International traffic ‘critical’ to Abacos

International traffic ‘critical’ to Abacos
The Leonard M. Thompson Airport in Marsh Harbour, Abaco

NASSAU, BAHAMAS- The Abaco community is anxiously awaiting the return of international air traffic through the Leonard Thompson International Airport.

Abaco Chamber of Commerce president Ken Hutton said international traffic was critical not only to the mainland but also surrounding cays, home to a significant segment of second home business.

“The second home market is big here and extremely important to the Abaco economy. Obviously hurricane Dorian dealt a major blow to that segment.”

He continued: “The reopening of the airport to international traffic is a huge deal. It’s definitely a critical component to the Abaco economy.

“Right now you have second home owners who have to go through Nassau to get to their property in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.”

Hutton added: “I would certainly say that right now the cays are in a much better position to bounce back and get back up and running before the mainland.”

Ministry of Works officials said last week that the airport should be ready to receive international flights by the end of the year.

The airport was significantly damaged during the passage of Hurricane Dorian on September 1–3.

The facility is opened to domestic flights but not international traffic.

Work is being carried out to restore perimeter fencing around the airport as well as other remedial work to the facility.