The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The Government’s top aviation official says US regulators are expected to clear Grand Bahama International Airport to receive international flights following an inspection today.

Algernon Cargill, pictured, director of aviation, told Tribune Business: “The Abaco airport was cleared by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and has reopened. The Grand Bahama airport will be cleared on Monday.

“When the TSA comes on Monday we expect to have the airport ready to be reopened. As a matter of fact, Sunwing will have their first flight coming in from Canada on this Saturday.” The government had been hoping Grand Bahama would receive clearance from the TSA last Tuesday, and be able to reopen to international flights on the Wednesday, but this has seemingly not happened.

The delays have occurred as the government gives serious thought to nationalising the airport through its purchase from current owners, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Hutchison Whampoa.

Gregory Laroda, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce president, and others have called for the government to step in and buy the airport due to the duo’s failure to begin repairs to the airport.

Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, said: “They (Hutchison) have not demonstrated an effort to rebuild that airport to where it was before and they seem somewhat reluctant, so the government is considering its options.”

Ian Rolle, the GBPA’s president, said while confirming these negotiations: “I know my shareholders would entertain anything in the best interest of Freeport.”

There has been no estimated price tag given by either side on the cost of the airport, but Mr D’Aguilar estimated it will likely take anywhere between $20m to $40m to rebuild the airport terminal and surrounding facilities.