Lynden Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA) operator yesterday disclosed it is expecting a slight increase in Easter weekend traveller volumes to between 80,000-85,000 persons as it prepares to mark its 19th year of operations.

Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), in a statement, recalled that since taking over LPIA on April 1, 2007, itself and its management partner, Vantage Group (formerly YVRAS), executed the completion of a $409m airport redevelopment that was completed by 2013.

And, through partnerships with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and NAD, LPIA has enjoyed record passenger growth, which first peaked at 3.99m in 2019 before hitting a new high of 4.06m in 2024 following recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airport officials said that, for the peak Easter holiday weekend, they anticipate between 80,000-85,000 passengers will travel through LPIA between Thursday, April 2, and Easter Monday, April 6. This forecast, if hit will slightly exceed the 79,222 passengers processed during last year’s Easter weekend. Aircraft movements are also expected to remain strong following the 2,658 recorded last year.

Vernice Walkine, NAD’s president and chief executive, says the airport operator’s continued focus remains on improving efficiency and service standards, strengthening stakeholder relations and enhancing the guest experience at The Bahamas’ major aviation gateway.

“Over the past 19 years, we have seen steady growth in passenger demand and, more importantly, we have developed strong working relationships with key airport stakeholders to effectively manage operations during busy periods and with our industry partners to increase demand to the destination,” Ms Walkine said.

“Peak travel periods like Easter have become important indicators of the airport’s ability to effectively manage higher traffic volumes. As we prepare to mark two decades as airport managers next year, our focus remains on operating efficiently, maintaining a high level of guest satisfaction and continuing to improve the overall travel experience at LPIA.”

 To support the increased demand expected over the Easter weekend, NAD said it has closely co-ordinated with key airport stakeholders including Immigration, Bahamas Customs, the Airport Authority, US Customs & Border Protection (USCBP), Air Traffic Services (ATS), airline operators, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Road Traffic Department and other agencies.

It added that, throughout the five-day period, guest service ambassadors will be strategically positioned throughout the US departures and international arrivals terminals to assist with queue management and provide real time support. Additional attention will also be placed on baggage handling within Bahamas Customs, with additional manpower deployed to support the timely removal of bags from carousels and improve the overall arrival experience.

Guests travelling over the Easter holiday weekend are being asked to arrive at the airport three hours prior to US-bound flights, and two hours ahead of international and domestic departures. Where possible, passengers should consider travelling outside the airport’s peak operational hours of 11am to 3pm. Due to anticipated demand, parking lots may reach capacity and could be temporarily closed at peak times.

Passengers are being encouraged to monitor LPIA’s social media channels for the latest updates on parking availability. They are also encouraged to follow curbside pick-up and drop-off guideline, and make use of LPIA’s free cell phone waiting lot to help reduce congestion in front of the terminal.