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Marsh Harbour International Airport

About the Airport

Marsh Harbour International Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Marsh Harbour International Airport, also known as Leonard M. Thompson International Airport, serves as the main aerial gateway to the picturesque Abaco Islands. Despite its compact size, this modern aviation hub plays a key role in the region's tourism, welcoming travellers from around the world seeking famous beaches and yachting destinations. The recent modernization of the terminal has transformed it into a convenient and functional hub where passengers can feel the first breath of Bahamian hospitality immediately upon landing. Thanks to its strategic location, one can quickly reach ferry crossings leading to neighbouring resort islands from here.
IATA Code MHH
ICAO Code MYAM
City Marsh Harbour
Distance to Centre ~4 km (about 5 minutes by taxi)
Status International
Passengers per Year Second busiest airport in The Bahamas (over 100,000 passengers)
Schedule
### Airport Features and Advantages Marsh Harbour International Airport stands out among other regional hubs for its modern facilities and convenient logistics. * **Modern Terminal:** The main passenger terminal building, opened after extensive reconstruction, is designed with elements of Bahamian architecture. It features spacious halls and an effective air conditioning system, which is particularly pleasant in the tropical climate. * **Convenient Navigation:** Thanks to its compactness and thoughtful layout, all procedures — from check-in to security screening — take minimum time. There are no endless corridors typical of giant hubs here, which significantly reduces pre-flight stress. * **Strategic Location:** The airport is located just a few minutes' drive from the city centre and major ferry docks. It is an ideal starting point for those planning to continue their journey to Hope Town, Green Turtle Cay, or Great Guana Cay. * **International Status:** The airport is capable of handling direct flights from the USA and other countries, saving many tourists the need to transfer at the busy Nassau airport. The presence of its own customs and border control zone speeds up the entry process into the country.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: Marsh Harbour International Airport does not have a separate official website. Current information for travellers can be found on the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism portal: www.bahamas.com.
  • Information Desk Phone: +1 (242) 699-3140. We recommend calling to clarify any questions related to terminal operations.
  • Address: Great Abaco Highway, Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands, The Bahamas.
  • Email: A dedicated email address for general inquiries is not published. Please use the telephone to contact the airport administration.
  • Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. News and updates can be tracked on the official accounts of the Bahamas tourist office, for example, @visitthebahamas.
  • Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should first contact your airline's representative. Airport staff do not handle the search for checked-in luggage. For items left within the terminal building, please contact the main airport phone number.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For support regarding general queries, please use the main airport telephone number.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH) from the centre of Marsh Harbour or nearby hotels is straightforward, as Great Abaco Island, where it is located, is relatively small. The most popular and convenient method is by taxi. The trip from the city centre to the terminal usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes. The cost of the trip is generally regulated, but it is always recommended to confirm the price with the driver before departing. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which is particularly convenient for large families or travellers with significant luggage.

For those who prefer independence in moving around the picturesque Bahamas, car rental is an excellent option. Representations of several rental companies operate at the airport and its vicinity. A car (or a golf cart, popular on the islands) will allow you not only to reach your flight on time but also to explore remote beaches and island attractions at your own pace. It is recommended to book transport in advance, especially during the high tourist season.

It is worth noting that a public transport system in the conventional sense (regular scheduled buses, trains, or metro) is practically absent in Marsh Harbour. Movement between settlements is mainly carried out by taxi, rental cars, or private shuttles, which do not always have a strict schedule or route to the airport. Therefore, relying on public transport for timely arrival for a flight is not recommended.

There is parking available on the airport territory where you can leave a car for both short and long terms. This is convenient for those arriving by private or rented transport to fly to other islands. Overall, a taxi remains the most reliable and fastest way to get to the airport, while car rental offers maximum freedom to explore the island right up until departure.

Terminals and Map

Marsh Harbour International Airport Marsh Harbour (MHH) is a modern and compact aviation hub in The Bahamas. Its structure is extremely simple and clear for travellers, making the stay here comfortable and eliminating the stress associated with navigating large airports.

The airport consists of one modern terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. The building was opened in 2014; it is fully air-conditioned and offers all basic amenities for passengers. Due to its small size, the airport layout is intuitive: departure and arrival zones are located in the same building and are clearly marked with signs. There are no transfers between terminals as all operations are concentrated in a single complex.

The departure zone includes check-in counters, a security screening point, and a small waiting lounge. The arrival zone consists of passport control for international flights and a baggage claim area. Thanks to the terminal's compactness, navigation causes no difficulties — all key points are within walking distance of each other. There is no risk of getting lost while moving from the entrance to the boarding gate.

The time required for formalities at MHH airport is usually short. However, during the peak tourist season or when several flights depart simultaneously, queues are possible. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one to check in, drop off luggage, and pass security screening without haste.

Airport History

The history of Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH) is a story of development and resilience, reflecting the fate of the entire Abaco region. Although the airport has served as the aerial gateway to Marsh Harbour for many decades, its modern history is marked by several key events that completely transformed its appearance and significance.

A key stage of modernization was the opening of a completely new terminal in May 2014. This modern complex, covering nearly 5,000 square metres, replaced the old, much more modest building. The new infrastructure was designed to handle the growing flow of international and domestic flights, giving a powerful boost to tourism development in the Abaco Islands. Spacious waiting halls, modern check-in counters, and customs control raised the level of comfort for travellers to new heights.

