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Bimini International Airport

About the Airport

Bimini International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Bimini International Airport (BIM) is more than just a transport hub; it is a true gateway to a tropical paradise, located just 80 kilometres off the coast of Florida. Landing here feels like a scene from an adventure movie: the aircraft descends over the turquoise expanse of the ocean, revealing breathtaking views of coral reefs and white sandy beaches to passengers even before touching the ground. The atmosphere in the terminal is devoid of the hustle and bustle typical of metropolises — a relaxed island rhythm reigns here, setting the mood for a holiday from the very first minutes. Despite its modest size, the airport serves as the main artery for tourists arriving for legendary fishing and seclusion.

IATA Code BIM
ICAO Code MYBS
City Alice Town (located on the neighbouring island)
Distance to Centre ~5 km (including ferry crossing)
Status International
Annual Passengers Approximately 45,000 - 50,000
Schedule Please check the official websites of air carriers

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Bimini International Airport possesses a unique charm that distinguishes it from major aviation hubs. Its main advantage is its phenomenal proximity to the USA. A flight from Miami or Fort Lauderdale takes only 30–45 minutes, making Bimini the most accessible of all the Bahamas islands for American tourists and transit travellers.

Another important feature is the speed of service. Thanks to the compactness of the terminal, the journey from the aircraft steps to the street takes minimal time. Passport control and baggage claim proceed in a calm mode, without endless queues. This allows tourists to be on the beach or at their hotel literally an hour after landing.

Furthermore, the airport offers an incredibly scenic approach for landing. The runway is positioned in such a way that passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the strait and the famous mangrove forests. For aviation enthusiasts and lovers of beautiful photography, this is a separate attraction that sets the mood for the entire journey.

Contact Information

You can contact representatives of Bimini International Airport (BIM) or find necessary information in several ways. Please note that this is a small regional airport, so some communication channels common to major aviation hubs may be unavailable.

  • Official Website: Bimini Airport does not have its own official website. It is recommended to check up-to-date information on flight schedules, rules, and services on the websites of airlines flying to Bimini, as well as on the official tourism portal of The Bahamas.
  • Information Desk Phone: For general information about the airport's operations, you can call: +1 242-347-3100.
  • Address: Airport Road, South Bimini, The Bahamas. The airport is located on South Bimini Island. To reach the main town of Alice Town on North Bimini, it is necessary to use a taxi and a ferry.
  • Email: A direct email address for passenger communication is not provided. The most reliable way to get an answer is to call by phone.
  • Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks. News and updates can be tracked on the pages of airlines and travel companies operating on the island.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to tracing, delay, or damage of luggage, it is necessary to contact your airline's support service directly. Airport staff do not handle such requests.
  • Passenger Support Service: To resolve issues regarding tickets, changes to bookings, special services on board, or flight check-in, please contact your airline.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Bimini International Airport (BIM) is a small adventure that introduces you to the way of life on the islands. The main feature is that the airport is located on South Bimini Island, while the main tourist centre, Alice Town, is located on North Bimini. Therefore, the journey to the airport almost always consists of two parts: land and water.

Taxi and Water Ferry — this is the most common and authentic method. The process looks like this: you take a taxi (most often a minibus) from your hotel on North Bimini to the ferry crossing (about 5–10 minutes). Then a short crossing on a water taxi to South Bimini awaits you, which takes another 5–7 minutes. At the South Bimini dock, other taxis are already waiting to take you to the airport terminal in 5–10 minutes. The cost is usually calculated per person: approximately $5 for each taxi ride and about $2–4 for the ferry. The entire journey takes about 30 minutes, excluding waiting time.

Transport Rental. There is almost no traditional car rental on Bimini; the main transport here is golf carts. You can drive a rented golf cart to the ferry dock on North Bimini and leave it there, but you cannot transport it to the other island. After the crossing, you will still have to use taxi services. Therefore, this option is more suitable for moving around the island rather than for a direct transfer to the airport.

Hotel Transfers and Public Transport. Large resorts and hotels often offer their guests organised transfers covering both parts of the journey. This is the most convenient and predictable option, although it may be slightly more expensive. As for classic public transport, such as buses or trains, it simply does not exist on the tiny Bimini islands.

Parking and Recommendations. The airport has a small parking area for short-term stays, but it is rarely used by tourists, as the majority arrive by taxi. Key tip: always allow extra time for the journey. Despite the short distances, transport runs on "island time". To avoid stress, we recommend allocating at least one hour for the journey from the hotel to the airport.

Terminals and Map

Bimini International Airport (BIM) is a small and cosy airport, typical for the Bahamas. It is designed for maximum simplicity and convenience for passengers arriving on this paradise island. The airport consists of one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights, primarily from Florida (USA).

The terminal layout is extremely simple. It is a compact single-storey building where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. There are no long corridors or complex transitions, making navigation intuitively clear even for those here for the first time. Departure and arrival zones are located in the same building, so you won't have to search long for the right exit or check-in counter. Since there is only one terminal, the question of transfers between them is irrelevant.

Check-in and security procedures at Bimini Airport usually proceed significantly faster than in major hubs. Thanks to the low passenger flow, queues here are a rarity. Nevertheless, for international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing, including passport control and customs. For domestic flights, arriving one hour in advance is sufficient.

