๐ง๐ธ North Cat Cay, Bahamas
Cat Cay Airport (CXY) is an exclusive private aviation facility located on North Cat Cay in the Bimini district of the Bahamas. Situated approximately 15 miles south of Bimini, the airport is owned and operated by the Cat Cay Yacht Club, one of the most prestigious and private island clubs in the Caribbean. As a private facility, the airport is not open to the general public; use of the airstrip is strictly reserved for members of the Yacht Club or those who have secured official sponsorship from a member.
The airport's infrastructure is tailored for light private aircraft and specialized charter operations. It features a single asphalt runway, designated as 13/31, which measures 2,000 feet (609 meters) in length and sits at an elevation of exactly zero feet above mean sea level. Given the runway's relatively short length, operations are typically limited to high-performance single and twin-engine aircraft, as well as specialized amphibious planes that can navigate the island's unique coastal environment.
Several boutique charter operators provide regular service to Cat Cay, most notably Tropic Ocean Airways and Fly the Whale. These operators often utilize seaplanes and turboprops to whisk members from the Florida coast directly to the island's doorstep, bypassing the more crowded international hubs. While there is no traditional commercial passenger terminal, the 'arrival experience' is centered around the Yacht Club's world-class facilities, where members receive personalized service, customs coordination, and immediate access to the island's marina and residential areas.
Facilities on the island are geared toward a luxury, low-density lifestyle. There are no on-site refueling or extensive mechanical services available for transient aircraft, and all flights must be coordinated with the club's management well in advance. The airport provides a critical link for the island's residents and visitors, ensuring that this remote and beautiful Bahamian cay remains easily accessible for those part of its exclusive community while maintaining the tranquility and security that the club is known for.
Cat Cay Airport operates exclusively for Cat Cay Yacht Club members and their sponsored guests, featuring one of the world's shortest runways at 2,000 feet (21st globally, 2nd shortest ICAO-designated). The single asphalt runway 13/31 sits at sea level on North Cat Cay, 15 miles south of Bimini, accessible only with advance permits from club management and member sponsorship or membership status. Ground transportation consists entirely of private club vehicles and golf carts, as the small private island operates as an exclusive member-only community. No commercial taxis, rental cars, or public transport exist on this private island.
All ground arrangements coordinate through the Cat Cay Yacht Club's concierge services, providing direct access to marina facilities, luxury accommodations, and private residences. Tropic Ocean Airways provides scheduled seaplane service from Fort Lauderdale Sheltair Terminal (FLL) on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, departing 1:00pm with 2:00pm return flights. Fly the Whale offers additional winter charter services. Caribbean weather patterns, including afternoon thunderstorms and seasonal hurricanes (June-November), can significantly affect seaplane operations and require flexible scheduling.
The facility serves exclusively private aviation with no refueling, mechanical services, or terminal facilities beyond yacht club amenities. Access requires membership by invitation only, making this among the most exclusive aviation destinations in the Caribbean. Emergency services coordinate through Nassau and nearby Bimini facilities, though the yacht club maintains basic medical capabilities. The pristine private island environment offers luxury marina access, fishing, and water sports exclusively for the privileged member community.
โข Check latest schedules when connecting through Cat Cay Airport.
โข Secure member sponsorship or membership status as this exclusive facility requires advance permits.
โข Master short-field landings for the 2,000-foot runway (21st shortest globally).
โข Tropic Ocean Airways runs scheduled seaplane service from Fort Lauderdale several days weekly.
โข Plan for hurricane season impacts (June-November) affecting seaplane operations and island access.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources