San Salvador Airport

San Salvador Airport, also known as Cockburn Town Airport, serves as the gateway to one of the most secluded and historically significant islands of the Bahamas archipelago. Despite its modest size, this airport plays a key role in international tourism, handling not only scheduled flights but also charters from North America and even Europe. For travellers, it is the starting point into a world of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and world-class diving. Its compactness and convenient location make arrival and departure as quick and comfortable as possible, allowing you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a tropical paradise without delay.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

The main advantage of San Salvador Airport is its exceptional convenience. Located just a couple of kilometres from Cockburn Town, it allows you to reach your hotel or the city centre in a matter of minutes. The airport has a single terminal, which eliminates confusion and long walks—everything is intuitive and simple. Despite its compactness, all necessary services are available here, including customs and immigration control operating during standard hours.

An important technical feature is the presence of an instrument landing system, which allows flights to be received even after dark, increasing the reliability of air connections with the island. The airport plays a central role in serving tourists heading to resorts, specifically receiving direct charter flights for Club Med guests from Miami, Montreal, and Paris. This makes it not just a local airfield, but a small yet important international hub connecting a secluded Bahamian island with the rest of the world.

You can contact representatives of San Salvador Airport using the details below. Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some communication channels common for large international hubs may be unavailable.

• Official Website: Currently, San Salvador Airport (ZSA) does not have its own official website. It is best to check up-to-date information on flights and services directly with the airlines operating flights to this airport.
• Help Desk Phone: +1 242-331-2131. When calling from outside the Bahamas, please consider international calling rates.
• Address: San Salvador Airport (ZSA), Cockburn Town, San Salvador, The Bahamas.
• Email: A dedicated email address for contacting the airport administration is not publicly provided. For urgent matters, it is recommended to use the telephone.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's support service directly. The airport does not handle passenger luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support: Basic information support can be obtained by calling the airport help desk or at the airline check-in counters.

San Salvador Airport (ZSA) is located in the immediate vicinity of the island's main settlement, the town of Cockburn Town. Thanks to the island's compact size, getting to the terminal is easy, but the transport system has its own specifics characteristic of the small islands of the Bahamas.

Taxi and Transfer

The most common and convenient way to get to the airport is by taxi. A trip from any point in Cockburn Town or from nearby hotels will take just 5–10 minutes. Cars usually await arriving flights, but for a trip to the airport, it is recommended to book a taxi in advance through your hotel or a local operator. The cost of the trip is usually fixed for different zones of the island. Be sure to confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey to avoid misunderstandings.

Car Rental

If you prefer independence in movement, renting a car, scooter, or golf cart is an excellent option. Several local rental agencies operate on San Salvador Island. You can rent transport for the duration of your stay and drive to the airport for your flight yourself. This is especially convenient if you plan to explore the remote beaches and attractions of the island. Please note that traffic in the Bahamas is on the left-hand side.

Airport Parking

There is a small parking area next to the San Salvador Airport terminal. It is suitable for both short-term and long-term parking. Given the modest size of the airport and the island, finding a free space is usually not a problem. Parking services here are much simpler than in large international hubs.

Public Transport

It should be borne in mind that there is no public transport system on San Salvador Island in the usual sense—there are no regular bus routes, trains, or metro. All movements are carried out by taxi, rented transport, or via pre-arranged transfers.

San Salvador Airport (ZSA), also known as Cockburn Town Airport, is a small and cosy aviation hub, which is typical for the secluded Bahamian islands. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitively understandable, allowing travellers to avoid the stress common to large airports.

In fact, the airport consists of one terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. This compact building combines all necessary zones: check-in counters, security screening area, departure lounge, and baggage claim area. Thanks to such a simple layout, you will not have to worry about transfers between terminals—everything is within walking distance.

Arrival and departure zones are located in the same building but are functionally separated. Upon arrival, you will pass through passport control (for international flights) and enter a small baggage claim hall. The departure zone includes several check-in counters and a modest waiting area after passing security control. Amenities in the terminal are basic and correspond to its size—do not expect large duty-free shops or a wide selection of restaurants here. The atmosphere is more reminiscent of a small regional station.

Despite the compactness of the airport, the time required for procedures may vary. Usually, check-in and screening take no more than 20-30 minutes. However, on days when large international flights depart, especially charters, queues may form in the terminal. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before an international flight and 1 hour before a domestic one to complete all formalities without rushing.

The main tip for navigation at San Salvador Airport is simple: it is practically impossible to get lost here. All signs are clear, and the staff is always ready to help and suggest the direction. The compactness of the airport is its advantage, allowing you to quickly orient yourself and start or end your journey in a relaxed island atmosphere.

San Salvador Airport (ZSA), located near the town of Cockburn Town, is not just an air gateway to one of the most historically significant islands of the Bahamas archipelago. Its history is closely intertwined with key events of the 20th century, from the Cold War to the Space Race, making it a unique facility.

The history of the airport does not begin with civil aviation. It was founded in the 1950s as a US military base. Initially, it was a US Navy facility, and later a US Air Force tracking station, part of the Atlantic Missile Range. Its strategic location was ideal for monitoring missile and spacecraft launches from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

The most thrilling episode in the airport's history is connected with the Space Race. It was the station on San Salvador that played an important role in the American "Mercury" program. In 1962, the flight of astronaut John Glenn, the first American to perform an orbital space flight, was monitored from here. This fact makes the airport a unique historical monument of the space exploration era, as commemorated by a memorial on the island.

