Nassau, Bahamas – August 12, 2024 – Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) has achieved a significant milestone, welcoming a record 4.06 million passengers in fiscal year 2024. This remarkable performance surpasses the previous record of 3.99 million passengers set in FY2019, reflecting the airport’s robust and steady post-pandemic recovery. LPIA also set a previous calendar year passenger record of 4.1 million in 2019 and is on track to surpass that number by December 2024.
In FY2024, passenger numbers increased by 9.27% YOY across all sectors: U.S., International and Domestic. A total of 2,863,556 million U.S., 449,988 International, and 747,388 Domestic passengers were recorded. This consistent pandemic recovery began in FY2022 with 2.8 million passengers across all three sectors and continued in FY2023 with 3.7 million. Officials at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) attribute the success to strategic efforts and collaboration with industry partners.
Vernice Walkine, President & CEO of NAD, credited several factors for the record-breaking performance including new service to the destination, increased seat capacity on existing routes and expanded seasonal routes to provide more access to Nassau/Paradise Island.
“We’re absolutely delighted that for our fiscal year 2024, which encompasses the budget period July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024 that we’ve actually had our best fiscal year ever,” she said.
“The demand for Nassau/Paradise Island has continued to be very strong. Post pandemic we’ve seen tremendous growth. Our key airlines have increased their seat capacity into the destination because they are seeing the demand.”
The airport’s total seat capacity reached 6.379M in FY2024, up 18% YOY and 11% over levels tracked in FY2019. U.S. sector seats accounted for 4.1M, an increase of 16% since FY2019. International sector seat capacity expanded to 1.036M, up 41% over FY2019.
Walkine said LPIA also exceeded pre-pandemic airlift numbers during FY2024: “This was due in large part to our partners who worked hand in glove with us to make sure that we could attract the additional airlift that we needed and make sure that we could accommodate it here at the airport. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has done a number of missions to various markets; the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) is very aggressive in meeting with the various airlines to talk about opportunities and so through all of the efforts of these partners we’ve been able to attract the additional airlift out of new gateways and also have the airlines add more seats out of traditional gateways as well.”
Numbers for July, the first month of FY2025, show strong performance with 412,234 total passengers traveling through LPIA, 2.8% above the previous year. NAD anticipates the same trends in August. As passenger numbers continue to grow, airport stakeholders are committed to enhancing connectivity, improving the overall guest experience, and sustaining growth at the country’s main gateway.
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 June 14, 2021— In an effort to mitigate the impact of growing passenger traffic and COVID-19 protocols, key stakeholders at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) have finalized plans to ensure that passengers can be safely and efficiently processed through the airport during what promises to be a busy upcoming summer travel season.
Nassau has been selected as a homeport for two cruise lines beginning this month. Following the first 7-day cruise, approximately 900 passengers will be departing Nassau for the United States on Saturday, June 19th, 2021. The airport anticipates heavy arrivals and departures of cruise passengers every Saturday and Sunday thereafter, and for this number to grow to 3,500 passengers each weekend by July.
In addition, summer projections for land-based passenger arrivals and departures at LPIA indicate steady recovery from the pandemic, with a potential additional 4500 passengers between Saturday and Sunday.
“We are fortunate that our largest source market, the United States, has been very successful with their vaccine distribution and there is significant pent-up demand for travel given the challenges and restrictions of the past year living with COVID-19. People are ready to travel and month by month we are seeing improvements in our passenger numbers.” said Vernice Walkine, President and Chief Executive Officer, Nassau Airport Development Company Ltd.
“During this busy summer travel period we wish to assure the travelling public that their safety is our paramount concern. Our overall objective is to make certain that a high level of efficiency prevails in the terminals coupled with excellent customer service resulting in a positive experience for our passengers,” she continued.
The airport continuously works with its key stakeholders to maximize the efficiency of operations and mitigate any potential challenges within its facilities. As a result, in 2020 LPIA was one of the first airports in Latin America and the Caribbean to achieve a COVID-19 Health Accreditation from the Airports Council International.
As the airport supports Nassau as a home cruise port and manages its recovering land passenger base, LPIA is offering the following tips to local passengers planning to travel this summer.
1. Given the volume of passengers that will be commencing cruises in Nassau, if possible, avoid travel on Saturday and Sunday and choose a slower day to begin and end your vacation or business trip. Also, consider travel during off peak times and look for flights either before 9:00am or after 2:00pm, which is a peak travel period at the airport.
