United Just Became the Only Airline to Fly to This Caribbean Paradise from NYC

New Yorkers can now escape to this island's lush rainforest, volcanoes, hot springs, and waterfalls

By Alison Fox Alison Fox

Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slopes. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on October 1, 2024

Close Scenic ocean landscape in Dominica with huge waves and view to the cliffs. Photo:

Meinzahn/Getty Images

An escape to the Caribbean will be easier than ever this winter thanks to a brand-new United Airlines flight launching from the New York to the island of Dominica in February.

The new flight will launch from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and fly directly to Dominica starting Feb. 15, 2025, United shared with Travel + Leisure. The airline said it will make United the only carrier to fly direct to Dominica from the Northeast.

“United is proud to partner with the Discover Dominica Authority to add beautiful Dominica to our leading global route network," Matt Stevens, the vice president of international network at United Airlines, said in a statement shared with T+L. “This addition further positions United as the airline of choice for customers looking to travel to unique destinations around the globe.”

United will operate the new seasonal flight once each week on Saturdays on a Boeing 737-700 aircraft. 

In addition to being the only direct flight from the Northeast, the new route also marks only the second direct flight to the island from the United States, the Discover Dominica Authority told T+L. Currently, American Airlines flies to the island from Miami International Airport (MIA).

Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) recently underwent upgrades, including refreshing the terminal and extending the runway by more than 6,000 feet, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft, according to the Discover Dominica Authority.

The island will add several new hotels in 2025, increasing inventory by nearly 500 rooms, or 25 percent, complementing the new route. 

Denise Charles-Pemberton, Dominica’s minister of tourism, said in a statement the new flight “will help alleviate the access constraints faced by the destination over the years.” 

Dominica, which sits in the Eastern Caribbean and has been nicknamed the “Nature Island,” is known for its abundant and lush rainforest, volcanoes, hot springs, and waterfalls.