– Advertisement –
The Bahamas government says it is making steady progress with its Family Island Airport Renaissance Project. The goal is to upgrade airports across the islands to support aviation, tourism, and local economies outside New Providence.
On Friday, November 21, 2025, officials called it “another gold-letter day for Long Islanders!” They held a press conference to sign the contract for the new Long Island International Airport Terminal at Deadman’s Cay. The project will cost about $10 million, and the event took place at the Office of the Prime Minister.
Those present included Prime Minister Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Minister of Works Clay Sweeting, senior aviation officials, and Robert Wells of Presur Construction Limited.
This was the third major contract this year for Long Island. Officials said the project shows what can happen when investment is intentional and focused on local communities. The new terminal is also meant to end years of doubt among residents about whether they would ever see a modern airport.
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said the new airport will improve airlift, help Bahamasair restore service, and support interest in attractions such as Dean’s Blue Hole and other historic sites.
The prime minister noted that Long Island’s economy has been growing faster than the current airport. Foreign air arrivals are now 26 percent higher than in 2019. He said the airport is part of a national effort to build modern gateways across the islands and to ensure development reaches every community.
The Minister of Works explained that the project went through a competitive tender in 2021, followed by a full review and redesign. The redesign produced a more efficient, low-maintenance, modern concept that saves money while meeting all operational needs.
Presur Construction Limited will build the terminal for $10,939,035, including VAT. Construction will begin almost immediately and is expected to take 18 months. The government aims to hire as many Long Island residents as possible.
The building will include key government services such as Customs, Immigration, and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. It will improve travel for visitors and residents and make operations on the island more coordinated.
The 10,000-square-foot terminal will have separate areas for international arrivals and domestic departures. It will include four airline counters, airline offices, a covered departure gate, and a lounge with seats for 115 passengers.
The runway will be extended to 6,500 feet, raised in elevation, and cleared of nearby hills for safer approaches. These upgrades will allow larger aircraft, including 737s, to land reliably throughout the year.
The entire terminal will also be elevated, with modern drainage to fix long-standing flooding problems at Deadman’s Cay.
“These are the kinds of upgrades that bring a sense of pride,” the prime minister said, noting that they send a positive message to residents and visitors.
Source: Bahamas GIS.
– Advertisement –