โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
West End Airport on Grand Bahama is a private airport tied directly to Old Bahama Bay Resort rather than a public domestic terminal. The resort's own arrival guidance says `MYGW` exists to serve Old Bahama Bay guests and residences, with pre-approved private and charter aircraft only, daytime `VFR` operations, no instrument approaches, and opening hours of `8 am to 5 pm` seven days a week.
The runway and access rules are what define this field. Old Bahama Bay describes a paved runway of about `6,500 ft`, maximum landing weight `20,000 lbs`, and no fuel, GPU, or tug service, while requiring tail-number pre-approval with airport management and Bahamas ATC before arrival. That gives WTD a very different operating profile from Freeport: it is a boutique point of entry for private aviation, not a general-purpose island terminal.
Its real terminal value is proximity. The airport sits only 56 miles from Palm Beach and is used to bring private pilots and charter guests directly into West End and Old Bahama Bay, with resort-arranged taxi transfer, on-site customs context nearby, and a resort-first operating model.
๐ Connection Tips
West End Airport serves as a private facility primarily supporting luxury tourism and charter operations on Grand Bahama Island. Weather patterns in the Bahamas can impact VFR operations, particularly during hurricane season (June-November) and afternoon thunderstorms. Ground support services are limited, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency in aircraft operations. Charter flights from Fort Lauderdale or Miami take approximately 40 minutes, offering quick access for travelers seeking to bypass crowded commercial terminals.
All aircraft require pre-approval with tail numbers submitted to West End Airport Management and Bahamas ATC before arrival. The 6,000-foot paved runway accommodates twin-engine aircraft, turboprops, and light jets with onsite Bahamian customs and immigration processing. The airport's focus on private aviation creates an exclusive atmosphere ideal for luxury tourism, fishing charters, and yacht access. The proximity to resort facilities means ground transportation is typically short drives to luxury accommodations, marinas, or fishing operations.
Landing fees are $50 per aircraft, but aviation fuel is not available, requiring aircraft to arrive with sufficient fuel for return journey. The airport serves Old Bahama Bay Resort and nearby luxury accommodations, located just 55 miles from Palm Beach, Florida. Operations are restricted to daytime VFR only (8 AM to 5 PM, seven days a week) with no instrument approaches or night operations permitted.
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 West End Airport