2. When travelling to the US, particularly on peak days and times, ensure that you are at the airport 3 to 3.5 hours ahead of your scheduled flight departure time. Given the impact of COVID-19, passenger processing is slower and more complex.
3. Whether you are vaccinated or not, a negative COVID-19 test result (PCR or Rapid Antigen) and completed Attestation form (found on LPIA’s website at www.nassaulpia.com) is needed for all persons travelling to the United States. This will be required for check in with your airline and tests should be completed prior to arrival at the airport.
4. For travel within The Bahamas, a negative COVID-19 (PCR Test) is required if you are not fully vaccinated (two shots with the last shot given more than two weeks prior to travel) along with a Bahamas Health VISA for domestic check in.
5. Checked luggage should be taken to your airline counter. Very Important: Please remove old luggage tags prior to placing a new luggage tag for your destination. If you are travelling to the United States, once you present your checked bag(s) to your airline, an image of your bag(s) will appear on the airline counter video screen to confirm each bag is checked in for your flight.
6. Checked luggage should be taken to your airline counter. Very Important: Please remove old luggage tags prior to placing a new luggage tag for your destination. Your airline should tag your checked luggage to your boarding pass. For persons travelling to the United States, please ensure you see an image of your checked bag(s) on the tablet screen at the airline counter.
7. After check-in, passengers travelling to the US may be directed by an airport ambassador to wait briefly in the airport’s Summer Garden Lounge prior to proceeding to airport security screening and United States Customs for processing. This wait is to allow passengers to be processed in order of scheduled departure time. The lounge is a beautiful and comfortable outdoor space with amenities like food and beverage, WIFI, entertainment and limited shopping.
8. Passengers should have their passport and boarding pass available to enter the security screening process. Passengers will be required to remove jackets, belts, shoes and empty pockets, and remove laptops from carry-on luggage for the security screening process.
9. As LPIA is a US Pre-Clearance facility, each passenger will undergo inspection by a United States Customs & Border Protection Officer prior to leaving Nassau. Bahamians need a valid passport and police record or US VISA for travel. Family members living in the same household can be inspected together.
10. Once these formalities are done, you may proceed to your airline gate or enjoy the shopping and dining amenities available in the U.S. Departures Lounge. All gates are within a three-minute walk from anywhere in the US or Domestic/International Departure Lounge.
11. Upon your return or arrival to Nassau, remember you will need a Bahamas Health Visa and a negative COVID-19 PCR test for entry to the country if you are not fully vaccinated. If you are fully vaccinated, then you will need the Bahamas Health Visa and proof of your vaccination. These are to be presented to Bahamas Immigration along with your passport for admittance to The Bahamas.
12. This summer, returning residents will now have two additional options to complete their Bahamas Customs declaration forms and pay duties or claim exemptions. This is in addition to the current process of presenting a completed C17 Customs Declaration form to a Bahamas Customs officer for assessment.
- Returning residents should consider downloading and using the new Bahamas Customs Exempt App to fill out their declaration electronically, upload their receipts and pay customs duties and/or claim exemption online prior to arrival in Nassau. Once luggage is collected, returning residents then only need to proceed to a
customs officer for baggage inspection. - Bahamas Customs also has kiosks available at the airport that perform the same services as the App and allows for credit/debit card payments online or cash payments at the airport.
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New Rules in Effect for Vaccinated Travelers
NASSAU, Bahamas, April 30, 2021 – The Government of The Bahamas announced updated public health measures and entry protocols for fully vaccinated travellers, stating:
• Effective immediately, Bahamian citizens and residents who are fully vaccinated – after receiving their second dose – will be exempt from COVID-19 testing requirements when travelling inter-island from New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera to any other island.
• Effective May 1, 2021, international visitors travelling to The Bahamas from other countries who are fully vaccinated and have passed the two-week immunity period will be exempt from testing requirements for entry and inter-island travel.
REQUIREMENTS FOR VACCINATED TRAVELLERS
Vaccinated travellers will still need to apply for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa and will be required to upload proof of vaccination (such as CDC or government issued vaccine record card) with their application in place of PCR test requirement. They will not need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test prior to entry, submit to rapid testing mandates or complete the daily health questionnaire during their stay. At this time The Bahamas Government will only be accepting vaccines by Pfizer Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca.
REQUIREMENTS FOR UNVACCINATED TRAVELLERS
Travellers who are not fully vaccinated will be required to follow all existing entry testing requirements including applying for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa, providing proof of negative PCR test taken no more than five (5) days prior to arrival and completing the daily health questionnaire, as well as conducting rapid COVID-19 antigen testing if they are staying in The Bahamas for longer than four (4) nights and five (5) days.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
All visitors and residents will be required to apply for the Bahamas Travel Health Visa and adhere to health and safety protocols on-island such as mask wearing, social distancing and frequent hand washing among others. Health and safety remain our highest priority and we must continue to be vigilant.
