The Nassau Airport Bahamas is one of two main ways travelers enter the country. Hundreds of millions of dollars worth of investments have made it an accessible and straightforward destination.
Nassau welcomes millions of travelers each year, with many arriving through the Nassau Airport Bahamas. Since the Bahamian government renovated it in the previous decade, it’s become a convenient and straightforward airport to fly into. Today, travelers entering the country will find it a welcoming gateway to the country.
Like the island as a whole, the Nassau Airport has evolved throughout the years.
The Nassau Airport Bahamas has origins as a military base. During World War II, MYNN was a Royal Air Force (RAF) station. At the time, its name was Windsor Field, in honor of the Duke of Windsor. The base converted to a civilian airport in 1946, after the war’s conclusion.
In 2011, the airport reached its capacity, with tens of thousands of takeoffs and landings each year. The following two years saw the airport undergo major renovations. Today, LPIA boasts several terminals to accommodate domestic travelers, international visitors, and travelers from the United States.
Sir Lynden Pindling played an important role in Bahamian history.
The airport’s official name (Lynden Pindling International Airport) pays homage to Lynden Pindling, the first prime minister of the Bahamas. Many consider Pindling to be the father of the country, as he helped lead the island nation to independence in 1973.
Upon arrival, a policeman statue points travelers towards customs.
Most of the time, when you land at the Nassau Airport Bahamas, there won’t be a mile-long customs line to pass through. However, the first thing you can expect at NAS is to clear customs.
Lynden Pindling International Airport is a colorful destination to arrive at.
The Bahamian government has invested a lot of money into making the Lynden Pindling International Airport experience positive. As you walk through the terminal, you’ll see murals and other forms of local artwork.
There are several plaques commemorating Sir Lynden Pindling throughout the airport.
As mentioned, Lunden Pindling was one of the most important figures in Bahamian history. As you walk through the Nassau Airport Bahamas, you can find different pieces honoring his life and impact.
Shopping and retail outlets are everywhere in the Nassau Airport Bahamas.
Like any airport, the Nassau Airport features many shops where you can buy snacks, books, and other goods. You can also grab food from one of the cafes or restaurants.
Duty free shopping is available at the airport.
If you’re interested in making some big purchases before heading home, the airport is a good place to do it. The Nassau Airport Bahamas houses a duty-free shopping area.
My Ocean sells handmade Bahamian products.
My Ocean is a Bahamian store that sells handcrafted items. From soaps and jars to lotions and more, it’s the perfect place to find souvenirs.
Hail a cab outside the Nassau Airport Bahamas.
Once you exit the airport, you’ll find yourself at a taxi dispatch. If you don’t have a ride lined up, a taxi can take you where you need to go quickly and cheaply.
If you’re staying at a major resort, head to the respective lounge upon arrival.
If you’re staying at a resort like Baha Mar or Atlantis, you may be able to take the free hotel shuttle. You’ll find these near the airport exit.
The airport features a separate U.S. terminal.
Given the number of flights to the United States, the Bahamian government constructed a terminal specifically for U.S.-bound departures. This area of the airport features its own shops and restaurants.
The Bahamas has 700 islands – all of which offer a unique travel experience. From MYNN, you can reach other islands, like Staniel Cay and Great Exuma.
The Domestic A Gates; Navigating the airport should be a straightforward experience!
The Nassau Airport Bahamas accommodates international flights from across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, and the United Kingdom. Seasonally, travelers can take advantage of flights from more remote U.S. and Canadian destinations, such as Boston and Montreal.
The Nassau Airport accommodates flights from several countries.
While there aren’t usually massive delays upon arrival, you should set aside at least 30 minutes to clear Bahamian customs.
As the airport isn’t near central Nassau, Paradise Island, or other areas where travelers often stay, you’ll want to take a taxi to your destination. Some hotels, especially luxury resorts, provide free pickup services to their guests.
The airport has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, but it remains smaller than most mid-sized U.S. airports. Because of that, it’s difficult to get lost upon arrival.
When you’re departing, remember that if your next destination is in the United States, you’ll clear U.S. customs at the Nassau Airport Bahamas. This preclearance allows you to skip customs once you land in the U.S.
U.S. travelers clear American customs at LPIA when exiting the country.
To make the preclearance process more efficient, the U.S. Border Preclearance Facility installed 20 self-serve kiosks in 2015.
While the Nassau Airport Bahamas has evolved in recent years, some issues remain. If you’re entering the country with checked luggage, it’s common for it to arrive at a different carousel than where you expect. Keep an eye on all carousels to ensure you don’t waste time waiting for bags that have already arrived.
Learn about the Nassau Airport Bahamas here.
The Nassau Airport Bahamas has come a long way since its opening. Today, travelers will find the Lynden Pindling International Airport welcoming and easy to navigate. From there, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time in the Bahamas.
Nassau has a multitude of attractions worth exploring. Give yourself time to visit beaches like Cable Beach and Cabbage Beach. You’ll also want to tour the historical sites, like Fort Fincastle, and cultural sites, such as Graycliff Heritage Village.
To learn more about the top Nassau attractions, check out our other travel guides and interactive Nassau map.
Explore our Nassau Travel Guides
Take a day trip from Nassau to Staniel Cay in the Exumas and visit the famous Swimming Pigs, Sharks, Iguanas, Sand Bars and Thunderball Grotto.