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
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.
โ Back to Mangrove Cay Airport