North Eleuthera International Airport

Welcome to North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH) — your aerial gateway to one of the most idyllic corners of the Bahamas! This compact and welcoming airport serves as the starting point for journeys to the world-famous Pink Sands of Harbour Island and the serene landscapes of Spanish Wells. It is here that travellers from across the globe arrive in search of secluded relaxation, turquoise waters, and a unique island atmosphere. Despite its modest size, the airport efficiently handles the flow of tourists, offering guests a warm welcome in true Bahamian tradition.

The main feature of North Eleuthera Airport is its strategic location. It serves as the primary transport hub for everyone heading to the popular islands of Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. The journey from the terminal to the ferry dock takes just a few minutes by taxi, followed by a short water taxi ride that transports you directly to postcard-perfect paradises. The airport consists of two small terminals; one handles commercial flights, while the other serves private jets and charters, highlighting its popularity among various categories of travellers.

Despite its compactness, the airport offers basic amenities, including a small café and souvenir shops. Its small size is more of a virtue than a drawback: it is virtually impossible to get lost here, and the check-in and baggage claim processes are quick and fuss-free. This allows travellers to start their long-awaited holiday on the fabulous Bahamas as quickly as possible.

• Official Website: North Eleuthera Airport does not have its own official website. The most up-to-date flight information is best checked on the websites of airlines flying to North Eleuthera.
• Helpline Phone: +1 242-335-1242. You can clarify general questions regarding airport operations at this number.
• Airport Address: Queen's Highway, North Eleuthera, The Bahamas.
• Email: There is no dedicated email address for passenger communication. It is recommended to use the phone for urgent inquiries.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official social media pages. News and updates should be sought on the resources of airlines and tourism authorities of the Bahamas.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact the Lost & Found service of your airline at the arrival airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to tickets, schedule changes, or carriage regulations, please contact your airline's customer support directly.

There are several ways to get to North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH), which serves as the main aerial gateway for North Eleuthera and the popular destination of Harbour Island. The choice depends on your budget, preferences, and point of departure.

Taxis and Transfers. This is the most common and convenient way to reach the airport. Taxis can be found in any of the nearby settlements or booked in advance through your hotel. The trip from main settlements, such as The Bluff or Lower Bogue, will take about 10–20 minutes. If you are travelling from Harbour Island, you will first need a short water taxi ride to the mainland (about 5 minutes), and then a land taxi to the airport (another 5 minutes). Taxi fares are relatively high, so it is recommended to agree on the price in advance with the driver.

Car Rental. For travellers who value independence and plan to explore the island, renting a car is an excellent option. Several local rental companies operate on Eleuthera. You can rent a car for the duration of your stay and drive yourself to the airport before departure. Please note that traffic on the Bahamas is on the left-hand side. Parking at the airport is available but usually consists of a simple open lot.

Public Transport. There is no public transport system on Eleuthera in the conventional sense, such as regular bus routes. Movement between settlements is mainly carried out by taxi or rental cars. Water taxis are a key mode of transport for moving between North Eleuthera and the neighbouring Harbour Island.

Recommendations for Travellers:

• Book in advance: During the high tourist season, it is recommended to order a taxi or transfer beforehand to guarantee vehicle availability.
• Travelling from Harbour Island: Allow extra time for the water taxi crossing and the subsequent transfer to a land taxi.
• Cost: Car rental may prove more economically beneficial than daily taxi rides if you plan active movements around the island.

North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH) is a small and functional aviation hub typical of the Caribbean islands. It consists of one compact terminal that serves both domestic and international flights. Due to its modest size, the airport is very easy to navigate, and getting lost here is virtually impossible.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. The entire building is essentially a single space divided into several key zones. Immediately upon entry, you find yourself in the check-in area where airline counters are located. Since there is only one terminal, there are no transfers between terminals. The departure and arrival zones are in close proximity to each other. The departure zone includes a small waiting hall after passing security control. The arrival zone consists of an immigration control counter for international passengers and a baggage claim belt.

A distinctive feature of the terminal is its simplicity and lack of frills. Here you will find basic amenities such as restrooms and potentially a small kiosk with snacks and drinks. Do not expect large Duty Free shops, business lounges, or a variety of restaurants — the atmosphere here is rather utilitarian, aimed at quick and efficient passenger service.

Check-in and security screening usually take minimal time compared to major airports. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before an international flight and 1 hour before a domestic one to complete all formalities without rushing. The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs. All key points — from check-in counters to boarding gates — are within a few minutes' walk of each other.

The history of North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH) is a fascinating journey from a military facility to a key aerial gateway opening the way to some of the most idyllic islands of the Bahamas. Its roots go back to World War II, when in the early 1940s, the United States established an air force base on this site. The airfield's primary task was patrolling the Atlantic Ocean to detect and counter German submarines, making it an important strategic point in the region.

