By Fay Simmons

Tribune Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

Western Air yesterday resumed scheduled flights to Cat Island’s New Bight airport after temporary repairs were made to the previously “hazardous” runway.

The Bahamian carrier, in a statement, said consumers affected by flight cancellations between last Thursday and yesterday will receive “alternative flight arrangements”.

“The runway at New Bight, Cat Island airport has undergone temporary repairs, and regular flight service will resume on Monday, July 1, 2024,” said Western Air.

“The temporary fixes are expected to support ongoing flight operations until a permanent solution for the runway is implemented. Affected passengers of the temporary pause are being assisted with alternative flight arrangements.”

Western Air announced on Thursday that flights to New Bight airport were suspended due to the “hazardous state” of a runway that has previously damaged aircraft and prevented a scheduled take-off.

Over the weekend, it was revealed that representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB) and the Airport Authority conducted a site visit to the airport to assess the ongoing renovations.

Dr Kenneth Romer, the Government’s director of aviation, confirmed work began at the airport on Friday to address the issues raised by Western Air.

The airline earlier said New Bight’s runway had “deteriorated” to such an extent that it was no longer safe for jet aircraft because multiple pieces of broken asphalt were in danger of being “ingested” by their engines.

Western Air’s decision to suspend flights to Cat Island came amid a planned $18m overhaul of New Bight’s airport that includes runway upgrades. The decision to suspend flights to New Bight, and the concerns over Andros runways, highlight why the Government is urgently moving to upgrade, overhaul and transform airports throughout The Bahamas using private capital and partners. It simply does not have the means to finance itself the $263m needs of just 14 of the 29 airports it holds via the Airport Authority.

Dr Romer in May 2023 pledged that Cat Island was “going to get the whole hog” when it comes to airport, roads and utilities upgrades and investments. He added that the New Bight International Airport’s runway will be moved further south and extended in an $18m overhaul as part of the 14 Family Island airport private-public partnerships (PPPs).

Revealing that the proposed 12,000 square foot terminal facility will also get a new control tower, fire station and maintenance facilities, as well as a 102-space parking lot, he reiterated previous assertions that New Bight will become “the regional model and trend setter when it comes to sustainable airports”.

Dr Romer said: “Cat Island, you’re going to get, like mama says, you’re going to get the whole hog in Cat Island. It’s coming sooner rather than later. As we like to say in The Bahamas, it’s coming soon directly...... It’s for the future generations. Cat Island, for a long time, has been crying for airport infrastructure in Arthur’s Town and New Bight.”

However, he also acknowledged the poor condition of the existing runway. “We landed yesterday and I prayed for the plane,” Dr Romer revealed, adding that the improvements to both airports will address “the risk of breaking up those planes every time they land”.