In 2016, the airport received its official name — Leonard M. Thompson International Airport. This was done in honour of Captain Leonard Thompson, a Marsh Harbour native, a distinguished pilot, and a World War II veteran who made a significant contribution to the development of aviation in The Bahamas. This renaming became a tribute to a local hero and an important page in the airport's history.

The most dramatic event in the airport's history was the devastating Hurricane Dorian in September 2019. The elements caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure, including the new terminal. However, the airport demonstrated incredible resilience. It became a critically important centre for rescue operations and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected islands. The restoration and resumption of full-scale operations in the shortest possible time after such a tragedy can be considered one of the main achievements in its history.

Today, Marsh Harbour International Airport is not just a transport hub, but a symbol of revival and a vital artery feeding the economy and tourism industry of the Abaco Islands. Its history, from a humble airfield to a modern international terminal that survived severe trials, inspires and demonstrates the unyielding spirit of this paradise.

Services and Amenities

Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH), being an important transport hub in the Abaco Islands, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable journey. Although the airport is not large in size, it is well-organized and offers amenities for waiting for a flight.

Inside the terminal, you will find several cafés and snack bars where you can have a bite to eat, drink coffee, or enjoy refreshments. There are also shops selling souvenirs, essential goods, and beach accessories. The selection is not as vast as in major hubs, but all the essentials are present.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal building, and charging stations for electronic devices are installed in the waiting areas. Although there are no large public VIP lounges at the airport, some charter and private airlines may provide their own rest areas for their clients.

Regarding financial services, there are ATMs in the terminal. However, full-service bank branches or currency exchange points may be absent, so it is recommended to carry some local currency. Basic medical assistance is available in case of unforeseen situations.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with special needs. For travellers with reduced mobility, ramps and accessible toilets are provided. Families with small children can use the mother and child rooms for convenient care of little ones.

There are no hotels on the airport territory, but just a few minutes' drive away, in the city of Marsh Harbour, there are many accommodation options — from guest houses to large resorts. Specialized business centres and conference rooms are not provided at the airport.

Dining

When planning a departure from Marsh Harbour, it is important to remember that Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH) is a small and fairly compact terminal, serving mainly regional flights. Dining options here correspond to its size and are designed to satisfy basic traveller needs before departure. Do not expect a large food court or a variety of restaurants as seen in major international hubs.

The main dining point at the airport is a small café with a counter, usually located in the general hall before security control (landside). Sometimes a small kiosk with drinks and snacks can be found in the sterile area (airside), but the main selection is presented in the main terminal. Here you can order sandwiches, pastries, chips, coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water. The outlet often offers refreshing local beverages and island specialties, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of the islands right up until departure.

For travellers with specific dietary requirements, the choice is extremely limited. Finding vegetarian dishes, aside from simple snacks, can be difficult, and specific vegan, gluten-free, or **Halal** options are practically absent. If you adhere to a strict diet, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport, as on most islands, are higher than average. Opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule — they are open during peak activity hours and may close during quiet periods.

If you need a quick snack, a ready-made sandwich, bun, or packaged snacks will be the best choice. For a more substantial, though not full meal, you can order a hot sandwich if available on the menu. For a leisurely wait for your flight, the local café area is suitable for relaxing with a drink. If you are counting on a full meal, it is better to have it at one of the restaurants in the city of Marsh Harbour before travelling to the airport.

Travel Tips

Travelling through Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH) can be a pleasant start or end to your holiday in The Bahamas. To ensure everything goes smoothly, use our tips to help you navigate the airport and avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival time at the airport. Although the airport in Marsh Harbour is relatively small, it is recommended to arrive in advance. For international flights, arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 1.5–2 hours. This time will be enough to check in, drop off luggage, and pass pre-flight screening without haste.

Check-in and Security. If possible, check in for your flight online — this will save you time. Security checkpoints in small airports may not work as quickly as in large hubs. Prepare documents in advance, remove metal objects from your pockets, and take laptops and liquids out of your hand luggage for scanning.

Choosing a seat on the plane. On flights to and from The Bahamas, the views from the window can be breathtaking. If you want to enjoy the panorama of turquoise waters and islands, choose a window seat. If freedom of movement and legroom are more important to you, it is better to choose an aisle seat.

Hand luggage rules. Standard international rules apply here. All liquids (creams, lotions, drinks) must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, such as knives and scissors, are prohibited in hand luggage. Do not forget to check your airline's rules, as there may be additional restrictions.

For passengers with connections. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically to the final destination. Navigation at Marsh Harbour Airport is simple, but always allow enough time between flights, especially if you need to go through security control again.

Customs control. When entering The Bahamas, you will need to fill out an immigration and customs declaration. Honestly indicate all goods subject to declaration to avoid fines. Upon departure, be prepared that your luggage may be inspected.

Saving time and money. Book a taxi or transfer from the airport online in advance — this may be cheaper than taking a car on the spot. To avoid paying for excess weight, weigh your luggage at home. Take an empty reusable water bottle with you to fill it after passing security and avoid buying expensive water.

In case of flight delay. Remain calm and contact your airline representative for information on the flight status and your further actions. Find out about your rights to food or accommodation if the delay is significant. Keep your phone charged and monitor updates on the departure board.

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