Canefield Airport is an airport on the west coast of the Caribbean island nation of Dominica. It is 3 mi north of Roseau, the capital. It is one of only two airports in the island nation of Dominica, the other being Douglas–Charles Airport.

History

Plans for an airport at Canefield were first discussed in the mid-1970s. Construction began in early 1979 with British funding, shortly after Dominica's independence. The airport was officially opened in 1981, and was preferred over Melville Hall (a two-hour drive from the national capital of Roseau at the time). Crosswinds, "occasional landing difficulties", and the facility's small size plagued its operation from the onset despite being closer to Roseau.

Runways and taxiways

It has one runway 01/19, which measures 3130 by 75 ft. Runway 01 has a 500-foot displaced threshold. There is mountainous terrain to the east, and rising terrain north and south, with the Caribbean sea to the west. Commercial operators require proficiency checks for their crews to be able to operate at the airport.

Traffic

Most of these flights operate with turboprop and piston aircraft such as the DHC-6 Twin Otter, Beechcraft King Air, Freighters, and private aircraft. Though not common, the airport has handled light business jets such as the Cessna Citation Mustang, and the Cessna Citation II on occasions. One of the largest aircraft to ever land at the airport was a Samaritan's Purse operated Basler BT-67.

Airlines and destinations

Passenger

The following airlines operate passenger and chartered flights to the Canefield Airport:

Cargo

Temperature Record

On 3 October 2015, the weather station at Canefield Airport recorded a temperature of 35.5 C. This is the highest temperature to have ever been recorded in Dominica.

Accidents and incidents