Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation, the Hon. Chester Cooper recently provided an update on the development of the South Bimini International Airport.

Cooper told ZNS News the government is pleased with the construction progress of the project. He said, “the airport is moving very well. We have a partner, Island Airport Development Partners. It’s a partnership between Phoenix and Plenary International organizations/entities and they are moving swiftly with the development there.”

Thirty million dollars has been earmarked for the first phase of the $80 million redevelopment project with the remainder set to finance the second phase. Cooper said, “we saw already the repavement of the airstrip. We now see vertical construction happening. We anticipate that this airport is going to be substantially completed by early 2026.”

The Minister said Bimini residents can also expect increased airlift and tourist arrivals to the island. “What’s important is that as a result of this new airport we know that we’re getting some new airlift. Over the course of the next seven to ten days we’ll be making some announcements with our airline partners about new airlift coming into Bimini. This is going to be the first time that Bimini has this type of international airlift. I’m excited about it. It’s going to work wonders for the hotels on the island, the residents. It’s going to enhance their way of life. It’s going to get more traffic on the island of Bimini. This is truly going to work wonders for Bimini and its people.”

The Minister is expected to visit the island this morning to assess the progress of the project.