Due to the fluidity of COVID-19, the Government of The Bahamas will continue to monitor cases across the islands and loosen or tighten restrictions as needed. The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors. Travellers should continue to check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
For full details on the latest updates, protocols and regulations, please visit opm.gov.bs.
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PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty
General Manager, Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
ajohnson@bahamas.com
Weber Shandwick
Public Relations
Bahamas@webershandwick.com
The first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines – also known as Covishield – arrived at the Lynden Pindling International Airport today on United Airlines flight 1456 from Newark, New Jersey.
The vaccines were received by Prime Minister Herbert Minnis; Health Minister Renward Wells; Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield; National Immunization Manager Nurse Ruth Bastian; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pearl McMillian; Bahamas High Commissioner to India, Lowell Mortimer; and President of the Bahamas India Association Dr. Anupama Jacob.
The 20,000 doses delivered by United are a gift from the Government of India. The vaccines were pre-qualified by the WHO and received Emergency Use Listing (EUL) approval by the WHO. The vaccines have also received certification from the Caribbean Regulatory System (CRS).
“I would like to thank Prime Minister Modi (@narendramodi) and the people of India for this generous assistance,” said the Prime Minister.
United Airlines is the first commercial airline to fly the COVID-19 vaccine to The Bahamas. United has been proud to put its extensive resources, capabilities and expertise to work over the last several months, teaming up with logistics and pharmaceutical companies around the world to support the distribution of these life-saving vaccines.
According to Mrs. Elaine Foster, United Airlines General Manager in Nassau, the vaccines were flown on United Airlines flight 830 from Bombay, India and arrived in Newark, New Jersey this morning at 5:40am. They were then safely transported to United Airlines flight 1456 which left Newark at 8:45am and arrived in Nassau just before noon.
According to United, the scientists behind these vaccines and frontline workers, like the team in Nassau, are the real heroes of this pandemic. The airline has committed to doing its part to safely and effectively facilitate the transportation of vaccines across its expansive global network.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nassau, Bahamas (Oct 10)…..The Tourism Development Corporation (TDC) is pleased to announce that the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has recognized The Islands Of The Bahamas as a Safe Travels destination for having met its enhanced health and safety standards in line with its global Safe Travels Protocols.
Having developed these protocols specifically to rebuild the traveler’s confidence and to ensure that there is a coordinated public and private sector approach to the recovery efforts of the global tourism industry, the WTTC awarded The Bahamas the WTTC Safe Travels Stamp. It is the World’s first-ever global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel and Tourism, especially designed amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and for other similar outbreaks. The Bahamas, through the TDC, will accrue both benefits and responsibilities as a user of the Safe Travels stamp to maximize its positive impacts.
“It is proving a great success, demonstrating its importance not only to destinations and businesses, but also to travellers and the hundreds of millions of people around the world who work in, and depend on, the Travel & Tourism sector,” stated Gloria Guevera, President and CEO of the WTTC. “More than 40 countries and 10 sub-regions are already utilizing the stamp as part of their re-launching strategies of their Tourism industries.”
The Safe Travels Protocols take WHO and CDC guidelines into account and are based on self-assessment of the protocols that are implemented in compliance with the Safe Travels Protocols for every aspect of the Industry, with guidelines established for airlines in conjunction with ICAO ‘s guidelines during Covid 19.
“The return of the visitor’s confidence to travel to revitalize the economy of The Bahamas is crucial to the well-being of our people and country and as such, the Safe Travels Stamp will allow those travelling to regain the necessary confidence and comfort as global standards are being met on each of the islands, as restrictions are gradually lifted,” said Janet Johnson, CEO of the TDC.
The TDC will be communicating with all stakeholders in The Bahamas as to the benefits and responsibilities for every tourism-related business which is given the stamp of approval for its implementation of the Safe Travels protocols and ongoing compliance. Guidelines and protocols for what WTTC calls the “New Normal” have been developed for every sector of Hospitality and Tourism from Airports, Cruiseports, Attractions, Restaurants, Tours, Convention Centres, Car Rental Companies etc..
