American Airlines will suspend flights from Miami to Freeport, Bahamas for two months beginning September 4 to October 6, as officials evaluate capacity growth plans for 2024.
The airline has decided to suspend its flights from Miami to Grand Bahama during this period saying the action is part of a review process.
Laura Masvidal, AA’s International Communications spokesperson says the airline remains committed to their operation on the island “We are committed to our Bahamas operation, where we are currently operating more than 20 daily flights to six destinations in The Bahamas.”
Masvidal said that inbound flights will resume on October 7.
Grand Bahama is not the only island that will be impacted by the temporary suspension. Flights to Eleuthera and Abaco will also be suspended.
She emphasized that the suspension is unrelated to Hurricane Dorian or any other factors, and is solely due to American Airlines’ capacity adjustments for 2024.
AA’s decision, however, is not expected to put a dent in airlift to the island during that time, as BahamasAir will increase capacity on its Freeport to Ft. Lauderdale route, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper said.
Cooper said, “The move is to ensure continued airlift into the island from the Florida market, following a decision by American Airlines to briefly suspend its Miami-Freeport service during that same period.”
When AA resumes its service the first week in October, it will operate daily flights.
“Later they will ramp up the Miami-Freeport offerings to twice daily service in November, which will be a big boost to fall travel. Additionally, the airline will offer a Saturday service between Charlotte and Freeport,” Cooper revealed.
Beginning late August travelers can look forward to a fresh inaugural service offered by Western Air, connecting Fort Lauderdale and Freeport. This new route aims to meet the increasing demand for travel to South Florida by both local residents and visitors.
According to Cooper, prioritizing increasing airlift into Grand Bahama, shows the ministry’s commitment to the community and product partners.