The main advice for navigation at Bimini Airport is not to worry. It is practically impossible to get lost here. All counters, boarding gates, and the baggage claim area are located in one common space. Staff are always ready to help and suggest directions. Be prepared that boarding the aircraft will most likely take place directly from the airfield — this adds a special charm to travelling to a small tropical island.

Airport History

Bimini International Airport (BIM) serves as the main air gateway to the Bimini islands, part of The Bahamas and located in close proximity to the Florida coast. Although the airport serves the island's main town, Alice Town, it is physically located on South Bimini. This adds a colourful detail to the journey — a short trip by taxi and ferry to North Bimini, where the majority of the tourist infrastructure is located.

The history of the airport is inextricably linked with the development of tourism on the islands, which became famous thanks to sport fishing and visits by Ernest Hemingway. The original runway, known as South Bimini Airport, appeared here in the 1960s. For a long time, it was a modest airfield serving mainly private light aircraft and small charter flights from the USA, until the growing tourist flow demanded radical changes.

A key moment in the airport's history was a large-scale reconstruction in the mid-2010s. This project was directly related to the development of large resort complexes on the island. During the modernisation, the runway was significantly lengthened, allowing for the accommodation of larger aircraft, including the Boeing 737. A new modern terminal was also built with a full customs and immigration control point. It was after this reconstruction that the airport received its current international status and name.

Today, Bimini International Airport is a vital transport artery connecting the islands with cities in Florida and the capital of The Bahamas, Nassau. Although the airport cannot boast passenger traffic records compared to aviation giants, its transformation from a simple airstrip into a modern international terminal is a significant achievement in itself, which gave a powerful impetus to the economic development of the entire Bimini archipelago.

Services and Facilities

Bimini International Airport (BIM) serves as a compact air gateway to the islands of the same name. Given its small size, the range of services here is basic and aimed at meeting the essential needs of passengers before departure.

Dining and Shopping: Within the terminal, you will find a small snack bar or café where you can buy drinks, sandwiches, and light snacks. There is also usually a souvenir shop offering locally made goods and essential items. The selection here is limited, so one should not count on full-scale shopping or fine dining.

Waiting Areas and Wi-Fi: A general waiting area is available to passengers. Specialised VIP halls or business class lounges are generally absent. Wi-Fi may be available at the airport, but its stability and speed can vary. The number of power outlets for charging devices is limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank.

Financial and Other Services: An ATM may be installed at the airport, however, specialised currency exchange points are rarely found. It is better to take care of currency exchange in advance. Services such as a medical centre, business centres, or conference rooms are not provided on the airport premises. Basic facilities are provided for passengers with reduced mobility, but it is recommended to notify your airline in advance if special assistance is required.

Accommodation and Child Facilities: There are no hotels directly in the airport building, however, many accommodation options can be found nearby on the island, a few minutes away by taxi. There are generally no special play areas or mother-and-child rooms in the airport, but standard restrooms are available.

Where to Eat

When planning a trip through Bimini International Airport (BIM), it is important to understand that this is a small and compact airport serving mainly local and short international flights. In this regard, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited, and travellers should consider this aspect in advance.

Typically, one small snack bar or café operates on the airport premises. It is located in the main and only terminal, in a general area accessible to both departing and arriving passengers. Here you can purchase basic snacks for a quick bite: sandwiches, crisps, pastries, chocolate bars, as well as refreshing drinks, water, and coffee. This is a good option if you need to eat something right before boarding your flight.

Sometimes the menu may feature dishes with local flair, such as conch salad or conch fritters, but their availability is not guaranteed. If you are lucky, this is a great opportunity to try a famous Bahamian delicacy. As for drinks, you may find local non-alcoholic beverages such as Goombay Punch.

Options for passengers with specific dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes) are likely to be unavailable at Bimini Airport. If you follow a strict diet, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are traditionally higher than in cafés outside. The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule and may be limited.

Thus, for a substantial lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the restaurants in Alice Town or at your hotel before travelling to the airport. Bimini Airport is suitable only for buying a light snack and drinks for the road.

Travel Tips

Travelling through Bimini International Airport, the air gateway to the charming town of Alice Town and other resorts in The Bahamas, will be easy and pleasant if you follow a few simple tips. This small and cosy airport serves mainly private and charter flights, creating a special atmosphere of privacy.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the compact size of the airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before the departure of an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one. This will allow you to pass check-in and security screening without rushing, especially during the peak tourist season. If possible, check in for your flight online to save time.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Rules for carrying hand luggage are standard: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. When flying between islands, choose a window seat — the views of the turquoise ocean surface and coral reefs are simply breathtaking.

Customs Control. Upon arrival, you will need to complete immigration and customs forms. Have your passport and information about your accommodation on the island (hotel name or address of rented accommodation) ready. The procedure usually goes quickly, but be prepared to answer standard questions about the purpose and duration of your visit.

For Transfer Passengers and Flight Delays. Bimini Airport is rarely used as a transit hub for long layovers. If you have a short connection, check with the airline if you need to re-check your luggage. In case of a flight delay, bear in mind that terminal infrastructure is limited. It is recommended to have a book, a portable charger, and light snacks with you. Airline representatives will provide you with all necessary information regarding the flight status.

Money-Saving Tips. To save time and money, book a taxi or transfer from the airport in advance. Prices for food and drinks at the airport may be higher than in town, so you can bring an empty water bottle and fill it after passing security control. This is a practical way to avoid unnecessary expenses while waiting for boarding.

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