American Airlines will suspend flights from Miami to Freeport, Bahamas, for two months from September 4 to October 6 while officials review capacity expansion plans for 2024.
The airline has decided to suspend its flights from Miami to Grand Bahama during this time, saying the measure is part of a review process.
Laura Masvidal, AA’s international communications spokesperson, says the airline remains committed to its operations on the island: “We remain committed to our operations in the Bahamas, where we currently operate more than 20 daily flights to six destinations in the Bahamas.”
Masvidal said return flights would resume on October 7.
Grand Bahama is not the only island that will be affected by the temporary suspension. Flights to Eleuthera and Abaco will also be suspended.
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She stressed that the suspension was not related to Hurricane Dorian or any other factors, but was solely due to American Airlines’ capacity adjustments for 2024.
However, AA’s decision is not expected to result in a reduction in air traffic to the island during this time, as BahamasAir will increase capacity on its Freeport-Fort Lauderdale route, said Chester Cooper, the deputy prime minister and minister for tourism, investment and aviation.
Cooper said: “With this step, we want to ensure continuous air transportation from the Florida market to the island, following American Airlines’ decision to temporarily suspend its service between Miami and Freeport during the same period.”
When AA resumes service in the first week of October, daily flights will be offered.
“Later, they will expand service from Miami to Freeport to two daily flights in November, which will give a huge boost to fall travel. In addition, the airline will offer a Saturday flight between Charlotte and Freeport,” Cooper revealed.
Beginning in late August, travelers can look forward to a new inaugural service from Western Air connecting Fort Lauderdale and Freeport. This new route is designed to meet the increasing demand for travel to South Florida from both locals and visitors.
Cooper said prioritizing the expansion of air transportation to Grand Bahama demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to the community and product partners.
