โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ Connection Tips
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.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
South Bimini International Airport (BIM) is the primary aviation gateway to the Bimini islands in the Bahamas, currently undergoing a transformative US$80 million redevelopment project. Managed by Bimini Airport Development Partners under a long-term concession that began in 2024, the airport is transitioning from a modest regional airstrip into a modernized international facility. This significant investment is designed to support the region's booming luxury tourism sector and will culminate in the opening of a state-of-the-art terminal building by late 2025, featuring a spacious departures lounge, expanded ticketing areas, and enhanced customs and immigration processing.
The redevelopment includes a major expansion of the aircraft apron to accommodate up to four commercial airliners simultaneously, along with significant upgrades to general aviation parking for private pilots. The facility is being equipped with advanced navigational aids, new runway lighting systems (PAPI), and modernized safety infrastructure to enable more consistent international operations. These improvements have already attracted major carriers, with American Airlines scheduled to launch new nonstop service from Miami (MIA) in early 2026, supplementing the existing regional links provided by Silver Airways and Western Air.
Amenities within the new terminal will include a welcoming central courtyard with diverse concession options, retail boutiques, and premium seating areas. While construction is underway, travelers should expect a functional but basic experience in the temporary facilities, focusing on essential services like baggage reclaim and on-site car rentals. A unique aspect of the BIM experience is its location on South Bimini; upon arrival, most travelers take a short and scenic five-minute ferry ride across the channel to reach the resorts, marinas, and beaches of North Bimini. The airport's modernization is expected to solidify its role as a premier Caribbean gateway for world-class fishing, diving, and marine research.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through South Bimini Airport (BIM) is a unique experience that combines standard aviation logistics with a scenic island transfer. As of early 2026, the airport is undergoing a transformative $80 million redevelopment, featuring a modern terminal building and upgraded airfield infrastructure. A landmark development for the region is the launch of American Airlinesโ nonstop service from Miami (MIA) in February 2026, complementing existing regional links from Nassau (NAS) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) provided by Western Air and Silver Airways.
A critical tip for travelers arriving at BIM is to plan for the multi-stage connection to North Bimini, where most major resorts are located. Upon clearing Bahamian customs and immigration, you must take a short five-minute taxi ride to the South Bimini ferry dock. From there, a government-regulated water taxi or a private resort shuttle will transport you across the channel to Alice Town in approximately ten minutes. For a stress-free connection, it is advisable to allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for this entire land-and-sea transfer, especially during peak afternoon arrival windows.
If you are connecting to an international flight in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, ensure you have your return ticket and valid passport ready for inspection before departing BIM. For those who prefer a more direct route, Tropic Ocean Airways offers seaplane services directly to the North Bimini Seaplane Base (NSB), bypassing the South Bimini transfer entirely. Within the BIM terminal, construction is ongoing through late 2025, so facilities remain functional but basic. Travelers should ensure their electronic devices are charged and carry essential supplies, as the new terminalโs extensive concession areas and retail boutiques are still being finalized.
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