The Islands Of The Bahamas Unveils New U.S. Departures Terminal

NASSAU, Bahamas, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) in partnership with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation is proud to announce 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.

In a country where tourism generates 75 percent of the GDP, LPIA is the first tangible symbol of the Nassau Paradise Island of the future, described by the RT Hon. Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace, Minister of Tourism & Aviation for The Bahamas, as "the crown jewel and the most astonishing improvement program in our history."

After indulging in water sports, cultural attractions and beachfront resorts, the new U.S. Departures Terminal will complete the Nassau Paradise Island travel experience with the following:

• Efficient and architecturally engaging Check-In area
• Food Court, including a Kafe Kalik® restaurant, Dunkin Donuts® and Quiznos®
• Graycliff Lounge & Smoking Divan
• Heineken® Lounge
• Three al fresco dining areas
• Eight retail stores and kiosks
• Newsstands and book stores

"For far too long we ranked among the least efficient and least customer-friendly airports in our region," said the RT Hon. Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister of The Bahamas. "Today's commissioning signals a definite change and a new direction." Its aim, says the Prime Minister, is to "enhance the quality of life for Bahamians and residents and the visitor experience of guests to our country."

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.

Life in the Islands Of The Bahamas just keeps getting better.  And it's easy to see why.  With world-class diving and fishing, miles of picture perfect beaches, and gorgeous turquoise water, visitors have the opportunity to do everything or nothing at all. From Exuma, Eleuthera and Abaco to exciting Nassau/Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island, this tropical paradise is as culturally diverse as it is vibrantly beautiful.  For more information on travel packages, activities and accommodations, call 1-800-Bahamas or visit www.Bahamas.com. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitthebahamas. To purchase one-of-a-kind items and mementos from The Bahamas, visit www.eshopbahamas.com.

SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation