NBAA Advocates Against Retroactive Bahamas Air Navigation Fee Hikes

Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority Rate Schedule

Private and Commercial Flights in The Bahamas

The fees apply to private and commercial flights operated by piston twins, turboprops, and jets that arrived in, departed from, operated within, or flew over The Bahamas. Exemptions include private single-engine piston flights, aircraft engaged in search and rescue or emergency medical services, emergency landings at alternate airports, and aircraft owned or chartered by the Bahamian government or belonging to the armed forces or governments of ICAO member states.

BANSA Outstanding Debt Policy

BANSA stated that any aircraft with outstanding debt can be seized or detained by the government if an operator refuses to pay, a policy that also applies to new owners. Additionally, the National Business Aviation Association has questioned the legitimacy of the fees because the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration provides most air traffic services for the region and charges a de minimis annual fee for them.

Laura Everington and NBAA International Operations

To support discussions with the U.S. government and other industry groups, the National Business Aviation Association is asking affected operators to share invoice details and experiences. Laura Everington, the association’s director of international operations and regulations, stated that the organization is working to highlight the negative economic impact such onerous fees will create for FBOs, airports, the travel industry, and surrounding businesses.