Inagua Airport

Inagua Airport (IGA), also known as Matthew Town Airport, serves as the main air gateway to the southernmost and most secluded island of the Bahamas — Great Inagua. It is not merely a transport hub, but the starting point for a journey into a world of pristine nature, home to tens of thousands of pink flamingos and the famous Morton Salt fields. The airport primarily handles domestic flights, connecting this remote corner with the rest of the archipelago and the world.

The main feature of Inagua Airport is its compactness and simplicity. It is a small airfield that fits perfectly into the tranquil atmosphere of the island. There is no hustle and bustle of large terminals here, allowing passengers to complete all formalities quickly. The airport plays a key role in the life of the local community and the development of eco-tourism, ensuring the delivery of cargo and welcoming travellers eager to see the unique Inagua National Park. Despite its modest size, it also holds civil-military importance and serves as a base for US Coast Guard operations.

Inagua Airport (IGA) is a small regional airport serving the island of Great Inagua. Due to its size, many services common to large international hubs may be unavailable or organised differently here. Here is the main contact information to consider when planning your trip.

• Official Website: Currently, Inagua Airport does not have its own website. For general tourist information, you can visit the official tourism portal of the Bahamas.
• Information Desk Phone: You can try contacting the airport administration at +1 242-339-1254. Please note that it may be difficult to get through; for flight queries, it is more reliable to contact the airline directly.
• Airport Address: The airport is located directly in Matthew Town, on the island of Great Inagua, Bahamas.
• Email: There is no dedicated email address for passenger enquiries.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support regarding bookings, ticket changes, and other flight aspects is provided by the airlines (e.g., Bahamasair).

Inagua Airport (IGA) is located in the immediate vicinity of Matthew Town, the only settlement on the island. Thanks to the compact size of the area, getting from the town to the airport and back is a simple and quick task, taking only 5–10 minutes. However, transport options on this secluded island of the Bahamas archipelago have their own specificities.

Taxi and Transfer — the most common and convenient way to travel. Taxis usually wait outside the terminal exit to meet passengers from arriving flights. The cost of a trip to any point in Matthew Town is generally fixed, but it is always best to confirm the price with the driver before starting the journey. for greater peace of mind, we recommend booking a transfer in advance through your hotel or guest house.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for independent travellers planning to explore the island, for example, visiting the Inagua National Park, famous for its flamingos. Several local rental agencies operate on the island. Given their limited number, it is strongly recommended to book a vehicle well in advance, especially during the high tourist season. You can often arrange to pick up the car directly at the airport.

As for public transport, there is no regular bus or other service between the town and the airport on Inagua Island. All movements are carried out by taxi, rented cars, or pre-arranged transfers.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, a small parking area is provided. It is located right in front of the terminal building, and leaving a car here for a short time to meet or see off passengers is not difficult. Long-term parking is generally not a formalised service, so its terms should be discussed individually.

Inagua Airport (IGA) is a small and compact aviation hub, making navigation extremely simple and clear for travellers. The airport consists of a single passenger terminal that handles all flights — both domestic and international charters. Thanks to its modest size, it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The terminal layout is very simple. The entire building is essentially a single space, logically divided into several functional zones. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the general area with check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers pass through the security control point and enter a small departure lounge. The departure and arrival zones are located in close proximity to each other, and for arriving passengers, the path from the aircraft to the baggage claim area and the terminal exit takes just a few minutes.

Due to the small number of flights and passengers, check-in and security procedures at Inagua Airport take significantly less time than at major airports. Nevertheless, it is always worth following the airline's recommendations. As a rule, arriving at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure is sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the signs; there are few, but they are intuitive. You will not have to worry about transferring between terminals, as there is only one here. All infrastructure is within walking distance, making the stay at Inagua Airport comfortable and free from the stress associated with navigating large and confusing aviation hubs.

The history of Inagua Airport, serving the town of Matthew Town, is not a tale of a giant international hub, but rather a story of a vital transport artery for one of the southernmost islands of the Bahamas. The exact date of its founding is not widely publicised, as for decades it functioned as a modest but indispensable airfield, ensuring the connection of Great Inagua with the rest of the world. Its main role has always been to support the local community and the island's key enterprise — the Morton Salt company.

For most of its history, the airport was a simple runway with basic infrastructure. It has not witnessed loud historical events of a global scale, yet every flight landing here was and remains an important event for local residents, delivering mail, goods, medicines, and welcoming guests to the island.

The most significant stage in the development of Inagua Airport was the extensive modernisation that began in the late 2010s. The Government of the Bahamas invested significant funds in its reconstruction to improve safety and comfort levels. As part of the project, a new, modern terminal was built, replacing the old, more modest building. Additionally, the runway was upgraded, and navigation equipment was improved.

