Freeport Bahamas: Is There An Airport?

Freeport, Bahamas has an international airport called the Grand Bahama International Airport (IATA: FPO, ICAO: MYGF). It is the second-largest airport in the Bahamas and is capable of handling the largest aircraft in service. The airport has a runway that is 3,359 metres long and 46 metres wide. It was privately owned until the Bahamian government purchased it in 2021 for one Bahamian dollar due to devastation from Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Grand Bahama International Airport

Freeport, Bahamas, is home to the Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA), which is the second-largest airport in the Bahamas. The airport is located at Queen's Cove, Freeport, and its IATA code is FPO, while its ICAO code is MYGF.

The airport was previously privately owned, jointly operated by Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) and The Port Group (Grand Bahama Port Authority). However, in April 2021, the Bahamian government purchased it for one Bahamian dollar due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which left the airport heavily damaged and under six feet of water. The government also incurred approximately $1 million in staff severance costs as part of the deal.

The Grand Bahama International Airport features a PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) system, distance-remaining markers, category seven firefighting facilities, and general aviation services. The passenger terminal is air-conditioned, set at a comfortable 28 degrees Celsius.

Airport purchased by the Bahamian government

Freeport, Bahamas, has an international airport called the Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA). It is the second-largest airport in the Bahamas and is based in Freeport, Grand Bahama. The airport's IATA code is FPO.

Before being purchased by the Bahamian government, the airport was privately owned. It was a joint venture between Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) and The Port Group (or the Grand Bahama Port Authority). The facility also includes 741 acres (300 ha) of land that adjoins it to the Freeport Harbour Company Limited, as they operate as one entity, known as the Sea Air Business Centre (SABC).

The Bahamian government purchased the Grand Bahama International Airport for one Bahamian dollar on April 29, 2021. The deal was largely made possible due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which almost completely destroyed the airport. As part of the deal, the government also spent approximately $1 million on staff severance costs.

The airport features a 3,359-metre-long runway capable of handling the largest aircraft in service. It is relatively close to all major cities on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States. The airport offers domestic flights to various Bahamian islands and several international flights to the United States, Italy, and Canada.

Features and facilities at the airport

Freeport, Bahamas has an international airport, the Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA), which is the second-largest airport in the Bahamas. The airport has a 3,359-metre-long runway capable of handling the largest aircraft in service. It is relatively close to all major cities on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.

The Grand Bahama International Airport offers a range of features and facilities for passengers and visitors. Here are some of the key features and facilities available:

Terminal Features:

• The airport has separate international and domestic terminals, which are within walking distance of each other.
• The international terminal has an information desk, a restaurant and bar, and various shops, including duty-free outlets and gift shops.
• ATMs are available in both terminals.
• Parking spaces are available in front of the terminals, offering both short- and long-term rates.
• Disabled facilities are available, and travellers with special needs are advised to contact their airlines in advance to make necessary arrangements.

Other Features and Services:

• The airport has a PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) system and distance-remaining markers to assist aircraft during takeoff and landing.
• Category seven firefighting facilities are available for emergency situations.
• General aviation services are provided, catering to the needs of private pilots and aircraft owners.
• The passenger terminal is air-conditioned, maintaining a comfortable temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.
• Mobile boarding passes and self-service check-in options are available for added convenience.
• Shuttle services to and from the airport are provided by some hotels and resorts.
• Taxi services are also available outside the terminal building, and private transfer companies can be arranged in advance.
• The airport lounge has a business centre to cater to the needs of business travellers.
• Well-known car rental companies like Avis and Hertz operate at the airport.
• Bahamasair connects the airport to other islands in the Bahamas.

Airlines and destinations

Freeport, Bahamas, is served by Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA), the second-largest airport in the Bahamas. The airport has a runway capable of handling the largest aircraft in service and is relatively close to all major cities on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States.

Airlines

There are 4 airlines flying from Freeport to 13 airports around the world, as of December 2023. These include:

• American Airlines
• Bahamasair
• Silver Airways
• Sunwing Airlines

Other airlines that fly to Freeport include:

• Azul Brazilian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• United Airlines
• Jetways Airlines
• Neos

Destinations

The most popular destinations from Freeport (FPO) include:

• Nassau International
• Miami International
• Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International
• Raleigh–Durham Airport
• Orlando International
• Charlotte Douglas International
• Pierre Elliott Trudeau International
• Pearson International

The route with the longest flight time from Freeport (FPO) is to Montreal (YUL), which takes about 3 hours and 10 minutes.

Accidents and incidents

Freeport, Bahamas, has an international airport called the Grand Bahama International Airport (GBIA). The airport has been the site of several accidents and incidents over the years. Here is a detailed summary of some of these occurrences:

Lockheed Lodestar N171Q Crash (1964):

On November 12, 1964, a Lockheed Lodestar N171Q stalled shortly after taking off from the Grand Bahama International Airport. The aircraft was destroyed by fire in the subsequent crash, tragically killing all four people on board.

De Havilland DH.125 N235KC Crash (1966):

On November 22, 1966, a de Havilland DH.125 aircraft operated by Florida Commuter Airlines crashed into the sea about 7.3 kilometres off Grand Bahamas. The flight was an illegal operation from Miami, Florida. Unfortunately, there were no known survivors.

Convair 440-86 N444JM Engine Fire (1979):

On November 24, 1979, a Convair 440-86 aircraft operated by Mackey International Airlines experienced a fire in its starboard engine just after taking off from Grand Bahama International Airport. Despite the engine falling off during the approach, the pilot managed to land the aircraft safely. However, it departed from the runway and ended up in the sea. Fortunately, all 46 people on board escaped without injury.

Douglas DC-3A N75KW Crash (1980):

On September 12, 1980, a Douglas DC-3A aircraft operated by Florida Commuter Airlines crashed into the sea off West End, about 6.5 kilometres from Grand Bahama International Airport. The flight was a scheduled international passenger service from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Grand Bahama. Sadly, all 34 passengers and crew on board perished in the accident.

Douglas C-47A N54AA Crash (2000):

On July 20, 2000, a Douglas C-47A aircraft operated by Allied Air Freight suffered an engine failure while taking off from Grand Bahama International Airport. The aircraft crashed while attempting to return to the airport and was destroyed. Sadly, both crew members on board were killed.

Lear 36 Executive Jet Crash (2014):

On November 9, 2014, a Lear 36 Executive Jet crashed while approaching the Grand Bahama International Airport. The accident claimed the lives of all nine people on board, including evangelist Myles Munroe and his wife.

Western Air Saab 340 Landing Gear Failure (2017):

On February 7, 2017, a Western Air Saab 340 passenger aircraft experienced a failure of its landing gear shortly after takeoff. The pilot turned back and made a crash landing at the airport. Fortunately, all 30 passengers on board survived, and only two people sustained minor injuries.

Hurricane Dorian (2019):

From September 1 to 3, 2019, Hurricane Dorian battered the Grand Bahama International Airport, leaving it submerged under six feet of water and heavily damaged.

Envoy Air Flight 4194 Runway Excursion (2020):

On October 24, 2020, an American Eagle ERJ-145LR operating as Envoy Air Flight 4194 from Miami to Freeport suffered a runway excursion upon landing. There were no injuries, but the aircraft sustained significant damage, including the left main gear breaking off.

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