Lynden Pindling Airport (NAS) Eyes New U.S. Markets to Boost Bahamas Tourism

Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) is set to expand its U.S. connectivity by targeting several key cities where there is significant untapped demand for travel to the Bahamas. In a strategic move aimed at reinforcing its position as the primary gateway to the islands, NAS leadership is considering new routes to important U.S. markets such as Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Austin, Texas; Pittsburgh; Nashville, Tennessee; New Orleans; St. Louis; Minneapolis; and Cleveland. This initiative is expected to not only boost tourism but also foster stronger economic ties between the Bahamas and the United States.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming Routes Americas 2025 event, scheduled to take place in Nassau and Paradise Island from February 10-12, Nassau Airport Development Company President and CEO Vernice Walkine highlighted the immense potential of the U.S. market. “The U.S. remains our primary source market, and we see tremendous potential in these cities to expand air service and capture new demand,” Walkine told Aviation Week. This new approach to market expansion underscores NAS’s commitment to meeting the evolving travel needs of both leisure and business passengers.

NAS is also actively exploring opportunities beyond the U.S. As the airport currently operates service to Panama, there is a significant opportunity to build on this foundation and introduce additional routes to Latin America and Europe. This international expansion strategy is designed to cater to the growing demand from global markets and further enhance NAS’s role as a critical air transport hub in the region.

One of the key focuses of NAS’s strategy is attracting more point-to-point routes. By encouraging airlines to operate flights outside of peak hub connection hours, NAS is aiming to offer more flexible scheduling options that benefit both carriers and travelers. “As an airport, we are prepared to offer incentives for that kind of flexibility,” Walkine added, emphasizing the importance of adapting to modern travel trends and increasing route efficiency.

While NAS continues to expand its long-haul connections, the airport remains dedicated to strengthening inter-Caribbean connectivity. Regular services to Cuba, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Turks and Caicos are maintained, ensuring that the region remains well-connected. Although service to Haiti has been temporarily paused due to political instability, NAS reaffirms its commitment to re-establishing robust regional links as soon as conditions improve and demand warrants renewed service.

NAS’s comprehensive approach to air service development is centered on collaboration with airlines to identify and respond to emerging travel demands. “Our approach to air service development involves working closely with airlines to identify and respond to demand. This ensures that we not only meet current travel needs, but also position the Bahamas for long-term success,” Walkine explained. This collaborative model is designed to deliver sustainable growth in passenger traffic and contribute to the broader economic development of the Bahamas.

Reflecting on recent performance, NAS recorded a new milestone during its 2024 financial year, with passenger volumes reaching 4.06 million. Although fiscal 2025 may not surpass these historic levels, the airport did see a 2.3% increase in calendar year 2024 passenger numbers, totaling 4.026 million. These impressive figures further reinforce NAS’s strategic importance and its readiness to embrace new opportunities for connectivity and growth.

By targeting untapped U.S. markets and exploring new international routes, Lynden Pindling International Airport is poised to strengthen its position as the main gateway to the Bahamas, ensuring a brighter, more connected future for the islands.

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