This reconstruction became a key moment in the airport's recent history. It not only improved conditions for passengers and airlines but also opened new opportunities for the development of tourism on the island, known for its unique nature and the world's largest population of West Indian flamingos. Today, Inagua Airport is a modern regional aviation hub that worthily meets a new chapter in its history, continuing to be the heart of the island's transport system.

Inagua Airport (IGA) is a small regional airport serving the island of Great Inagua in the Bahamas. The infrastructure here is quite simple and focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers departing and arriving on domestic flights. It is important to understand that the range of services corresponds to the size and status of the airport and differs from major international hubs.

In the terminal building, you will find a limited selection of dining outlets and shops. Typically, this is a small snack bar or vending machines where you can purchase beverages, crisps, and light snacks. Do not expect full-service restaurants, cafes, or an extensive duty-free shopping area. It is better to plan shopping and dining in advance in the town of Matthew Town.

A general waiting hall is equipped for passengers. There are no specialised VIP or business lounges at the airport. Access to Wi-Fi may be unstable or unavailable, so it is recommended to have your own mobile internet. The number of power outlets for charging electronic devices is limited — it is more reliable to bring a portable power bank.

There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points in the terminal. All financial transactions should be carried out in advance. Medical assistance is limited to first aid capabilities; in case of serious problems, it is necessary to contact medical institutions in the town. Services for passengers with children and persons with disabilities are basic. If you require special assistance, such as a wheelchair, it is strongly recommended to notify your airline at least 48 hours before departure.

There are no hotels on the territory of Inagua Airport. The nearest accommodation options, including small hotels and guest houses, are located in Matthew Town, situated a few kilometres from the airport. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are also absent at the airport.

When planning a snack at Inagua Airport (IGA), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport serving primarily local flights. Accordingly, the choice of catering establishments here is very limited and oriented towards passengers who need a quick bite before departure. You will not find large food courts or global brand chains here.

Typically, all food services are concentrated in one small café or kiosk located in the general waiting area. The assortment usually includes basic snacks: crisps, sandwiches, pastries, chocolate bars, as well as soft drinks and water. Sometimes simple local dishes can be found, such as filled pastries, but one should not count on a full lunch or dinner. This place is great for grabbing something for the road, but not for leisurely dining.

Passengers with specific dietary requirements (including vegetarians, vegans, and those requiring Halal options or gluten-free food) are strongly recommended to bring food with them, as specialised options will likely not be available at the airport. The operating hours of the sole food outlet depend directly on the flight schedule — it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last one leaves. The best strategy would be to have a proper meal in the town of Matthew Town, enjoying the hospitality of the Bahamas, and only buy drinks or a light snack at the airport.

When planning a journey through Inagua Airport, located in Matthew Town, several points should be considered to make your trip as comfortable as possible. Despite its small size, it is better to arrive in advance — approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time in case of unforeseen circumstances, especially during the peak tourist season.

Check-in and security procedures at small airports generally proceed faster, but are no less thorough. Keep your passport, visa (if required), and ticket ready. Pack all liquids over 100 ml in your checked luggage in advance, and be prepared to remove electronics, such as laptops and tablets, from your hand luggage for separate scanning.

When choosing a seat on the plane for a flight to or from the Bahamas, prefer a window seat. Views of turquoise waters, coral reefs, and the scattering of islands from a bird's eye view are an unforgettable spectacle and a wonderful start or end to your holiday. An aisle seat is suitable for those who value the ability to stand up and stretch freely during the flight.

In hand luggage, liquids in containers up to 100 ml packed in a transparent bag are permitted. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Important tip: be careful when purchasing souvenirs such as large shells or corals. Their export may be restricted by environmental protection laws, so always check the rules before purchasing.

If you have a connection at Inagua Airport, verify with the airline in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Since the airport is small, finding the necessary boarding gate will be easy, but always check the information on the departure board, as the gate number may change.

Upon arrival in the Bahamas, you will have to pass through customs and immigration control. You will need to fill out a special form, indicating personal details and information about imported goods. Honestly declare all purchases, especially expensive ones, to avoid fines. Generally, the procedure is quick and polite.

To save time and money, check in for your flight online and save the boarding pass on your phone. Travel light to avoid extra charges for excess baggage. Considering that the choice of food and drinks in a small airport may be limited and expensive, bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which you might be able to fill after passing security.

In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Contact a representative of your airline for information about the new departure time and your rights (provision of drinks, food, or accommodation). In a small airport, waiting facilities may be limited, so download films or books to your devices in advance and carry a portable charger.