Bimini Airport Marks Progress on $80M Terminal, Welcomes AA Miami Flight

Bahamian officials toured the ongoing construction of the new $80 million international terminal at South Bimini Airport (BIM), a project timed with the launch of American Airlines' inaugural nonstop service from Miami International Airport (MIA) on February 14, 2026.

Project Scope and New Air Service

The development is a key component of The Bahamas' national strategy to enhance its Family Islands' infrastructure and boost tourism through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The new terminal and direct U.S. air link are expected to significantly increase visitor capacity and improve the travel experience. The airport's redevelopment is managed under a 30-year concession agreement with Bimini Airport Development Partners Limited.

According to the Bahamas Government, the $80 million investment is structured in two phases. Phase one involves a $30 million expenditure on airside upgrades and initial terminal improvements, while phase two allocates $50 million for the construction of the new passenger terminal building and a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) facility for private aviation.

Coinciding with the construction progress, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper, welcomed the inaugural American Airlines flight from Miami. The service, which is the only nonstop route from the U.S. to the island, operates three times weekly. According to Miami Airport data, the route is flown using an Embraer 175 aircraft. Covering a distance of approximately 64 miles, it is now American Airlines' shortest scheduled route. Bimini is the carrier's seventh destination in The Bahamas.

Broader Aviation Context

This project is part of the Bahamian government's broader "Family Islands Renaissance Project," which aims to modernize airports on its outer islands. The new route also reflects a wider industry trend of increasing Caribbean connectivity to meet growing tourism demand. American Airlines is expanding its footprint in the region, with plans to operate approximately 35 daily flights to The Bahamas this summer, as reported by ZNS BAHAMAS.

Construction on the new international terminal at South Bimini Airport is scheduled for completion in mid-2026. The full project details are outlined in the official announcement from the Government of The Bahamas.

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