The Ministry of Transport and Aviation announced on Friday that the final stage of the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) expansion project is near completion.

Minister of Transport and Aviation, Glenys Hanna-Martin, during the Last Beam/Topping off Ceremony held at the Stage three
Construction Site of the LPIA, said the project signals the end of the first step in transforming the country’s major gateway.

“Today we are just months away from the completion of a vision that started some years back. This third and final stage of the Airport Expansion Project is significant because it signals that all three travel categories services by LPIA (US terminal, international and domestic tourists) will have facilities that are world class,” she said.

This final of three phases is expected to be complete within the year 2013 and is estimated to cost around $409 million.
The project, which was aimed at delivering a modern, efficient and culturally reflective airport experience, is expected to be 571,000 square feet, with an additional 1 million square feet of aircraft operating service and the ability to handle 5 million passengers annually once it is complete.

Minister Hanna-Martin praised NAD officials and the construction team as well as the Bahamian construction workers whom she said are tweaking and making adjustments to the final stage based on real world experiences.

The minister acknowledged how positively the new facilities will enhance the tourism product in The Bahamas and how even Bahamians will be able to partake in the experience whether it’s to visit family on the outer islands or simply for regattas.

“Those travelling to and from The Bahamas to international destinations in the United Kingdom, South America and the Caribbean will also enjoy the upgrades and amenities in Stage three,” she said.

“It will mark the completion of a vision; beautiful purpose built facilities which will proudly bear the name of Sir Lynden Pindling, father of the modern Bahamas,” she said.

According to the minister, the government is working along with a team of local artists to create an erect bust in Sir Lynden’s honor which will be placed in a prominent section of phase three.

Shortly before the final beam was lifted into the air for placement onto the roof of the domestic section, delegates were given the opportunity to sign it.

The delegates which included the Minister Martin, Minister of State for Transport Hope Strachan, Chairman of the Nassau Airport Development Company(NAD), Vice President of Marketing & Commercial Development and Incoming President & CEO of NAD Vernice Walkine, former Chairman of the National Airport Development Authority Frank Watson and several other government and NAD officials.