Starting this December, Fort Worth, Texas-headquartered American Airlines will add two new destinations from its largest international gateway at Miami International Airport (MIA). As the US carrier continues to grow its footprint in South Florida, Miami's hometown airline will offer flights to Dominica and Anguilla in the Caribbean.
Starting December 8, 2021, American Airlines will fly twice a week on a Wednesday and Sunday to Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) in Dominica. The flight will depart MIA at 11:00 and arrive at DOM at 15:21. The return flight will leave Dominica at 16:24 and arrive in Miami at 18:55.
Beginning December 11, 2021, American Airlines will offer non-stop flights to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA) on the island of Anguilla. No other information is available now, and the flight is not yet in the American Airlines reservation system.
AA has been growing its network from MIA
When speaking about the new flights in a statement seen by the Miami Herald newspaper, American Airlines president of MIA hub operations, Juan Carlos Liscano, said:
"We have been strategically growing our route network to give customers more choices to new destinations, better meeting the demand for travel to Miami, the Caribbean, and Latin America."
The move to offer flights to Dominica and Anguilla follows an American Airlines statement announcing new flights from MIA to San Andres Island, Colombia, and Chetumal, Mexico. The Texas-based airline was also planning on flying from Miami to Paramaribo, Suriname starting this month, but it has now been delayed until September.
International travel from MIA is still down
When speaking in an American Airlines statement about the airline's new routes from Miami, MIA Interim Director Ralph Cutie said:
"I deeply appreciate the commitment by American Airlines to further expand its presence in Miami-Dade County with even more routes and increased flights coming soon to Miami International Airport. Our County's tourism industry has almost fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, and that is largely due to American Airlines' unwavering service to our community as our busiest airline partner."
Despite an increase in people flying, international travel from MIA is still down from 2019 levels. According to the Miami Herald, during May, MIA saw 1,090,347 people taking international flights, which is down 40% on 2019 levels.
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About Dominica and Anguilla
Dominica
The Caribbean island of Dominica is a part of the Windward Islands chain in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. Wedged between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica is an English-speaking island that attracts independent travelers and eco-adventures. With its lush rainforest-shrowded volcanos and superb diving, Dominica is an unspoiled Caribbean gem.
Unlike some of its Caribbean neighbors, Dominica has resisted the lure of mass tourism and does not have a cruise terminal or an airport capable of handling large aircraft. Last month, American Eagle flew a proving flight with an Embraer ERJ-175, and it is likely this aircraft type that will be used on the route.
Anguilla
Situated east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and directly north of Saint Martin, Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory with approximately 14,731 people. You will find luxury hotels and villas that cater to celebrities and jet-setters who crave a vacation off the radar on Anguilla. The sandy beaches are fabulous, and the offshore reefs offer spectacular snorkeling in crystal clear water. Unlike many other nearby islands, Anguilla is relatively flat, which means getting around by car or bicycle is easy.
What do you think of American Airlines' two new Caribbean destinations? Please tell us your thoughts in the comments.