After the completion of the military mission, the base was handed over to the government of the Bahamas and converted into a civil airport. A key stage in its development and modernization was the opening of a large Club Med resort on the island in 1992. This event required infrastructure improvements to receive international tourist charter flights. In subsequent years, the terminal and runway were repeatedly updated to meet modern safety and passenger comfort standards.

Today, San Salvador Airport is a small but vital transport hub. It does not break records for passenger traffic, but its rich past—from a military base to a witness of space triumphs—gives it a special status. Every traveller arriving here steps onto land with a truly amazing history, felt even in the quiet hum of the modern terminal.

San Salvador Airport (ZSA) is the small but important air gateway of the island of the same name in the Bahamas. Given its compact size and predominantly tourist focus, the range of services here is basic but sufficient for a comfortable wait for a flight. The terminal offers passengers everything essential before departure or upon arrival.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops: At the airport, you will find a small snack bar where you can buy soft drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and coffee. The choice of catering establishments is limited, so one should not count on full-service restaurants. There is also a small shop selling souvenirs, necessities, and locally produced goods—an excellent option for buying memorable gifts at the last minute.

Waiting Halls and VIP Service: The airport has a general waiting hall with standard amenities. There are no specialized VIP halls or business class lounges at this airport, which is typical for small island aviation hubs.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations: Passengers have access to free Wi-Fi within the terminal. The number of sockets for charging electronic devices is limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable charger, especially during peak season.

Financial Services: An ATM is installed in the terminal where you can withdraw cash. There is no currency exchange office at the airport, so it is better to take care of money exchange in advance in Cockburn Town or upon arrival at your hotel.

Additional Services:

• Medical Services: Basic first aid is available at the airport. In case of serious problems, one should contact medical institutions on the island.
• For Passengers with Children: There are no special play areas, but changing tables are available in the restrooms.
• For Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The terminal building is single-level, which simplifies movement. For assistance with boarding and disembarking, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance.
• Hotels and Business Centers: There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but the island's largest resort, Club Med, is just a few minutes' drive away. Other accommodation options are located in the vicinity. Conference rooms and business centers are absent at the airport.

When planning a departure from San Salvador Airport (ZSA), it is important to consider that this is a small and compact regional airport. The choice of dining establishments here corresponds to its size and is primarily focused on the basic needs of passengers waiting for their flight.

In the main terminal building, there is usually one small snack bar or café operating. This is the main and, as a rule, the only place where you can have a snack. It serves both departing and arriving passengers. One should not expect a variety of restaurants or gastronomic delights here, however, the proposed options are quite sufficient to satisfy hunger before a flight.

The assortment usually includes:

• For a quick snack: sandwiches, pastries, chips, chocolate bars.
• Drinks: coffee, tea, bottled water, carbonated drinks, and juices. Sometimes local Bahamian beverages can be found on sale.
• For a full meal: Options for a hearty lunch or dinner at the airport are practically non-existent. If you want to eat a substantial meal, it is better to do so in advance at one of the restaurants on the island.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes here is extremely unlikely. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are recommended to bring food with them. Prices in the café are moderate, but, as in most airports, may be slightly higher than in the city. The opening hours of the establishment are usually tied to the flight schedule, so it is open to serve all departing passengers.

To ensure your trip to the Bahamas begins and ends without hassle, use our tips for San Salvador Airport (ZSA), serving Cockburn Town. Although it is a small and fairly quiet airport, we recommend arriving here at least 1 hour before a domestic flight and 1.5–2 hours before an international one. This time will be enough to complete all formalities without rushing, even during the peak tourist season.

Check-in and security screening procedures at San Salvador Airport usually proceed quickly. To speed up the process even more, check in for your flight online if your airline provides such an option. Keep your passport, boarding pass, and other necessary documents ready.

When choosing a seat on the plane, note that window seats will give you unforgettable views of the turquoise waters and islands during takeoff and landing. If comfort and the ability to quickly leave the cabin upon arrival are more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply. All liquids (gels, creams, aerosols) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag. Carrying sharp objects and other dangerous items is prohibited. If you plan to take shells or corals with you as a souvenir, clarify the rules for their export in advance to avoid problems at control.

For passengers with transfers, it is important to know that San Salvador Airport mainly handles direct flights, and long layovers are rare here. When passing customs control upon arrival in the Bahamas, be ready to present a completed immigration card (usually issued on the plane) and declare goods if necessary. The process typically does not take much time.

To save time and money, use online check-in and book a transfer to your hotel in advance. Taxi prices from the airport may be higher than with a pre-order. There is a limited selection of food and drinks in the airport building, so you can take a small snack and an empty water bottle with you, which can be filled after passing security.

In case of a flight delay, bear in mind that amenities at the airport are minimal. We recommend having a book, a charged power bank for gadgets, and headphones with you. Check all current information about the status of your flight with the airline representative. Remember that in a tropical climate, delays due to weather conditions are not uncommon, so please treat them with understanding.