โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Mangrove Cay Airport (MAY), also known as Clarence A. Bain Airport, is one of the small but important airports serving Andros in the Bahamas, an island chain where domestic flying is often more practical than road-and-boat combinations. The airport's main significance lies in access to central Andros fishing lodges, island communities, and eco-tourism areas rather than in passenger volume. It is the kind of airport where the runway and location matter far more than the size of the terminal building.
The terminal is correspondingly light and informal. Travelers should expect a small regional-airport setup with basic check-in and waiting space, quick movement from aircraft to curb, and only minimal passenger services. Airports like MAY are built around short domestic hops and private or lodge-linked arrivals, so the emphasis is on practical turnover instead of retail or lounge comforts. The atmosphere is relaxed and unmistakably island-based, with most passengers heading straight into pre-arranged local transport.
What makes MAY distinctive is its role as a gateway to Andros's flats fishing and creek systems. Many arriving travelers are going directly to bonefishing lodges or remote accommodation rather than to a large town center, and that shapes the whole airport experience. The terminal therefore feels less like a destination in itself and more like a fast handoff point into one of the Bahamas' most nature-oriented islands.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting to and from Mangrove Cay (MAY) primarily involves short regional hops from Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau. For those arriving via private charter, the process is even faster, as you can bypass the main commercial terminal in Nassau. Taxis are the primary way to explore the island and reach the ferry dock at Moxey Town, which connects Mangrove Cay to the southern part of Andros Island across the Middle Bight. Always verify your flight status with your carrier, as regional schedules in the Bahamas are often subject to adjustments based on weather conditions.
Carriers like Flamingo Air and LeAir operate daily scheduled flights that take approximately 20 minutes; these are the most reliable links to the main island of Andros. Ground transportation on Mangrove Cay is largely handled by local independent taxi drivers who meet scheduled arrivals. When traveling by road, always allow extra time to enjoy the scenic vistas along the Queen's Highway.
If you are arriving on an international flight at NAS, ensure you allow at least 2.5 hours for immigration, baggage collection, and a terminal transfer to the domestic wing for your flight to MAY. Most of the island's major fishing lodges provide pre-arranged complimentary airport pickups for their guests, so always coordinate your arrival with your host in advance. Be prepared with Bahamian Dollars (BSD) or US Dollars (USD) for taxi fares and local expenses, as credit cards are not widely accepted outside the major lodges.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Arthur's Town Airport (ATC) serves as a primary aviation gateway for the northern region of Cat Island in the Bahamas. The airport features a small, functional terminal building that embodies the relaxed charm of the Out Islands, managing domestic scheduled flights and private charters. Recently, the facility has undergone significant improvements, including a repaved 7,034-foot runway, which is one of the longest in the southern Bahamas, allowing it to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft and private jets.
Inside the terminal, facilities are modest but provide essential comfort for arriving and departing travelers. There is a simple sheltered waiting area with seating and basic restroom facilities. While the airport does not offer extensive retail shops or duty-free options, a small cafe or snack kiosk is typically available, offering light refreshments and cold drinks. The environment is straightforward, and the absence of jet bridges means that passengers walk directly across the tarmac to their aircraft, often enjoying panoramic views of the island's lush landscape.
Security and operational procedures at Arthur's Town are managed by the Bahamas Department of Civil Aviation, with manual baggage handling and standard passenger identification checks. The airfield serves as a vital link for the local community and the island's boutique resorts, providing a much faster alternative to the mail boat services from Nassau. The terminal provides a centralized and secure meeting point for guests transitioning to the island's pristine beaches and historic sites, including the childhood home of Sidney Poitier located nearby.
๐ Connection Tips
Arthur's Town Airport (ATC) is the essential arrival point for northern Cat Island. For travelers, 'connecting' at ATC involves a domestic flight from Nassau (NAS) followed by a transition to local ground transportation. Most commercial traffic is operated by Western Air or Southern Air. If arriving from an international hub, you must clear Bahamian customs in Nassau before proceeding to the domestic terminal for your 45-minute flight to Cat Island.
Ground transportation to the resorts is primarily managed by local taxis. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
Taxis typically meet scheduled flights, but it is highly recommended to pre-arrange your transfer with your hotel, as on-demand availability can be limited. The drive to central Arthur's Town is short, while coastal resort transfers take 15 to 30 minutes. For explorers, a few local agencies offer car rentals, though these should be booked well in advance to ensure a vehicle is waiting upon landing. Travelers should be aware that the terminal provides only basic amenities and lacks Wi-Fi or ATMs.
It is essential to carry sufficient Bahamian Dollars (BSD) in cash for taxi fares and small purchases, as credit card acceptance is non-existent at the airfield. For departures, aim to arrive 60 to 90 minutes early for manual baggage processing. Always maintain contact with your carrier for real-time updates, as flights in the Out Islands can occasionally be subject to weather adjustments. For missed connections, the airline counters in the main lobby are the primary contact point for assistance.
โ Back to Mangrove Cay Airport