custom’s department more expeditiously.   Additionally, unaccompanied baggage is secured in an area which is more accessible to passengers, so you do not have to exit the area to locate your baggage if it arrives at the terminal a day or more prior to your arrival. 

I was very impressed by the look of the new departure lounge although seating appeared a bit too close for comfort.   Replaced by beautiful skylights are sections of the old ceiling which allows more natural light into the room.   New chairs,  brighter floors, and new restrooms are all complimented by brighter paint and additional lighting.   Walking out of the departure gate is more accessible with clearer directions for departing passengers as they walk towards the aircraft.    These are some of the additional comforts which outgoing passengers now enjoy.  Missing in the departure lounge was the convenient shop which I suppose is being replaced by one which is more suitable to the new improved lounge; hopefully,  with water and snacks which can be taken onto the airplane.  There are lots of other interesting areas which have been enhanced but since the entire airport is under construction, only completed sections are being opened to the public.  

As one can imagine, it is still a bit confusing as to which direction you should check in when departing, and after checking in, you must walk outside before entering the departure lounge.  The last time I traveled, there was someone waiting on the line leading to the departure lounge, with all luggage in hand, until I told him that he needed to walk outside and down to the other entrance to be checked in.  Hopefully, by the time I return to Dominica there will be more improvement and less confusion, However, we must remember that  improvement generally requires some level of sacrifice; therefore, I am willing to be patient while enduring the inconveniences which must occur.  It is believed that plans are being initiated for possible night landing upon completion of the project which would ultimately increase the volume of traffic at the Melville Hall airport.  As such, lengthening the runway is part of the project which is also being undertaken in preparation for the capability of night landing.   Although we will not have an international airport, having an efficient,  functional, attractive, though small airport, will benefit Dominica as a whole, while encouraging and accommodating other Dominicans who live abroad, as well as other visitors who come to the island on vacation, or for business purposes.

Personally, I must admit that after standing on long check in lines and going through even longer immigration lines, in the US, the endless walk and run circus like journey through the San Juan airport, for example, I welcome the slower paste which awaits me at the Melville Hall airport.  Upon approaching Dominica, I enjoy looking out of the window at the tall mountains, lush green forest, endless coconut trees, the blue ocean, and winding rivers, while trying to recognize my house somewhere in the distance.  When the plane finally touches down safely and all the passengers breath a sign of relief, I enjoy walking slowly to the entrance of the incoming passenger lounge to a more relaxed atmosphere, with shorter lines, fewer passengers, and many familiar faces.  Finally, while driving along the ocean, I enjoy looking at the lovely, cool, white and  foam-like waves which appears to be touching the majentic blue sky, while the strong sea breeze blows through the car windows and onto my face, leaving that natural, healthy feeling which one lavishes while being on the  island.   These are just a few of the sentimental reasons which reminds me that Dominica is truly the Nature Island of the Caribbean, in spite of the lack of an international airport.