“When the visitor and also resident sees the Safe Travels stamp at a tourism-related business anywhere in The Bahamas, they will have the comfort level to feel safe and enjoy the destination and the particular experience, knowing that global standards have been met and appropriate protocols implemented, “said Minister of Tourism, Dionisio D’Aguilar. “The TDC has been authorized to ensure that every establishment in The Bahamas wishing to display the WTTC’s Safe Travels Stamp has met the programme’s guidelines and standards prior to receiving the stamp.”
“It is really gratifying to note that our implemented protocols and measures as part of the Tourism Readiness and Recovery plan, and the Sustainable Tourism Seal of Approval programme developed in conjunction with the IDB, have met the enhanced standards of the WTTC and enabled our designation as a Safe Travels Destination, “ he continued.
The WTTC’s Safe Travels Stamp will develop the instant recognition required to instill immediate confidence that safety measures have been taken for both resident and visitor alike.
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Contact:
Janet Johnson
427-3757
janet@tdcbahamas.com
Request for Proposals for Audit Services.
The Airport Authority and the Nassau Airport Development Company, (NAD) invite proposals from Bahamian qualified Public Accounting Firms for the independent Financial Statement Audits of The Airport Authority and Nassau Airport Development Company.
More information about this request is available in the attached Request For Proposal (RFP).
NASSAU, Bahamas – On January 12, 2021 the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that all air passengers flying to the U.S. from a foreign country will be required to show proof of a negative COVID-19 viral test (PCR or Antigen test), taken no more than 3 days prior to the flight. This new regulation will apply to all travellers ages 2 and older, including U.S. citizens and international travellers. The order will go into effect on January 26, 2021.
Furthermore, any person who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last three months must be prepared to show documentation of recovery, which consists of proof of their positive viral test, coupled with a letter from a healthcare provider or a public health official, providing clearance to travel. Airlines will be responsible for confirming the negative test result or documentation of recovery for all passengers before they board, and will deny boarding to any person who does not provide documentation of a negative test or recovery, or chooses not to take a test.
The Government of The Bahamas has successfully implemented stringent measures to protect its citizens, residents and visitors, and is well positioned to adhere to this new order, seamlessly integrating the CDC’s testing requirements into The Bahamas’ existing COVID-19 protocols. Currently, visitors to The Bahamas who stay longer than four nights and five days are required to take a rapid antigen test on the fifth day of their stay, with a number of testing sites throughout The Bahamas approved to administer tests. This means travellers and residents alike, readily have access to the viral tests, now required to enter the U.S.
“The Bahamas Government will continue to work in accordance with the CDC to curb the spread of COVID-19, which has been our top priority since the onset of this global pandemic,” said Dionisio D’Aguilar, The Bahamas Minister of Tourism & Aviation. “Our journey has not been without bumps in the road, but we have made great strides in combatting this virus as evidenced by the very low case numbers we have now achieved. Visitors to our shores should have peace of mind knowing that we are making every effort to keep The Bahamas safe, and can now offer a turnkey, affordable and reliable testing process that meets U.S. requirements.”
All U.S. travellers to The Bahamas as well as Bahamian citizens and residents are required to abide by the CDC’s protocols to enter the U.S. An overview of these requirements, as well as FAQs, can be found on the CDC website.
For a list of approved COVD-19 testing sites in The Bahamas, as well as a full overview of The Bahamas’ travel and entry protocols, please visit Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
Due to the fluidity of COVID-19, the Government of The Bahamas will continue to monitor cases across the islands and loosen or tighten restrictions as needed. The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors. Travellers should check the status of their island destination before travelling, by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates.
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PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty
General Manager, Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
ajohnson@bahamas.com
Weber Shandwick
Public Relations
Bahamas@webershandwick.com
Mandatory Vacation-in-Place Requirement is Replaced by COVID-19 Health Insurance, Monitoring Procedures, and On-Island Rapid Testing for Those Staying Longer Than Five Days
NASSAU, Bahamas, October 31, 2020 – The Islands of The Bahamas today announced streamlined entry protocols that will enable visitors to better and more seamlessly enjoy The Bahamas vacation experience.
Those who booked travel under the former protocols that required an RT PCR test taken seven (7) days prior to travel will be permitted to enter The Bahamas with their Bahamas Health Travel Visa and negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, through November 6, 2020 only.
Effective 1 November 2020, The Bahamas will require all travelers to:
1. Obtain a COVID-19 RT PCR test five (5) days prior to arrival.
2. Apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at travel.gov.bs
3. For the duration of the visit, complete a daily online health questionnaire for symptom tracking purposes.
4. Take a COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test on Day 5 of the visit (unless departing on day 5).
5. Always wear a mask and always social distance in public places.
In addition, beginning 14 November 2020, all visitors will be required to opt-in to mandatory COVID-19 health insurance when applying for their Health Travel Visa. The insurance will cover travellers for the duration of their stay in The Bahamas.
