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About

Why We Exist

The Department of Aviation was created in the Ministry of Tourism’s organizational structure to provide oversight to all the government entities involved in the aviation sector, to adjudicate and resolve issues that develop between these entities, to provide a depository for all matters relating to the aviation sector and, most importantly, to provide the necessary focus to the government’s goals in this critically important sector.

doa family island airport list
Our History

Early 1900s

1919 Aviation officially began in The Bahamas when Chalk’s Flyer Service commenced the first scheduled service to The Bahamas—Miami, Florida to Bimini. 

1928 Pan American Airways began flying mail and passengers between Florida and The Bahamas. Initial flights were mainly operated by seaplanes, and land flights officially began in the early 1940s.

1939 The Bahamas’ first airport opened on December 24, in Oakes Field, Nassau, and in 1942 the Windsor Field Airport—now Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA)—was built. 

1942 The Windsor Field Airport—now Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA)—was built. 

1946 The Bahamas Government formed the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) to oversee all aviation matters in The Bahamas, and in 1953 the Air Transport Licensing Authority was appointed. In 1957 Windsor Field Airport became Nassau International Airport and was brought into full operation, and Oakes Field airport closed. 

doa family island airport list
Our History

Late 1900s

1973 On June 17, Bahamasair was established as the national flag carrier of The Bahamas as a product of a newly formed nation, and on June 26, The Bahamas became a Signatory State of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). (On July 10, 1973, The Bahamas became an independent country.) 

1974 USA pre-clearance facilities were established in The Bahamas—Nassau, then Freeport in 1978.

1980 Nassau Flight Services Ltd. (NFS) was established for the purpose of providing regulated services for the aviation industry. 

1986 A Radar Control system was established to improve the safety and efficiency of air traffic. 

doa family island airport list
Our History

The 2000s

2000 The Airport Authority (AA) was established and in 2001, the Flight Standards Inspectorate Unit formed.

2006 Nassau International Airport was renamed Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), after Sir Lynden Pindling, the first Prime Minister of The Bahamas. Nassau Airport Development Company Limited (NAD) was later selected to redevelop, operate, and manage LPIA. 

2011 The Bahamas became the first ICAO North American, Central American, and Caribbean (NACC) State to successfully launch the State Safety Programme.

2013 On May 27, a Primary Surveillance S-Band Radar (PSR) and a Monopulse Secondary Radar System (MSSR) Mode S Capable and an Approach Control Centre (APP) were installed at LPIA.

2016 On October 3, CAD became the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA), effecting separation of the regulatory and safety and security oversight functions. BCAA later became the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB), while BANSD became Bahamas Air Navigational Services Authority (BANSA). The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) became the official independent aviation accident investigation authority, under the Bahamas Ministry of Transport. 

doa family island airport list
Our History

The 2000s

2018 The Department of Aviation (DOA) was created to provide oversight to all government entities involved in the aviation sector, to adjudicate and resolve issues that develop between these entities, to provide a depository for all matters relating to the aviation sector, and to provide the necessary focus to the government’s goals in aviation. 

Entities under the Aviation umbrella are an arm of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation. The Bahamas currently has a directory of sixty-one (61) airports recorded throughout the Islands. 

Aviation is a critical sector of an island-chain nation, and an important tool in providing efficient and reliable transportation for residents and visitors alike. The Bahamas remains committed to safety and security as it continues to seek out best airlift opportunities and to build and improve passenger connectivity to and throughout the Islands of The Bahamas. 

doa family island airport list
Our History

Present Day

2022 - Launch of Family Islands Airports Renaissance Project. This initiative is designed to engage investors' interest in The Bahamas' Airport Infrastructural Projects as an indication of the global confidence in The Bahamas as a destination.

2023 - Launch of first ever National Aviation Strategic Plan on July 1, and proclamation of first Bahamas Aviation Week on October 21.

2024 - Launch of Bahamas Aeronautical Academy.

Key Leadership

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper

The Hon. I. Chester Cooper

Deputy Prime Minister
Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

Hon. Basil McIntosh

The Hon. Basil McIntosh

Minister of State for Aviation
Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

a man in a suit and tie

Dr. Kenneth Romer

Director of Aviation
Deputy Director General of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation

Our A-Team

Technical Team

Milo Butler III

Dudley Pratt

Carl Fowler

Pheron Moss

Executive Office – Administration, Brand Management and Legal

Bridgette Outten

DeMarco Smith

Tarea Sturrup

Shervonne Hepburn

Elkera Cooper

Chardia Lightbourne

FAQ
What is the function of the Bahamas Department of Aviation?

The Department of Aviation (DOA) was created to provide oversight to all government entities involved in the aviation sector, to adjudicate and resolve issues that develop between these entities, to provide a depository for all matters relating to the aviation sector, and to provide the necessary focus to the government’s goals in aviation.

Which entities fall under the DOA?

The following stakeholders fall under the Aviation umbrella:

    • Air Accident Authority (AAIA)
    • Airport Authority (AA)
    • Bahamasair
    • Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority (BANSA)
    • Bimini Airport Development Partners
    • Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB)
    • Freeport Airport Development Company (FAD)
    • Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD)
    • Nassau Flight Services (NFS)