NASSAU, BAHAMAS May 1, 2025— Officials at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) have reissued a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) for the development of a hotel at Lynden Pindling International Airport. The airport management company is once again inviting local and international proponents to design, build, finance, and operate a midscale to upper-midscale hotel catering to a diverse market of travelers and residents. With a strong post-pandemic recovery and the growing demand for additional hotel rooms, NAD estimates the development is well-timed and could add up to 240 rooms to the local inventory.
The proposed hotel is part of a broader Landside Development Master Plan and Strategy (LDMS). NAD is working in close collaboration with Vantage Group to create a new “Gateway District” at LPIA to stimulate economic development, enhance the overall airport experience, and diversify LPIA’s revenue streams beyond traditional aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue sources.
“With our record-breaking passenger traffic in FY2024 and a strong post-pandemic tourism rebound, we believe that this is the right time to revisit the hotel development as a key component of our broader landside development vision for LPIA,” said Vernice Walkine, President & CEO of NAD. “Nassau’s western district is booming and LPIA sits at the center of this surge in growth. A well-designed airport hotel not only addresses a critical accommodation gap but also strengthens our role as a driver of economic development.”
She continued: “This opportunity is about more than a hotel – it’s part of a larger vision to create a dynamic Gateway District that meets the needs of travelers and the wider community, both now and into the future.”
The project comes at a pivotal time, as hotel room availability lags behind tourism growth. In 2023, average occupancy rates reached 72.1%, with some properties reporting rates as high as 95% during peak periods in 2024.
The Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation expressed his full support for the project: “Our thriving tourism sector, coupled with a reduction in available hotel rooms post-pandemic, highlights the urgent need for new accommodations. As we plan for the future, we must ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support and sustain our growth.”
The proposed hotel site includes approximately 5 acres of land located immediately southwest of the intersection of the main Airport Exit Road and Windsor Field Road. Currently, the proposed hotel site is identified as the Airport’s Cell Phone Parking Lot. The coordinates for the property are 25°03’11″N, 77°27’49″W. The location has the capacity to accommodate up to 240 rooms across one or two buildings and approximately 280 parking spaces. With infrastructure already in place, the location is ready for immediate development.
The hotel can serve a variety of guests including international visitors, stopover guests, flight crews, business travelers, Family Island residents, local and seasonal residents. Proponents are encouraged to consider amenities such as a restaurant and café, fitness and business centers, meeting rooms or convention space, and a pool. Developers should also seek to incorporate the latest in sustainable construction and renewable energy practices in their plans.
The RFEOI process will follow a two-stage procurement structure. For stage one, interested proponents must submit an Expression of Interest demonstrating their qualifications, financial capacity, development experience, and project approach. In stage two, short-listed proponents will be invited to participate in a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. Local Bahamian participation is strongly encouraged, and proponents will be required to outline how they intend to incorporate local partnerships and community investment into their plans.
The full RFEOI document is now available to qualified and interested proponents via email by contacting NAD’s Commercial Development Department at LPIAEOI@nas.bs. Expressions of Interest must be submitted no later than June 25, 2025.
For more information email LPIAEOI@nas.bs.
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Photo Caption 1: LPIA Gateway District – Illustrative Concept. This concept is intended for illustrative purposes only to showcase the potential development of the LPIA Gateway District. NAD welcomes expressions of interest for the hotel development across one or two buildings on the site.
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nassau, Bahamas – March 26, 2025 –Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) today announced the successful completion of the Runway 14/32 rehabilitation project at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). Work commenced on February 3, 2025, with the $10 million project finalized slightly ahead of its projected two-month timeline.
The rehabilitation involved the replacement of approximately 484,000 square feet of asphalt pavement, a crucial enhancement aimed at extending the lifespan of Runway 14/32 and strengthening the safety and reliability of LPIA’s airside operations. The timely completion of the project was particularly important as the airport readies for what is expected to be a busy Easter travel period. NAD officials were also keen to complete the runway rehabilitation prior to the rainy season (May 1- November 30).
Jonathan Hanna, Vice President of Operations at NAD, highlighted the importance of the project.
