The Bahamas’ Leonard M. Thompson International Airport, one of the two aviation gateways on Hurricane Dorian-ravaged Abaco Island to supply fuel, reopened last week to international operations. Known colloquially as Marsh Harbor Airport, the facility, along with its 5,000-foot runway, suffered damage to its terminal, which serves both commercial and private operations. The primary issue, however, was rebuilding the perimeter fencing that was destroyed and replacing baggage screening equipment in order to meet U.S. TSA requirements, according to Algernon Cargill, the Bahamas director of aviation.
Abaco’s Treasure Cay Airport, which was popular with private jet operators for its 6,900-foot runway, has remained closed to international operations since the August storm, and the government noted it plans to make the airport, which previously had limited commercial service, into a dedicated GA airport. It is looking to select an FBO services provider to rebuild the devastated airport and take over operations on a lease and revenue-sharing basis. Cargill told AIN he has had discussions with interested parties, but there is no timeline as to when a deal might be reached.
Privately owned Grand Bahama International Airport also recently reopened. The airport, which was inundated with water, had its commercial terminal destroyed. All flight operations there have since shifted to the FBO building, which survived the storm relatively intact. Private aviation traffic continues to be processed there as well.