The Tribune

LYNDEN Pindling International Airport's (LPIA) operator is predicting the busiest Easter weekend on record, officials said yesterday.

"People in Canada and the US, who have suffered through a season of what felt like never-ending northeasters, are just plain weary and worn down by the weather. The appeal of the Bahamas, where they can bask under a shining sun and escape the harsh conditions is so inviting, trading the white of mounds of snow on the ground for the white of warm sand," said Vernice Walkine, the Nassau Airport Development Company's (NAD) president and chief executive.

"For us, the important takeaway is that whatever is driving the uptick we have to maintain the highest standards to ensure our customers, visitors and locals who pass through LPIA have the quality experience they deserve."

In addition to NAD's preparations to meet increased demand, airlines are adding seats. Air Canada and West Jet, both of which serve Canada and account for most of the increase in non-US international arrivals, have altered flight schedules and are flying at nearly 90 per cent capacity.

On Saturday, March 24, LPIA handled 1,014 aircraft movements, nearly double the 600 or so movements on a typical day. One of the strongest segments was private FBOs (fixed base operators), including Jet Aviation and Odyssey Aviation. Last year, the busiest travel day of the Easter holiday was the Saturday before Easter, with some 23,370 US-bound passengers flying over the five-day holiday period, Thursday through Monday.

The prediction of a record Easter weekend came just days after NAD reported the best December and January in its 11-year history, with bookings appearing strong for the coming months. Apart from the winter weather, a stronger U.S. dollar, increases in tourism marketing and the opening of Baha Mar are credited with boosting interest in The Bahamas. In one recent survey of visitors to Exuma, more than 50% said the swimming pigs led them to the destination. And Expedia released figures today showing that The Bahamas was among the top three destinations for regional travel.

Ms Walkine said travellers will benefit from preparing for the holiday rush, including arriving extra early. "We had a great Easter last year, and we are expecting an even better and busier one this year," she added.

"As such the public should be aware, and encouraged to plan and travel wisely. Arrive at least three hours ahead of their flight. That sounds like a lot of lead time, but we have created an atmosphere that makes the airport experience memorable so that it becomes an extension of the positive Bahamas vacation experience.

"We have comfortable lounges, restaurants, shopping and even outdoor patios to allow visitors to pass the time and get that last bit of sun prior to leaving. NAD and industry partners will also be hosting activities in the terminal to enhance the visitor experience."

Ms Walkine advised those picking up passengers: "Be aware of parking options, know the rules and conveniences around dropping off and collecting persons from the airport," she said.

"We encourage persons picking up from the airport to park in the short-term parking lot, and we have made this affordable at $2 for a half hour. This is far more economical and convenient than burning fuel to circle the airport while waiting for your guest or, worse, parking in prohibited areas and being towed."

The 151,454 passengers who landed at LPIA in December, and the 140,314 in January, represented the highest figures since the pre-recession holidays of 2007-2008.

December's increase was the highest in a single month, up nearly 15,000 over the second best year a decade earlier.

Preliminary results for March, with Easter falling on April 1, are even more impressive with arrivals to-date up by 24 per cent over 2017.

More than 3.3 million passengers pass through LPIA every year, with the airport serving 55 destinations via 24 airlines.