Airports in Abaco

[Ray Walters]

Miami Flight Service advises that Freeport, Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay Airports are CLOSED. No advisories as to when they will reopen.

[tlwatts]

Thank you for this update. Please post a message if and when you are advised of the reopening of any airport in the Bahamas

[Moderator242]

Please post any information here.

[abacoflyer]

I talked to Miami FSS approx 12:30 today and they advised Marsh Harbour only open for emergency relief flights. Permission from National Emergency ? at 242-322-6081.
Treasure Cay is quote, "unofficially" open. I doubt if the small airlines will fly in until it's official. For you private flyers the Miami direct number is 866-347-0316

[Kimberly]

at this point, are the miami and fort lauderdale airports open, either?

[elcahun]

I just spoke with Continental. They have resumed flights to FLL and will be flying into MHH tomorrow. Earlier flights where cancelled.

[Abacobrad]

Their computers may show flights as scheduled, but you can count on them canceling just before the flights for the next day or two. It happened after Frances- they even took bookings and canceled the MHH / TCB flights and stranded folks in FLL and MIA. They'll even keep your money- they've got $1000 of ours!

We'll probably go Vintage mid week this coming week like last time- unless of course we can hitchhike or combine for a charter.

Still playing the waiting game with so little information coming out of Green Turtle Cay-

[floridacargocat]

The Bahamian Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) is the organisation which declares the airports to be operational and open. They inform Miami Flight Service about the status of the airfields. If a flight plan is filed to an airfield not yet officially opened, Miami Flight service might decline this flight plan, unless it is declared an emergency relief. However pilots with US-registered aircraft going to non-opened airfields might receive a "love letter" from the FAA and/or they are going to have a hard time to convince the controllers at Miami Radio on their return leg, that their flight was a legitimate one. It is incumbent upon all pilots to check on all necessary facts affecting a flight (one of the basic rules), and this applies specifically to flights into areas being afflicted by hurricane after-effects.

[Elizabeth]

According to a recent post on the Hope Town Volunteer Fire & Rescue website, the Marsh Harbour airport is completely underwater with major damage. Therefore, it seems safer to assume that Continental and other airlines WILL NOT fly into MHH tomorrow.

[elcahun]

from the report... "Private flights not possible right now"

Hey I gotta stay optimistic. Leaving in 5 hours on our honeymoon.

Gonna get there one way or another.

[Tai Tai]

Just saw this post on the Cherokee thread. If it's true, then someone landed at MHH.

I just recieved word from someone who flew over to MHH from NAS today (he called me after returning to Nassau).
He reports flying over Cherokee and seeing the tower on Marty & Wendy Sawyer's house and it also hit their Jeep.
It will probably be some time before power is restored on that street since the tower took down the lines & poles and it will take some heavy equipment to remove the tower section. A couple of the older homes had roofs off. A lot of coconut trees had blown over.
The good news is that everyone is OK - but very discouraged & tired of the mess.
He also reported a lot of damage to the Winding Bay project.
He was able to land a Marsh Harbour Airport and drive to Bahama Palm Shores.
The airport has some water on the end of the runway near the terminal and some water in the terminal but not as much water as they got from Frances. He expected that the water would recede in a few days.
In Bahama Palm Shores, he reported more beach gone and some additional roof damage as well as quite a lot of coconut trees down. But again, everyone is OK.
Marsh Harbour had a lot of water in the stores and when I asked what to bring, food was the answer. That situation has not been fully assesed - since most stores are closed today.
Reply With Quote

[DougieDo]

The flight that landed was a private charter.

[floridacargocat]

That an aircraft (most probably a private one) coming from Nassau is able to land in MHH does NOT indicate, that commercial operations from the US to The Bahamas can take place. A commercial operator (scheduled or on-demand) has to file a flight plan with Miami Flight Service for the outbound an inbound leg, and if a commercial operator lands at a closed airfield, he will have to face the legal consequences. Furthermore the commercial operator has to file electronic manifests for both crew and passengers, which in itself will not lead to a denial of flight, but is proof for non-compliance, if ever it is required.
News like the above have to be looked at very carefully, and not raise undue expectations. If someone would ask me this evening to get him in touch with an operator to fly to one of the closed airfields, the answer would be very simple: Has the airfield been declared operational and open by the Bahamian CAA?
Flying out and deviating from an original flight plan (willfully) in itself is already questionable, but the real questions arise when the pilot and aircraft want to return to the USA?