After the war ended, the military base was demilitarized and transferred to civilian authorities, marking the beginning of its new life as a commercial airport. This transition became a catalyst for tourism development in North Eleuthera and on neighbouring islands, especially on the famous Harbour Island. Starting from the 1950s and 60s, with the advent of regular flights, the airport began receiving more and more travellers eager to see the legendary pink beaches and enjoy a secluded holiday.

Over the decades, North Eleuthera Airport has undergone modernization multiple times to accommodate growing passenger traffic. The runway was expanded and improved to accept larger aircraft, and the terminal building was reconstructed several times. Recently, a large-scale project for the complete redevelopment of the airport was launched, which includes the construction of a new, modern terminal, a new fire station, and further infrastructure updates. This modernization aims to take passenger service to a qualitatively new level.

Today, North Eleuthera Airport is one of the busiest airports in the so-called "Out Islands" of the Bahamian archipelago. Perhaps the most interesting fact in its history is the transformation from a strictly military facility into a bustling tourism hub serving both regular commercial airlines and a large number of private jets from around the world. This underscores the exclusive status of the resorts for which it serves as the main arrival point.

North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH) is a small but important transport hub serving the island of North Eleuthera and the tourist-favourite Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Given its compact dimensions, the range of services here is basic but sufficient for a comfortable wait for your flight. The terminal has several small cafés and counters where you can have a snack with sandwiches, pastries, and order refreshments. There are also souvenir shops offering local crafts and travel goods.

For those who need to stay connected, Wi-Fi may be available at the airport, although its performance can be unstable. The number of sockets for charging electronic devices is limited, so it is recommended to carry a portable power bank. There is usually an ATM in the terminal building for cash withdrawals, but there are no full-service bank branches or currency exchange points here. It is better to arrange currency exchange in advance.

Specialized VIP lounges or premium waiting areas are absent at North Eleuthera Airport. For passengers with children, changing tables may be provided in the restrooms, but there are no separate play areas. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with necessary assistance during boarding and disembarking; for this, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance of the need for assistance. Basic amenities, such as accessible toilets, are available in the terminal.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, however, a multitude of accommodation options — from cozy guest houses to luxury resorts — are located within a few minutes' drive on North Eleuthera and the neighbouring Harbour Island. Specialized business centres or conference rooms for business meetings are not provided at the airport, as it is primarily oriented towards serving tourist traffic.

When planning a flight through North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH), it is important to understand that this is a small and fairly simple airport, typical for the Bahamas. Dining options here are limited but allow for a snack before departure and even a taste of local dishes.

Inside the single terminal, in the departure zone (airside), a small snack bar usually operates. Here you can buy soft drinks, water, beverages, chips, and other packaged snacks. This is a convenient option for those with little time left before boarding. There are no full-service restaurants with extensive menus inside the airport building.

The most interesting gastronomic spots are located directly opposite the terminal (landside), across the road. There you will find several small family cafés and eateries where you can have a full lunch. Here, travellers can get acquainted with authentic Bahamian cuisine. Be sure to try conch fritters — deep-fried balls of mollusc meat — fried fish, or chicken with rice and peas. Sandwiches and burgers are also often offered.

Specialized dietary options, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are extremely difficult to find here. The selection is very limited, so if you have strict dietary requirements, it is highly recommended to bring food with you.

Prices in establishments near the airport are tourist-oriented and may be higher than average for the island. The operating hours of the café and counter inside the terminal depend directly on the flight schedule — they are open when there are departures. Eateries outside also adjust to airport traffic but may close in the intervals between flights.

Travelling through North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH) is the gateway to a paradise corner of the Bahamas. Despite its modest size, the airport serves international and domestic flights, so knowing a few nuances will make your trip more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 1.5-2 hours in advance. Although the airport is small, queues for check-in and security can form during peak season. Online check-in, if available with your airline, will help save time. Keep your passport and boarding pass handy.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When flying out of North Eleuthera or approaching the island, try to get a window seat. The views of the turquoise water and scattered islands are simply unforgettable. In hand luggage, as everywhere, liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Refrain from packing shells or corals in your hand luggage without verifying export regulations — this will help avoid problems at security control.

Customs Control and Transfers. Upon arrival, you will have to pass through immigration and customs control. Fill out the migration card in advance, which is usually distributed on the plane. If you have a connecting flight to another island, allow sufficient time between flights, as you may need to collect your luggage and check it in again.

Economy and Unforeseen Situations. Prices for food and drinks at small island airports can be high. Bring a light snack and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after security. In case of flight delays, have a book or a charged power bank with you, as entertainment options in the terminal are limited. Check all information regarding flight status with your airline representatives.