NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – The Bahamas government has confirmed that the private sector partners involved in the redevelopment of the Grand Bahama International Airport have failed to raise the necessary funding.
Tourism, Investments and Aviation Minister Chester Cooper told reporters that the UK-based Manchester Airport Group, selected under a public-private partnership, had not delivered the funding officials expected.
“Regrettably, the funding had not happened. We are currently organising alternative funding. Whilst I cannot speak to that today, I can tell you that we are making progress and in due course I will be making a further statement,” he said regarding the US$200 million project.
This is the latest setback to the redevelopment project, which delays and shifting timelines have plagued since it was devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
Last year, the Phillip Davis government outlined a sweeping US$20 million transformation programme, adding that work would begin before the end of the year. Design options were unveiled, and demolition of old terminals was said to be imminent. Despite those pledges, financing was never secured, and substantive construction never commenced.
The government acquired the facility in April 2021 and has repeatedly promised to deliver a new, modern hub by 2025. The public-private model was intended to mirror the arrangement at Lynden Pindling International Airport, with the state owning the facility and private partners managing operations.
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