[elcahun]

Can you all just keep your fingers crossed for us?

Sounds like tomorrow may be iffy, but Tuesday could be good. I gotta believe they will be doing their best to get open ASAP.

If a day or two in FLL is a part of our 'Mystery Honeymoon', so be it.

[E&CNewell]

My husband Ed was able to get on a private charter carring Police officials (there was an extra seat). The flight was granted permission to land in MH only because of the officials on board, so the airport was at the time they left this afternoon to return to Nassau still officially closed. They went into the Cherokee Air hanger as that was the only place that was accessible.

[bev]

Can you all just keep your fingers crossed for us?

Sounds like tomorrow may be iffy, but Tuesday could be good. I gotta believe they will be doing their best to get open ASAP.

If a day or two in FLL is a part of our 'Mystery Honeymoon', so be it.
Okay lets just say you do manage to fly into Marsh Harbour...
Do you have ANY comprehension of what you are getting into??
You should see FL. It's no place to be on a honeymoon right now. MUCH LESS Abaco. If you want to go on your honemoon and help clean up, I think you are a blessed individual. If you expect romance, you are in for one great BIG surprise.

[Tami Siewruk]

Johnny and Marlana Bethel have landed in Marsh Harbour. They received special permission from Nassau.

[siam2000]

As of 10:20am Monday morning Calypso Air are taking a flight over to Treasure Cay at 2:45pm from the Ft. Lauderdale Jet Center. They say the Treasure Cay Airport is open to flights.

[Sally]

Vintage is flying into Treasure Cay today but they were under the impression that MHH was still closed. That's good to hear about the charter flight into MHH.

[Sally]

Vintage Props & Jets had its first flight into Treasure Cay this morning. We are waiting to hear about conditions. Hopefully they will be able to get into Marsh Harbour tomorrow.

[Tami Siewruk]

Have you heard anything from them?






Vintage Props & Jets had its first flight into Treasure Cay this morning. We are waiting to hear about conditions. Hopefully they will be able to get into Marsh Harbour tomorrow.

[tlwatts]

Notice: Resumption of services
Posted: 2004-09-27 08:39:35

Release Immediately
SEPTEMBER 27, 2004

Resumption of Services

Bahamasair wishes to advise its loyal passengers that all regularly scheduled services into the Family Islands and Florida have resumed.

In the case of Abaco, scheduled flights will now go to Treasure Cay until further notice.


---

This is what was posted on the Bahamas Air site

[Fletcher]

Does anyone know how to contact Chreokee Air or when they will resume flights?

[carol]

Don't take that poor girl to Abaco on her honeymoon for heavens sakes! No power, no restaurants, no food, no water, and maybe no airport. Go to Key West young man! Cheers, congratulations and good luck! Been there.....

[bahamaerick]

Contact Jet Aviation in West Palm. They will know when he flys in. If you find out anything, e-mail me at bahamaerick@aol.com

[Richard]

Just spoke with the Vintage Props and Jets Dispatcher in New Smyrna Beach. They have resumed limited services to Treasure Cay. Marsh Harbour Aiport is closed to commercial flights and charters per the lady I spoke with until further notice. They are local to me so any one who needs me to reach out to them please e-mail me at richardholtz@hotmail.com, as our office has no power, and thus no other e-mail (i.e the one in my profile) is working. The hotmail address will go to my Blackberry.

[Tai Tai]

Go anywhere but Abaco right now, especially on your honeymoon. There will be no power, no phone service, few if any restaurants open, maybe no water and NO AIRCONDITIONING!

[Abacofever]

Tried to make reservations today to get to TC. Continental will take all reservations--??? but the person on the phone told me they realy do not know if the plane will go or not, they only take reservations. I then called a charter company that was recomended. Nice people to talk to and they understood the issue with flight plan. They called Flight services and called me back to say they could not get through but would keep trying. That was at 2:00pm--no calls back and only a busy signal. I called them 3 more times. No luck. Will keep at it. I do not trust the commercial carriers. I get the feeling they are saying any thing to get a reservation. Best Wishes.

