It doesn’t appear that the national flag carrier will return to Bimini even as complaints from locals continue about reportedly getting sub-par service from two other local airlines, according to Member of Parliament for West End and Bimini Obie Wilchcombe.
Western Air and Sky Bahamas currently service the route, but some locals are reporting that the airlines are constantly late and are unreliable.
In fact, last week, there were a number of flights to New Providence that were delayed for hours in some cases.
While he could not give a definitive answer, Mr. Wilchcombe, who is also Minister of Tourism, said the decision will all depend on traffic.
“Our concern is for domestic traffic, but also more international traffic,” Mr. Wilchcombe said after addressing a recent meeting of the Bahamas Out Island Promotions Board (BOIPB).
Bimini, he said, has been showing a return rate of 79 per cent, which he said is one of the highest in the country.
According to the tourism minister, Bimini is perhaps one of the only islands in the country where all the major hotels are open.
“There is great employment in Bimini. What we have been able also to do is dredge the harbour and cause for more people to come to the island. So there is a lot of leisure business. Bimini is doing exceptionally well,” he said.
According to the minister, a ferry is currently being built in Bimini and said ferry service should begin very soon.
Additionally, Mr. Wilchcombe said, the government has had discussions with numerous airlines about coming to Bimini to service the island.
“I can’t announce anything yet, but we hope to be able to do so soon,” he said.
“Bimini will not only have the service of Western Air and Sky Bahamas, it will also have the service of international carriers and also a return of sea planes.
“Bimini, I believe, is one of those islands of The Bahamas that can be self-sustainable if allowed to. You will also see a lot more Biminites working.
“It will in fact be the island that is the gateway to The Bahamas. More airlift will come.”
