BY CLEMIA NEELY
Journal Staff Writer

The construction of a new airport terminal in North Eleuthera has been a sore point
for residents of that part of the island for years. At this year’s Eleuthera Business
Outlook, Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation, Hon. Chester Cooper, said that
his ministry is undertaking comprehensive plans to modernize the three of
Eleuthera’s airports, especially North Eleuthera Airport.
“I’m pleased to tell you today that the North Eleuthera Airport will have a $55
million investment in its airside and landside. You would recall that we executed a
loan agreement with the Saudi Fund for Development. That loan has not been
drawn down. The money has not been spent on anything else. And despite the
masters and the forecast of doom, we’re pressing forward,” Minister Cooper stated.
He explained that there have been setbacks. “The Saudi Fund for Development,
however, has been slow and bureaucratic in its processes. In our commitment to
expediting the work, therefore, we’ve identified alternative funding in order to
expedite this project.” Minister Cooper stated.
“That funding is already in place. Island Airport Development Company, the
company that is building the Bimini Airport with impressive works ahead of
timelines, are making significant progress. We’ve invited them back to the table to
consider the redevelopment of the North Eleuthera Airport, and we have signed
agreements, and the money is in place with plenary international funds, and we
anticipate that work is going to begin shortly.”
They are expected to have some preliminary works delivered to relieve some of the
pressure at North Eleuthera Airport in the short term. Minister Cooper said. The
state-of-the-art passenger terminal is in preparation for construction in this quarter
and is expected to be completed in mid-2026.