NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The Opposition is calling for the release of the Government’s agreement with the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network (BACSWN), warning that proposed charges on airlines could affect ticket prices, airlift and the viability of routes serving the Family Islands.
In a statement, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said questions raised by airline associations, aviation stakeholders, industry professionals and members of the public about the project’s fee structure, governance and business model remain unanswered. It said the Heads of Agreement reportedly signed in 2025 has yet to be made public and called for the release of any related agreement signed before 2021.
“The issue is not whether modern aviation weather services and safety infrastructure are important. They are,” the statement said. “The issue is whether the deal being advanced by the Government represents the best arrangement for the Bahamian people and whether it has been subjected to the due diligence and stakeholder engagement that a project of this magnitude demands.”
Pintard argued that, in an economy dependent on tourism and international connectivity, additional airline costs raise questions about competitiveness, route sustainability and ticket prices. It said Family Island residents who rely on small aircraft for essential services and tourism could be disproportionately affected while gaining little from the services BACSWN has proposed.
Pintard called on the Government to publish the full and final Heads of Agreement and supporting documents, along with the business case, financial projections, cost-benefit analysis, economic impact assessment and legal opinions behind its decision. The Opposition also wants disclosure of the ownership and revenue arrangements for entities involved in the project, and an explanation of how the Meteorological Department would be affected.
Before any fees are introduced, Pintard said the Government should consult domestic and international airlines, tourism stakeholders, airport operators, the wider aviation community and the public. It also called for independent scrutiny of the fee structure to determine whether charges are economically justified, tied to services provided, transparent in their calculation and aligned with International Civil Aviation Organization charging principles.
“The aviation sector is far too important to our economy, our tourism industry, and our Family Islands for the Government to proceed behind closed doors,” Pintard stated.