Specifics of the new protocols are as follows:
Prior to Travel:
1. COVID-19 RT-PCR Test
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- All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival.
- The name and address of the lab, where the test was performed, must be clearly displayed on the test result.
- All persons travelling to The Bahamas must obtain a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR (swab) test taken no more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival.
- Exemptions:
- Children age ten (10) and under.
- Pilots and crew of commercial airlines who remain overnight in The Bahamas.
2. Bahamas Health Travel Visa
- Once in possession of a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result, apply for a Bahamas Health Travel Visa at TRAVEL.GOV.BS
- Click on the International Tab and upload test results and other required documents.
- Fees for the Bahamas Health Travel Visa, inclusive of Day 5 Rapid Antigen Test and mandatory health insurance, are as follows:
- $40 – Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.
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- $40 – Citizens and returning residents.
- $60 – Visitors staying more than four nights.
- Free – Children 10 years and under
Upon Arrival
1. Comply with Monitoring Protocols:
- Any visitor who exhibits COVID symptoms at any time during their stay will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test and receive a negative result before being permitted to continue with their vacation.
- If a person tests positive they will be required to follow up with a COVID-19 RT-PCR swab test.
2. Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Testing (if applicable):
- All persons who are staying in The Bahamas longer than four nights/five days will be required to take a rapid COVID-19 antigen test.
- All visitors departing on or before five days will not be required to obtain this test.
- The rapid tests are easy, quick and will yield results in 60 minutes or less with results being provided electronically via SMS text message and email.
- Hotel properties will provide relevant information on testing arrangements, while others will facilitate the required rapid test for their guests.
- All persons on yachts and other pleasure craft will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
- All other visitors, returning residents and citizens will be able to make arrangements for their required rapid tests at the port of entry or via the relevant website.
Notwithstanding any health restrictions that may be implemented from time to time, all travelers abiding by these new protocols will be permitted to move about and explore the beauty and vibrant culture of The Bahamas beyond the confines of their hotel or other accommodations.
The Bahamas is an archipelago with more than 700 islands and cays, spread over 100,000 square miles, which means conditions and instances of the virus can be different on each of the 16 islands available to welcome visitors. Travelers should check the status of their island destination before travelling by visiting Bahamas.com/travelupdates, where they can also review entry requirements applicable to each member of their party before booking a trip.
The Bahamas has remained diligent in its efforts to minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the islands, and these measures are imperative to ensure that remains the case. The health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors remain the number one priority of public health officials. It is important to note, however, that due to fluidity of the COVID-19 situation, both in The Bahamas and worldwide, protocols are subject to change.
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PRESS INQUIRIES
Anita Johnson-Patty
General Manager, Global Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation
Weber Shandwick
Public Relations
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- $40 – Visitors staying up to four nights and five days.
On behalf of our team here at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), I want to share important information regarding our airport’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
As passengers, employees, tenants and partners at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), your safety is always our first priority. Our comprehensive emergency response plan is currently activated and involves input from all primary stakeholders.
From the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak, we have been in direct contact with the Bahamas Ministry of Health, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, Bahamas Immigration, Bahamas Customs and other local agencies to ensure that our response takes into consideration the entire airport community.
Throughout our terminal buildings, we have placed additional hand sanitizing stations. Our cleaning technicians have also ramped up their activities in terminal, increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting flat surfaces, handrails and door handles. Arriving passengers will also notice that Bahamas Immigration has discontinued self-service kiosks and are now screening individual passengers to determine their specific travel history prior to arriving at LPIA.
To date, there are three confirmed cases (edited March 20, 2020) of COVID-19 in The Bahamas. We recognize that this situation is evolving and we will be updating our website and social media platforms with any new developments impacting our airport community.
I would also like to encourage you to continue to follow the Bahamas Ministry of Health at https://www.facebook.com/MOHBahamas/ for the latest information on the country’s overall approach to managing the threat of coronavirus.
You can find the latest coronavirus information as it relates to travel to and from LPIA on our website https://nassaulpia.com/lpia-coronavirus-updates or follow us @nassau_lpia on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
We look forward to serving you at LPIA now and into the future. Our commitment is to continue to work with our partners to the safety and well being of our entire airport community.
Sincerely,
Vernice Walkine, President and CEO,
Nassau Airport Development Company Limited