โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
105
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
San Salvador Airport (ZSA), also known as Cockburn Town Airport, is a regional aviation facility on San Salvador Island in the Bahamas. The airport is the island's only air entry point, so it matters to almost every visitor who is not arriving by boat.
Featuring a single 8,000-foot asphalt runway (10/28) and a compact passenger terminal, the airport handles daily domestic services to Nassau and seasonal international charters from North America and Europe.
It serves as the primary entry point for resort guests and divers, providing essential connectivity for this geographically distinct part of the archipelago.
๐ Connection Tips
San Salvador Airport (ZSA), also known as Cockburn Town Airport, is a regional gateway in the Bahamas, primarily serving tourists visiting San Salvador Island. Ground transportation is located just outside the terminal exit. Domestic-to-domestic transfers are immediate, as all services are housed within the same small hall. Always confirm your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport. For those connecting to a separate ticket in Nassau (NAS), ensure you allow a generous buffer, as regional flight schedules can be impacted by local weather.
If you are arriving on an international charter, expect to clear Bahamas Customs and Immigration, which generally takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Terminal amenities are minimalist, offering basic seating and a few small kiosks. It is advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic departure and 2 hours for an international flight. For travelers connecting at ZSA, the process is straightforward due to the integrated terminal layout. As there are no on-demand ride-sharing services on the island, pre-arranging your transfer through your accommodation is highly recommended.
While queues are usually short, they can lengthen significantly during the arrival or departure of large wide-body charter flights. The airport operates through a single, compact terminal that handles both domestic inter-island flightsโtypically via Bahamasair to Nassauโand seasonal international charters from cities like Miami, Montreal, and Paris. Taxis are the primary mode of transit to local hotels and resorts, including the prominent Club Med Columbus Isle. Security at San Salvador follows standard Bahamian aviation protocols.
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 San Salvador Airport