“Upgrading Runway 14/32 is a significant step in enhancing LPIA’s operational efficiency today while positioning us to meet future demand. Our priority remains the safety of our passengers and that starts with maintaining and upgrading critical airport infrastructure. While there is never an ideal time to take a runway out of service, for continued safe operations we could not defer the upgrades any longer, and we determined that completing the project before the rainy season and ahead of the peak Easter and summer travel periods was the most strategic approach.”
Hanna continued: “We’d like to thank all stakeholders, passengers, and the general public for their support during these critical upgrades. This effort would not have been possible without the dedicated work of our partners including the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas, IATA and NAD’s dedicated airside team lead by Frank Walker, Director, Airside Operations. In particular, we wish to acknowledge and thank our many commercial airline partners and the private aviation community for their ability, in most cases, to manage their operations and still deliver a positive customer experience throughout a project of this magnitude.”
The completion of these critical repairs underscores NAD’s commitment to maintaining LPIA as a safe and efficient airport that meets both local and international safety standards.
Photo caption 3: Jonathan Hanna, Vice President of Operations at NAD.
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development,
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
Nassau, Bahamas- March 10, 2025- Today, Airports Council International (ACI) named Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) the 2024 Best Airport in the Latin America & Caribbean region for airports serving 2-5 million guests. The recognition is based solely on ASQ surveys conducted at more than 400 airports worldwide.
“We are humbled and honored that our guests have given us this recognition. The award reflects the entire LPIA community’s commitment to delivering a positive experience even with the challenges faced in airport operations,” said Vernice Walkine, President & CEO of Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD).
She continued: “This acknowledgement speaks to the hard work of our employees, airline partners, concessionaires, and key stakeholders who come together every day to ensure we provide the most seamless and enjoyable travel experience possible. While we celebrate this achievement, we recognize that our journey is ongoing. There is more work to be done, particularly as we work towards our goal of achieving a 5-star rating.”
Justin Erbacci, Director General of ACI World, commended the team from Nassau on their accomplishment. “Congratulations to the entire team at LPIA for your remarkable achievement in the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. Your airport is one of the best airports globally for customer experience—as chosen by passengers themselves. Keep raising the standards.”
The ACI ASQ initiative is the only global benchmarking program measuring guest satisfaction throughout the travel process. The 2024 results highlight LPIA’s ongoing commitment to delivering world-class service while continually striving to enhance the travel experience for guests and residents alike.
Walkine encouraged airport partners to remain focused on key areas for growth and improvement. “This recognition motivates us to keep pushing forward,” she said. “Today, we pause to recognize the collective efforts that have contributed to this success and to continue to push for excellence in airport service and operations here at LPIA.”
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Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs | Phone: 242 702 1000
Nassau, Bahamas – January 29, 2025 – Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) will commence a major pavement rehabilitation project on Runway 14/32 at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) on February 3, 2025. This extensive rehabilitation project is part of NAD’s ongoing commitment to ensuring safety and operational efficiency at the country’s main gateway.
The two-month project represents a capital investment of approximately $10 million and is expected to conclude before the peak Easter travel period.
Jonathan Hanna, Vice President of Operations at NAD, emphasized the significance of the upgrades. “This scheduled maintenance on Runway 14/32 is essential to maintain LPIA’s status as a safe and efficient airport that meets all local and international safety standards. We have developed contingency plans to minimize disruptions and are working closely with key airport partners to manage air traffic flow. While minor delays may occur during peak operational periods, our goal is to ensure smooth operations throughout the project”.
Runway 14/32 will undergo critical enhancements to support LPIA’s current operations and the airport’s future growth. The runway was last rehabilitated in 2006 and once completed, the upgrade will include the replacement of approximately 484,000 square feet of asphalt pavement thereby extending the runway’s life and improving the safety and reliability of the airfield.
Throughout the project, all flight operations will transition to Runway 10-28, which will be the sole runway available for landing and takeoff.
