NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Long Islanders yesterday expressed some skepticism about the proposed $10 million airport for the island, with construction now expected to begin in the second or third quarter of 2025, it was revealed.
While addressing the Long Island Business Outlook, Peter Rutherford, managing director of the Airport Authority, explained that Long Island is one of 14 airports included in the Family Island Renaissance Project. The new airport is estimated to cost $10 million and will be modeled similarly to the Great Harbour Cay Airport. Rutherford noted that part of the project includes extending the runway to over 6,000 feet to accommodate larger aircraft, improve airlift, and attract international flights. He pointed out that collectively, all the airport upgrades would cost the government $265 million, a figure it cannot afford, which is why the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) route is being pursued.
Rutherford added that under this arrangement, some islands are being “bundled” to ensure better returns for investors. “The returns on their investment they cannot get on one island, so they have modified their approach and bundled a few islands for a better return,” he said.
Zoey Cartwright, general manager of Long Island Boat Rentals, noted that Long Islanders have seen renderings of the new airport for several years, though airport development is still not underway. “You have to understand the skepticism that we face.”
Dwight Burrows, banker and Long Island Association treasurer, asked, “Assuming this dream comes to reality during our lifetime, what’s the plan for air traffic during the construction?” Rutherford said that at no point will both the Stella Maris and Deadman’s Cay airports be shut down. “It will not be a full-scale shutdown,” he said.
Burrows also questioned where Long Island ranks in the priority list of airport development. Rutherford admitted the challenges involved, stating, “I would not say Long Island is at the end of the totem pole, but I would not stand here and lie to you and say that PPP is going to be signed next month.”
Burrows noted that there have been several proposed construction timelines announced for the airport on Long Island and questioned, “What are the key challenges?”
Rutherford stated, “Quite simply, it is funding. Some may argue that it is an overly ambitious exercise to go and pursue airports all at once, but the reality is it boils down to safety at this juncture.”