[floridacargocat]

Companies like Continental (Express) have far more stringent communication requirements in their Operations Specifications. What I learned a very long time ago is, if there are no telecommunications available, then commercial operations cannot take place. Requirements for on-demand air carriers (plain language charter companies) are different, and as long as the airport is declared operational, they can fly. Quite a few factors which determine, which type of company can fly.
Miami Flight Service is giving information based on what they have been fed as information (from The Bahamas). If Miami Flight Service has not received any info regarding the accessability of a specific airport after an event like a hurricane, what would expect as an answer?

[tequilamockingbird]

I need to contact AA to see if they ar going to be flying on Thursday. Is anyone out there who can contact them and find out? I need 2 seats for Thursday am for Diane Fletcher and Ronald Knowles from Nassau to MH.
thanks

[WomenSetSail]

Thousands of people have lost their lives in Haiti, thousands of people are without power in Bahamas, they've lost their homes, their schools, their jobs because of the tourist industry....in Florida coastline much the same. And all you can think about is your honeymoon?
:confused:

[DrGecko]

Actually, I just got off the phone with US Air; I was scheduled for the 26th and did not leave Phila. They gave me a full refund and would not even consider a reservation until MHH is operational. This was contrary to the other major carrier who wanted to schedule me into MHH when I knew it was not open. I would have been stuck in FL and had to return to PHL.

[henry neff]

I CALLED CONTINENTAL IN FT. LAUDERDALE. THEY SAID THAT IT IS OPEN. ARE THEY WRONG? I HAVE A FLIGHT OVER ON THURSDAY.


Actually, I just got off the phone with US Air; I was scheduled for the 26th and did not leave Phila. They gave me a full refund and would not even consider a reservation until MHH is operational. This was contrary to the other major carrier who wanted to schedule me into MHH when I knew it was not open. I would have been stuck in FL and had to return to PHL.

[Abacoparrott]

Thousands of people have lost their lives in Haiti, thousands of people are without power in Bahamas, they've lost their homes, their schools, their jobs because of the tourist industry....in Florida coastline much the same. And all you can think about is your honeymoon?
:confused:
People have problems all of the time but the world doesn't stop......ken

[Dawn Moriarty-Odom]

I haven't had any luck contacting my family at Treasure Cay, but I was able to verify that Vintage is up and running and flying into Treasure Cay. They have had flights in and out today and will continue. They are flying from several locations out of Florida into Treasure Cay only...I guess Marsh Harbor is still closed down. I called a gal named Emily who was very helpful. Her number: 800-852-0275 maybe she can provide additional information for those needing help.

Hope this information is helpful.

[DrGecko]

Henry - call me - just figured out our daughters have been friends for a lot of years and a lot of horses! jim alderman 302-945-1973 or email me - maybe we can figure a way to get us both down there ASAP

I CALLED CONTINENTAL IN FT. LAUDERDALE. THEY SAID THAT IT IS OPEN. ARE THEY WRONG? I HAVE A FLIGHT OVER ON THURSDAY.

[elcahun]

Here we are in FLL.

We plan on fying over tomorrow and taking a look.

But first, we are not a couple kids looking to be waited on. We are adults that understand sh**t happens.

For those few restaurants and bars and hotels and stores that are open, I think some influx of cash may be a good thing.

I don't think the "let's all wait a month and then go" attitude is the right one for everybody.

So thanks for all your input. We have been planning this for too long to let a few 2nd or 3rd hand reports make the decision for us. If we need to fly back and head for Key West we will.

Please understand we have grown to care about the Abacos through this board and other resources. We will know if we are in the way.

[DrGecko]

congratulations on your marriage and good for you for going tomorrow - where are you staying? you folks might have a honeymoon to remember for the community spirit that you will have the opportunity to be part of - I am sure that wherever you are staying there will be commuinity clean-ups in need of 4 more hands!
best
(kathy) not really dr gecko

[sandcastle-tcb]

While its true that most of the reports here are 2nd/3rd hand....a picture paints a thousand words.....you must not have been looking at TV broadcasts of the area. Having been there after hurricanes in the past, it looks like a war zone.