Motorists traveling on Windsor Field Road near LPIA are advised to remain alert due to heavy equipment movement in the vicinity. Work will be conducted primarily during daylight hours and motorists are encouraged to observe all signage in the area.
“Upgrading Runway 14/32 is a significant step in enhancing LPIA’s operational efficiency today while positioning us to meet future demand,” added Hanna. “Our priority remains the safety of our passengers, which starts with maintaining and upgrading critical airport infrastructure. While there is no perfect time to remove one runway from service, it is prudent for the project to take place before the rainy season and before the peak summer travel period.”
Over the next two months, residents may notice increased air traffic over the western and eastern areas of New Providence. NAD is working closely with the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority (BANSA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and airline partners to minimize disruptions. Additionally, crane operators in these areas are reminded to notify the airport of any planned operations to avoid interference with flight paths. Notifications can be sent to operations@nas.bs.
The rehabilitation work will be conducted by Bahamas Hot Mix (BHM), a Bahamian-owned company that successfully completed the rehabilitation of Runway 10/28 and Taxiway Papa in 2019, both on time and within budget. For updates on the Runway 14 renovation project, follow LPIA on social media or visit www.nassaulpia.com.
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Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles
Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
Nassau, Bahamas – December 18, 2024– This holiday season, the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) is spreading goodwill by partnering with the Bahamas Feeding Network (BFN) to support those in need. From now through February, guests passing through Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) can help make a difference by contributing to donation bins placed in the US Departures and International/Domestic Departures terminals.
NAD’s partnership with BFN aims to bring joy and relief to Bahamian families struggling with food security issues. Give Change is an ongoing LPIA initiative that encourages guests and residents to donate spare change or small cash amounts to worthy causes. The program is particularly ideal for international guests who may not want to carry back Bahamian currency to their home destination. All donations collected during the quarter will go directly to BFN, helping the organization provide meals to those in need.
“As we approach the holidays, a season known for togetherness and giving, our decision to partner with the Bahamas Feeding Network reflects our commitment to supporting those in the community who are facing hardships,” said Jan Knowles, Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Development at NAD. “Through our Give Change initiative, we’re providing a way for guests, residents and our airport community to share a small act of kindness that can have a big impact. Together, we can help make this season brighter for many Bahamian families, particularly during a time when it is very busy in terminal.”
Nicolette Fountain Archer, Executive Director of the Bahamas Feeding Network, expressed her gratitude for the partnership:
“On behalf of the Bahamas Feeding Network, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to NAD for allowing us to be the recipients of the donation bins at the airport. Your commitment to aiding those in need in our community is deeply appreciated. We also want to thank all of the travelers and residents who will contribute to this initiative. Every dollar counts, and we encourage everyone to consider throwing in a dollar or two during their travels. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who rely on our services. Hunger hurts, but together we can wipe it out!”
Every contribution, whether it’s spare change or a few dollars, will help the Bahamas Feeding Network continue its vital work of providing meals to individuals and families in The Bahamas.
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Photo attached.
Photo caption 2: LPIA guests encouraged to give change to support Bahamas Feeding Network.
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development Nassau Airport Development Company | Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs | Phone: 242 702 1000
Nassau, Bahamas – November 25, 2024—This week, stakeholders at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) are preparing to kick off a busy holiday travel season starting with American Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 28. In 2023, the airport surpassed all expectations welcoming more than 45,000 guests during Thanksgiving weekend alone. This achievement was part of a record-breaking year, with a total of 4.01 million guests processed in FY2024.
Officials at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) noted that while this year’s travel projections are expected to remain strong, numbers may trail last year’s peak performance slightly.
“Our record-setting numbers last year affirmed the resilience of the tourism sector and the appeal of The Bahamas as a travel destination. We anticipate a strong performance across all sectors, with the strongest coming from our key source markets in the United States,” said Vernice Walkine, President & CEO of NAD. “As an airport community, we are ready to welcome guests and Bahamians returning home for the holidays. Our stakeholders have worked diligently to ensure seamless operations and exceptional service for what we anticipate will be another busy holiday period.”
