โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Refer to airport website for terminal details.
๐ Connection Tips
New Bight Airport serves as the primary gateway to Cat Island's pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and authentic Bahamian culture, operating as a government-owned airport of entry with customs and immigration services available daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The facility supports the island's growing tourism industry through scheduled services by Bahamasair and Southern Air connecting to Nassau, with typical flight times of 30-40 minutes, plus direct international service from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport via Makers Air offering two-hour flights that include customs processing. The airport's single 5,049-foot asphalt runway has been recently repaved in the center section and operates from sunrise to sunset without control tower services, requiring pilots to coordinate arrivals and departures through standard uncontrolled airport procedures. Ground transportation requires advance planning, with car rental services available through local providers including Shaquile at Alvernia Food Store, Berto at New Bight Food Store, and Ethera at the New Bight Gas Station, all of whom provide airport pickup services to accommodate arriving passengers. Visitors should note that Cat Island follows left-hand driving rules and road conditions vary significantly due to ongoing repaving construction projects throughout the island, making rental vehicle arrangements essential for exploring attractions beyond the immediate airport area. The airport provides convenient access to Cat Island's premier attractions including Mount Alvernia (the highest point in the Bahamas), the famous Stations of the Cross hand-carved by Father Jerome, the Regatta Site Fish Fry with traditional Bahamian restaurants, and the renowned Da Pink Chicken beach bar. Weather considerations include tropical storm activity during hurricane season from June through November, when flight schedules may experience delays or cancellations, and outdoor boarding conditions under intense Caribbean sun requiring appropriate sun protection and hydration for passenger comfort.
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 New Bight Airport