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.
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. 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. For travelers connecting at ZSA, the process is straightforward due to the integrated terminal layout. If you are arriving on an international charter, expect to clear Bahamas Customs and Immigration, which generally takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Domestic-to-domestic transfers are immediate, as all services are housed within the same small hall.
Security at San Salvador follows standard Bahamian aviation protocols. While queues are usually short, they can lengthen significantly during the arrival or departure of large wide-body charter flights. It is advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic departure and 2 hours for an international flight. 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.
Ground transportation is located just outside the terminal exit. Taxis are the primary mode of transit to local hotels and resorts, including the prominent Club Med Columbus Isle. As there are no on-demand ride-sharing services on the island, pre-arranging your transfer through your accommodation is highly recommended. Terminal amenities are minimalist, offering basic seating and a few small kiosks. Always confirm your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport.
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 San Salvador Airport