Since early November, NAD has collaborated with key airport partners including Bahamas Immigration, Bahamas Customs, the Airport Authority, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (USCBP), Air Traffic Services (ATS), airline operators, airport police, and the Road Traffic Department, to finalize plans to manage the anticipated travel surge. Efforts have focused on reducing wait times, optimizing staffing in critical processing areas, and ensuring operational readiness for increased flight arrivals and departures, particularly during peak hours.
LPIA guests are encouraged to arrive at the airport no less than three (3) hours ahead of flights to the United States and two (2) hours for international and domestic departures to allow adequate time for check-in, security screening, and processing. US-bound travelers who qualify to utilize tools like the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app and TSA PreCheck are encouraged to do so in order to streamline their airport experience. All LPIA guests can download the AeroCloud app to receive real-time flight updates.
For more information, visit www.nassaulpia.com or follow @nassau_airport on social media.
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Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development, Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
This week, Nassau Airport Development Company will share its plans to integrate solar power at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) at the upcoming Ministry of Energy and Transport’s Energy Summit. On November 7, 2024, Kevin McDonald, NAD’s Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance, will join a panel of key stakeholders as part of the event’s theme, “Accelerating The Bahamas Energy Transition through Innovation and Strategic Partnerships.” He will discuss NAD’s path to sustainable energy solutions, specifically the development of a scalable solar power system at LPIA.
“Solar energy is an essential part of our vision for a more resilient and sustainable LPIA,” said McDonald. “This upcoming project allows us to harness our natural resources, stabilize energy costs, and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which is increasingly important as The Bahamas navigates energy challenges and looks towards a greener future.”
LPIA’s solar project is anticipated to roll out in three stages: design, procurement, and implementation. NAD currently has an RFP open for the engineering and design phase on the government’s procurement portal. The project is expected to begin at 1 megawatt and could expand to as much as 3.4 megawatts pending government approvals and regulatory changes. The estimated cost of the phased project ranges from $2.5 million for 1MW up to $8.5 million for 3.4MW.
The grid-tied system will require collaboration with Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) to ensure seamless integration into the existing energy infrastructure. The project is also contingent upon the support of key stakeholders including the Ministry of Energy and Transport and URCA. Transitioning a major consumer like LPIA to sustainable solar power could set the stage for an energy shift that addresses the island’s current power supply challenges while meeting the airport’s operational needs.
“Collaborating with government, regulators, and utility providers is essential to scaling this initiative,” added McDonald. “As legislation and infrastructure evolve, we can create a reliable, renewable energy source that benefits the airport and wider Bahamian community.”
NAD initially began exploring solar options in 2017, though plans were delayed due to the pandemic. Now, construction is anticipated to begin by fall 2025, moving LPIA closer to achieving a sustainable, reliable energy supply that can better support the airport’s needs during peak operating hours, while also positioning The Bahamas at the forefront of renewable energy adoption in the region.
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Image 1 caption: Kevin McDonald, Vice President of Engineering & Maintenance, NAD to speak at upcoming Ministry of Energy and Transport summit.
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
For Immediate Release
Nassau, Bahamas – October 20, 2024 – The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) will conduct a simulated full-scale emergency exercise at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) on Thursday, October 24, starting at approximately 8:00 p.m. This exercise is a key component of the airport’s Safety Management System and emergency response plan and must be carried out every two years, as required by both The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAA-B) to ensure preparedness for real-life aviation emergencies.
The emergency exercise at LPIA is a critical training opportunity for emergency responders to practice managing a complex aviation incident in real time. By simulating a crash scenario, the exercise will provide responders with valuable hands-on experience in coordinating emergency procedures and managing resources during a crisis.
Jonathan Hanna, Vice President of Operations at NAD, highlighted the importance of the exercise as part of LPIA’s ongoing commitment to safety and compliance with international and local aviation regulations. “Regularly scheduled emergency exercises like this one are not only a regulatory requirement but also essential to ensuring that our airport and its stakeholders are fully prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to actual emergencies,” Hanna explained. “During the exercise, we will work closely with stakeholders to test the response capabilities of various agencies. It provides an opportunity for all entities to practice their roles in a controlled environment, enhancing our readiness for any potential incidents.”
