Bahamas Unveils New U.S. Departures Terminal

The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) in partnership with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation announced Wednesday the grand opening of the newly built U.S. Departures Terminal at Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

The terminal represents the first of three stages in the $409.5 million airport redevelopment, arriving on time and under budget at $198.1 million - just 20 months after breaking ground in July 2009.

The new U.S. Departures Terminal will include a food court, including a Kafe Kalik restaurant, Dunkin Donuts and Quiznos; the Graycliff Lounge & Smoking Divan; the Heineken Lounge; three al fresco dining areas; eight retail stores and kiosks; newsstands, book stores and more.

Once complete, the $409.5 million invested will result in 585,000 square feet of terminal space, a 21 percent increase, as well as the ability to accommodate 50 percent more passengers. It will also include the addition of 34 gates, including one capable of handling an A380 aircraft. In all, this will provide Lynden Pindling International Airport with a capacity to serve more than 5 million passengers annually, necessary as The Bahamas welcomed a record number of visitors in 2010 and also prepares for the opening of the 1,000-acre Baha Mar resort and convention complex in 2014.

Next, LPIA will debut its new U.S./International Arrivals Terminal in fall 2012, followed by the construction of the International Departures Terminal and the 112,000-square-foot domestic arrivals and departures terminals by fall 2013.

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