NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper says that the development of the Grand Bahama International Airport is “imminent,” highlighting its potential to significantly boost tourism and generate numerous job opportunities on the island.
Speaking at the East End Constituency Meeting, Cooper acknowledged American Airlines’ decision to temporarily suspend service to Freeport for a month.
Cooper confirmed that American Airlines will halt operations from September 6 to October 3 during the peak hurricane period. To mitigate this, he noted that Bahamasair will bolster its Freeport to Fort Lauderdale route, stepping in to accommodate the increased demand. After October 3, American Airlines plans to resume daily service to Freeport and expand its Miami-Freeport flights to twice daily by November. Additionally, a new Saturday service between Charlotte and Freeport will commence.
He also noted that Westernair will introduce an inaugural service from Fort Lauderdale to Freeport by late August, complemented by new Bahamasair routes between West Palm Beach and Freeport starting in November, strategically timed for the Thanksgiving holiday. Cooper highlighted the continuation of Bahamasair’s twice-weekly direct service to Orlando through September.
“Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy, and I am proud to report that tourism arrivals are up more than 10 percent over last year in Grand Bahama. Abaco and Grand Bahama continue to lead the return of stop-over visitors. Grand Bahama’s air arrivals are up 14 percent,” said Cooper.
He further noted: “Additionally, the work on the new airport is imminent, which will further boost our tourism sector and create numerous job opportunities for our residents.”
The government signed an agreement with the Manchester Airport Group [MAG], Aerodrome Limited, a Bahamian firm, and BHM Construction International based in London, finalized in February 2023 for the airport’s redevelopment.
Cooper also pointed to the $73 million reinvestment in Liwathon to relaunch of the South Riding Point energy terminal on Grand Bahama and Carnival Cruise Line’s $600 million investment in Celebration Key, which are expected to provide a significant economic boost.
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