๐ง๐ธ Colonel Hill, Bahamas
Colonel Hill Airport (CRI/MYCI) is a vital regional aviation facility located on Crooked Island in the southeastern Bahamas, serving the community of Colonel Hill and the surrounding islands. As a primary air link for this remote and tranquil part of the archipelago, the airport provides essential transportation for local residents, government services, and international tourists visiting for world-class bonefishing and birdwatching. It primarily facilitates scheduled domestic flights that connect Crooked Island with the national capital, Nassau, often operated by the national carrier, Bahamasair. The terminal infrastructure at Colonel Hill is a basic and functional structure designed to manage the modest regional passenger volume with Bahamian island hospitality. Inside, travelers will find a unified departures and arrivals hall, which includes basic check-in counters and a sheltered waiting area with seating. Amenities at CRI are focused on the essentials, such as clean restroom facilities and general information signage about the island's unique natural history and the historic Crooked Island Lighthouse. Due to its remote location and smaller scale, there are no extensive retail shops or diverse dining options available on-site, so visitors are encouraged to make any necessary food or supply purchases in the settlement of Colonel Hill before their flight. Operational capacity at Colonel Hill Airport is supported by a single paved runway measuring approximately 1,200 meters in length, which is designed to support various light general aviation aircraft and regional turboprops. Navigation through the terminal is exceptionally easy due to its compact and logical layout. For ground transportation, the airport is located within a few kilometers of the main settlement, with private vehicle transfers and local transport options readily available to transport visitors to their final destination or local fishing lodges. Travelers should be mindful of the tropical climate, which can occasionally impact flight schedules during the Atlantic hurricane season.
Connecting through Colonel Hill Airport (CRI) on Crooked Island requires meticulous planning due to the infrequent nature of scheduled aviation in the southeastern Bahamas. Bahamasair serves as the primary carrier, typically operating twice-weekly flights from Nassau (NAS) on Wednesdays and Saturdays. These flights often include a brief intermediate stop at Spring Point (AXP) on neighboring Acklins Island, so always verify your final destination when boarding. Because seats are limited and these flights are the island's main lifeline, it is highly recommended to book your tickets several weeks in advance. Upon arrival, travelers should be aware that there is no permanent taxi stand at the airport; instead, you must coordinate ground transportation with your local host or fishing lodge at least 24 hours before landing. A typical transfer to the major lodges on the northern tip of the island can take approximately 40 minutes. For those wishing to travel between Crooked Island and Acklins, a small on-demand boat ferry operates across the narrow channel known as 'The Ferry.' For a more budget-conscious but significantly longer 'connection,' the weekly mailboat service from Nassau, such as the MV United Star, offers a 29-hour journey to Cove Point, though this is primarily utilized for freight. Given the remote nature of the settlement, private charters from Nassau or Florida are a common alternative for travelers whose schedules do not align with the national carrier. For your return journey, arrive at the terminal at least 90 minutes to two hours before departure to allow for manual check-in processes. Always confirm your flight status before heading to the airport, as weather conditions in the Caribbean can occasionally lead to schedule adjustments.
Check terminal and airline baggage transfer rules, especially on separate tickets.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources