Bahamas Airports: Reopening And Covid-19 Protocols

The Bahamas is an English-speaking country consisting of 29 islands, 661 cays, and 2,387 islets. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Cuba and southeast of the United States. The country boasts 20 international airports, including Lynden Pindling International Airport, the major hub in the capital, Nassau. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused devastation in Grand Bahama and Abaco, but all airports in the Bahamas, except those in Abaco and Grand Bahama, reopened for commercial and private flights.

All airports except Abaco and Grand Bahama reopened

The Bahamas is an English-speaking country consisting of 29 islands, 661 cays, and 2,387 islets. It is located in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Cuba and southeast of the United States of America. The country boasts 20 international airports, including Lynden Pindling International Airport, the country's major hub.

In September 2019, the Bahamas was hit by Hurricane Dorian, which caused devastation in Grand Bahama and Abaco. Despite the impact of the hurricane, the Bahamas quickly rebounded, and all airports except those in Abaco and Grand Bahama reopened for commercial and private flights. This included the major hub of Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport, as well as airports in popular tourist destinations such as Bimini, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Great Harbour Cay, and San Salvador.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism stressed that the country's tourism economy was open for business, and Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis encouraged travellers to continue booking their trips to support the country's recovery. The all-important cruise industry also resumed normal operations, providing travellers with additional options to visit the Bahamas.

While the Abaco and Grand Bahama airports remained closed in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, relief and recovery efforts were swiftly mobilised. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted search and rescue missions and provided logistical support, while companies such as Equinor worked to clean up oil spills caused by the hurricane.

Lynden Pindling International Airport is open

Lynden Pindling International Airport (IATA: NAS, ICAO: MYNN) is open and operational. The airport is located in western New Providence Island, near the capital city of Nassau, and is the largest airport in the Bahamas. It is a hub for Bahamasair, Western Air, and Pineapple Air.

History

The airport was formerly known as Nassau International Airport and, during the Second World War, as Windsor Field. It became a Royal Air Force (RAF) station in 1942 and was used for delivery flights of US-built fighter and bomber aircraft. After the war, in 1946, it reverted to civilian use. The airport was renamed in 2006 to honour Lynden Pindling, the first prime minister of the Bahamas, who is recognised as the Father of the Nation.

Redevelopment

A redevelopment project was undertaken between 2006 and 2013 to upgrade the airport's facilities and expand its capacity. The project included the design and construction of a new US Departures Terminal, the renovation of the existing US terminal, and the construction of a new domestic and international departures terminal. The redevelopment resulted in a 21% increase in terminal space and a 50% increase in passenger capacity.

Amenities

Lynden Pindling International Airport offers a variety of shops, services, and dining options for travellers. The airport features duty-free stores, restaurants serving local and classic dishes, and outdoor patios to enjoy the Bahamian sun. It also has automated banking machines, a travel and luggage centre, a post office, and a nurse's station for emergencies. Additionally, the airport offers expedited security clearance through the TSA PreCheck programme and Global Entry for eligible travellers.

Accessibility

The airport is easily accessible and provides clear wayfinding for a seamless travel experience. It also offers a free cell phone parking lot for those waiting to pick up arriving friends and family.

Flights

Lynden Pindling International Airport serves as a major gateway to the Bahamas, offering flights to various destinations, including Toronto, Los Angeles, Miami, London, and Atlanta.

Nassau is fully operational

Nassau: Fully Operational

Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, is fully operational and open for business following Hurricane Dorian. The Bahamian Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that all airports throughout the Bahamas, except those in Abaco and Grand Bahama, have reopened for commercial and private flights. This includes Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport, one of the country's major hubs.

Nassau is the second-most populated cruise destination in the Caribbean and is welcoming tourists to experience its vibrant tourism economy. The Bahamas' Prime Minister, Dr Hubert Minnis, has urged travellers to continue booking trips to the islands, stating that:

> "One of the best ways that people from around the world can show their support and solidarity with The Bahamas at this time, is to visit our other islands by air or by cruise ship."

Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport offers travellers easy access to fast, connecting flights to dozens of Out Islands, also known as the Family Islands. These include popular destinations such as Bimini, Eleuthera, Cat Island, and San Salvador.