There is no electricity, no water and no phones. Business is not happening as normal. Remember the Bahamas is dependent on getting food from Fla....and the areas that export the shipments were also devasted in Fla, so food is at a premium.

Since you are bound to go, please get back and report to this board what you see.

Best wishes on your wedding and your future as a couple.

[jayman]

See posting on the board by Sinclair re life is good.... sounds like the hotel is getting ready for your stay.
Here we are in FLL.

We plan on fying over tomorrow and taking a look.

But first, we are not a couple kids looking to be waited on. We are adults that understand sh**t happens.

For those few restaurants and bars and hotels and stores that are open, I think some influx of cash may be a good thing.

I don't think the "let's all wait a month and then go" attitude is the right one for everybody.

So thanks for all your input. We have been planning this for too long to let a few 2nd or 3rd hand reports make the decision for us. If we need to fly back and head for Key West we will.

Please understand we have grown to care about the Abacos through this board and other resources. We will know if we are in the way.

[captrongreen]

Good for you!!!! Sounds like you understand that things will not be normal, and if too bad, you have alternate plans. You are absolutely right that those places that are open will be happy to have customers spending money. In a tourist dependent area like Abaco, this is paramount. That's part of how things start getting back in place. People have to work and make money so that they can continue on with their lives. The best of everything to you and your bride.

[AbacoChris]

Good for you!!!! Sounds like you understand that things will not be normal, and if too bad, you have alternate plans. You are absolutely right that those places that are open will be happy to have customers spending money. In a tourist dependent area like Abaco, this is paramount. That's part of how things start getting back in place. People have to work and make money so that they can continue on with their lives. The best of everything to you and your bride.

Hey Capt. Ron and Barb. How did BL hold up? Hope things are OK as can be. Good to see you guys found the board.

Chris and Julie

[George]

Does anyone know for certain that Continental/Gulfstream is actually flying into Treasure Cay? I called Gulfstream directly and they said they are but other posts here call that into question.

[MaggieD]

according to continental's web site the the FLL-MHH flight arrived in MHH at 1:41, one minute late and MIA-TCB is currently enroute. Looks like they got the OK's to go

[captrongreen]

Hey Chris & Julie,
Beach Lubbers survived Jeanne just fine. We still have our dock basically undamaged, one of very few that survived on the island. We understand that Green Bananas lost their dock and a lot of other docks were either gone or severely damaged. Stay in touch.
Ron and Barb

[hooksmee]

is MHH truly open for commercial flights??? need to get down to check on our cottage---thanks----melinda symmes

[Kimberly]

Did you guys know that Bahamas.com lists Marsh Harbour airport as being open????????????? I can only imagine the new tourists that are getting stranded.

[floridacargocat]

When you look at the info from Bahamas.com about MHH, please look at the date of publication, it is September 14, 2004 (at least when I looked at it a few minutes ago). On the other side, I heard from a friend of mine, that a private airplane was flying today to MHH (not from the US), and this plane was handled at the new terminal of Cherokee Air.

[norvell]

I spoke to Yellow Air Taxi in FLL yesterday and they said they resumed flights over to MHH on Tuesday.

[Fletcher]

I just returned from Marsh Harbour/Treasure Cay. I flew over on Tuesday. Before I left Flight Service said Marsh Harbour was emergency only and not open to general aviation. The emergency agency in Nassau said they would "get back with me on the approval". Upon arriving in the abacos there was a fair amount of traffic going into Marsh Harbour, I choose to go into Treasure to ba on the safe side. When we got down to Marsh Harbour by car we found out the airport was open and customs was at Cherokee Air. I have no Idea about commeercial flights to Marsh Harbour but there was flights going into Treasure.


Fletcher

[billmar]

I'm planning a trip to TC to check on our property Oct 15th to Oct 18th. Other than Yellow Air Taxi and Continental, who's still flying FLL to TCB.

Bill

[brock]

This morning was the first time I saw a scheduled flight on American from Miami to Marsh Harbor. And of course Gulfstream had started a couple of day ago. Check out the helpful links. The live update of flights out of Miami will tell you when the flight departs and arrives. I may get down there tomorrow.

[cdklaf]

Can anyone tell me when US Air wil resume flights? In the state they are saying no flights due to conditions at air port.