The Tribune

LYNDEN Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA) operator yesterday reported that air arrivals for December 2017 and January 2018 were the highest in its 11-year history.

Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) said the numbers represented a return to pre-recession travel levels for the first time in the decade since the 2008-2009 recession.

Some 151,454 passengers landed at LPIA in December, and another 140,314 in January, the largest numbers since the pre-recession holidays of 2007-2008.

December’s increase was the highest in a single month, up nearly 15,000 over the second-best year a decade earlier. Preliminary results for March are up by 24 per cent over 2017 arrivals. “The strong increase in air travel to LPIA is excellent news,” said NAD’s chief executive, Vernice Walkine.

“While we are handling more passengers than ever before, we are also pleased that enhanced systems including pre-clearance check-in kiosks have made the LPIA experience smooth, efficient and enjoyable for passengers from around the world.”

The uptick in arrivals is being driven by several factors, according to NAD officials. They include increase in airlift, the return of Sunwing Airlines, strengthening of the Canadian dollar and a cold winter in the US northeast and Canada.

They also credited a marketing and promotional ramp-up by the Ministry of Tourism and destination partners, especially in Canada and specific markets in the US and UK. “Canada is driving growth in international arrivals all on its own,” said Jan Knowles, NAD’s vice-president, marketing and commercial development.

Canada’s West Jet and Air Canada are seeing significant growth in passenger numbers this season, with capacity on flights averaging 89 per cent. The cold and a change in flight times helps account for the Canadian boost.

British Airways also enjoyed about a 10 per cent increase in air arrivals, while a Baltimore to Nassau route operated by Southwest Airlines showed a strong increase over last year’s performance.

The Baha Mar factor is yet to be quantified, but officials report that nearly every US airline has added seats in anticipation of increased demand driven by marketing of the new luxury resort and casino. Various promotion boards’ marketing efforts are also credited, with the image of Exuma’s famed swimming pigs also driving traffic.

Overall, NAD is forecasting a 15 per cent increase in non-US international seat capacity through June 2018. More than 3.3 million passengers pass through LPIA every year, with the airport serving 55 destinations via 24 airlines.