NASSAU, The Bahamas, Oct. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) in Nassau officially opened its new terminal for domestic flights and international departures on Wednesday, Oct. 23, marking the completion of a four-year, $409 million redevelopment of The Bahamas' largest airport. The new 606,000 sq. ft. LPIA is capable of accommodating 50 percent more passengers (more than 5 million each year), who can now enjoy 24 retail locations and 16 restaurants, bars and lounges. Outside, the additional one million sq. ft. of aircraft operating surface has the capacity for large aircraft, including the A380 jumbo airliner.
Committed to delivering a safe, enjoyable and efficient airport experience, officials of the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) designed the new airport with 10 aircraft bridges and 30 aircraft ground loading positions that can accommodate up to 12 U.S. aircraft (compared to five previously) plus positions for international aircraft. Travelers will also appreciate a state-of-the-art baggage delivery system and the sophisticated, energy-efficient terminals that maximize natural light and incorporate generous roof overhangs for natural shading and cooling.
"The Bahamas has consistently welcomed a record number of visitors in recent years but we do not rest on our laurels and will continue to be aggressive in attracting visitors to our islands," commented The Honorable Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism for The Bahamas. "Tourism generates 75 percent of the GDP, and the new LPIA is a very tangible symbol of our vision for Nassau and our commitment to delivering an exceptional visitor experience, from the time of arrival to departure."
The first stage of the redevelopment, the newly constructed U.S. Departures Terminal, opened in March 2011 on time and under budget, followed by the opening of the International Arrivals Terminal in October 2012. Welcoming its first passengers today, the new terminal will primarily serve Bahamian residents traveling to and from the many islands of The Bahamas for business and leisure. It will also serve other visitors traveling between Nassau and The Out Islands, and Canadian, British and other foreign nationals departing Nassau for destinations outside the U.S. Two can fly free from Nassau to participating Out Island hotels with the purchase of air-inclusive travel packages of four or more nights. The offer is good for bookings made through June 30, 2014 at www.myoutislands.com.
The Islands Of The Bahamas have a place in the sun for everyone from Nassau and Paradise Island to Grand Bahama to The Abaco Islands, The Exuma Islands, Harbour Island, Long Island and others. Each island has its own personality and attractions for a variety of vacation styles with some of the world's best scuba diving, fishing, sailing, boating, as well as, shopping and dining. The destination offers an easily accessible tropical getaway and provides convenience for travelers with preclearance through U.S. customs and immigration, and the Bahamian dollar at par with the U.S. dollar. Do everything or do nothing, just remember It's Better in The Bahamas. For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Look for The Bahamas on the web on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Media Contact:
Jeannie Gibson
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
(954) 236-9292
[email protected]
SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