The Bahamas' vast hotel product is also fully operational, with mega-resorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar, all-inclusive hotels like Warwick Paradise Island and Sandals Royal Bahamian, and luxury hotspots across the Out Islands ready to welcome guests.

The Bahamas is easily accessible with dozens of non-stop and connecting commercial flights from major gateways in the US and Canada, as well as regularly scheduled non-stop flights from Panama, London, and seasonal arrivals from across Europe.

So whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled exploration of the Out Islands, Nassau is fully operational and ready to welcome you!

The Bahamas has 20 international airports

The Bahamas, officially known as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is an English-speaking country comprising 29 islands, 661 cays, and 2,387 islets. It is situated in the Atlantic Ocean, north of Cuba and southeast of the United States. With a land area of almost 14,000 square kilometres and an estimated population of 330,000 people, The Bahamas boasts an impressive 20 international airports.

The Lynden Pindling International Airport, located in Nassau, the country's capital, is the major hub for air travel in The Bahamas. This airport alone serves 18 airlines and offers flights to and from 39 destinations. Bahamasair, the country's leading airline, operates in 21 domestic and international airports and currently has a fleet of 9 aircraft.

In addition to Lynden Pindling International, other notable airports in The Bahamas include Exuma International Airport, Grand Bahama International Airport, and Leonard M Thompson International Airport. These airports cater to both commercial and private flights, connecting The Bahamas to the rest of the world.

The Bahamas' diverse landscape and island groupings provide a unique challenge for air travel, resulting in a range of airport sizes and facilities. Some airports, such as the Governor's Harbour Airport and North Eleuthera Airport, offer scheduled commercial flights, while others like the Castaway Cay Airport and Scotland Cay Airport are private airstrips serving specific needs.

The country's vast array of airports showcases its commitment to accessibility and tourism. Despite varying in size and capacity, these airports play a crucial role in connecting the islands and supporting the local economy, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, when the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism emphasised the importance of visiting the unaffected islands to aid in the country's recovery.

The Bahamas' tourism economy is open

The Bahamas is open for business!

The Bahamas is an English-speaking country consisting of 29 islands, 661 cays, and 2,387 islets. It boasts a thriving tourism economy, with a booming cruise industry and 20 international airports welcoming flights from around the world.

In 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused devastation in Grand Bahama and Abaco, but the Bahamas has since bounced back, with all airports and ports reopening for commercial and private flights and cruise operations. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that the country's tourism economy is open, with the exception of Abaco and Grand Bahama.

A Range of Transport Options

International visitors can easily access the Bahamas by air or sea. The Bahamas has 20 international airports, including Lynden Pindling International Airport, the country's major hub. Dozens of nonstop and connecting commercial flights arrive daily from major gateways in the US and Canada, and there are also regular flights from Panama, London, and seasonal arrivals from Europe.

For those travelling from South Florida, international ferries offer another option, with sailings from Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach to Bahamian islands in as little as two hours.

A Variety of Destinations

The Bahamas offers a diverse range of destinations to explore, from megaresorts like Atlantis and Baha Mar to all-inclusive hotels like Warwick Paradise Island and Sandals Royal Bahamian. Nassau, the country's capital, is a popular cruise destination and home to a variety of accommodation options, while the Out Islands, also known as the Family Islands, offer a more secluded experience. These include The Abacos, Acklins & Crooked Island, Andros, The Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Island, and more.

Supporting Relief Efforts

While enjoying all that the Bahamas has to offer, visitors are also encouraged to support ongoing relief efforts in Grand Bahama and Abaco. The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association and various cruise lines have committed millions of dollars in donations to support relief and reconstruction in the Bahamas. Visitors can also contribute to these efforts by booking their trips to the Bahamas and supporting the local economy.

A Vibrant Tourism Economy

The Bahamas' tourism economy is indeed open and thriving, with a range of transport options and destinations to choose from. Visitors can explore the natural beauty and cultural offerings of this diverse island nation while contributing to the country's economic growth and recovery. So whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, the Bahamas has something for everyone!

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