Today, The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) in partnership 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.”