Planning an exercise of this scale requires months of preparation and close coordination among numerous agencies to simulate a realistic emergency response. Cleavon Nixon, NAD’s Manager of Safety & Emergency Operations, provided insight into the level of preparation required for the event. “Preparing for this drill takes months of planning. We work closely with our partners to ensure every detail is covered. This training not only enhances our emergency response skills but also strengthens the relationships and communication channels among all agencies,” Nixon stated.
A total of 14 agencies will participate in this year’s drill, including Nassau Airport Development, Airport Authority, Bahamas Air Navigational Services Authority, National Emergency Medical Services, Public Hospitals Authority, Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Air Accident Investigation Authority, Bahamas Immigration, Bahamas Customs, Department of Meteorology, United States Embassy, United States Customs and Border Protection Services, and the Disaster Risk Management Authority.
Recruits from the Royal Bahamas Police Force will participate as volunteer actors, portraying passengers, family members, and friends to make the scenario more realistic.
The full-scale emergency exercise underscores LPIA’s commitment to the safety of its passengers, staff, and the wider community. By rigorously testing its emergency response protocols, LPIA is better equipped to handle unexpected incidents with professionalism and efficiency.
Ahead of the event, the public is advised that the exercise will involve significant emergency activity, including flashing lights, sirens, and emergency vehicles travelling to and from the airport and on the airfield. These activities are part of the exercise and do not indicate an actual emergency. NAD assures travelers that the exercise will not affect regular flight operations.
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Photo caption 1: LPIA stakeholder to test emergency response during a simulated drill on Thursday October 24th at approximately 8 p.m.
Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000
For Immediate Release
Nassau, Bahamas – October 16, 2024 – Jan Knowles, Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Development at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), recently took part in a high-profile panel discussion at Routes World 2024, held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The session, titled Meet the Hosts of 2025, featured Knowles along with other prominent aviation and tourism industry leaders, Antonio Martín-Machuca, Cooperation Manager for the Government of Andalusia in Spain, and Vivian Cheung, Acting CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong.
The panel discussion centered on how the upcoming locations are gearing up to host major Routes-branded events next year. The Bahamas will host Routes Americas 2025 from February 10th-12th, the Government of Andalusia will host Routes Europe, and Hong Kong will be the site of Routes World 2025. Each panelist shared insights into their destination’s strategies and preparations, offering a glimpse into the unique experiences that await attendees.
Speaking on behalf of The Bahamas, Knowles highlighted the country’s excitement about hosting Routes Americas for the second time in February 2025. “The Bahamas is thrilled to welcome Routes Americas once again, following our first time as hosts in 2012. At that time, our airport was in the middle of a major infrastructural upgrade. Now, with significant growth and expansion on the horizon, the timing is perfect,” she said.
Routes Americas 2025 will bring together around 1,000 delegates, including airports, airlines, and tourism officials from across the globe, to discuss and explore new route development opportunities. Key partners for The Bahamas event include NAD, the Ministry of Tourism, Aviation and Investments, and the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board. The forum will take place at the iconic Atlantis resort, creating a vibrant setting for networking, collaboration, and industry advancement.
As The Bahamas continues to enhance its aviation and tourism infrastructure, the upcoming event represents a major opportunity to showcase the destination’s growth and commitment to facilitating global air service development.
Photo caption: NAD’s Vice President of Marketing & Commercial Development Jan Knowles (third from right) addresses aviation and tourism industry panel at Routes World 2024 in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Knowles discussed the upcoming Routes Americas 2025 event set for February 10-12 on Paradise Island. Picture l to r: Nico Spyrou, Head of Partnerships, Routes (moderator), Knowles, Antonio Martín-Machuca, Cooperation Manager for the Government of Andalusia in Spain and Vivian Cheung, Acting CEO of Airport Authority Hong Kong.
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Media Contacts:
Jan Knowles, Vice President, Marketing and Commercial Development
Nassau Airport Development Company
Email: jan.knowles@nas.bs
Phone: 242 702 1000