The Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority has begun retroactively charging aircraft operators for air navigation services dating back to 1 May 2021, a move affecting private pilots and general aviation users flying twin piston, turboprop and jet aircraft. Single-engine piston aircraft used for private operations are exempt, while the charges apply to flights to, from, within and over the islands.
Industry sources describe the increases as ranging from roughly 294% to 679%, or about 300% to 700% depending on maximum takeoff weight. The invoices are being routed through IATA channels, which has left some private aviation operators unaware that bills had been issued. Operators facing the fees include visiting business aviation users and private flyers, a group central to The Bahamas’ appeal as a regional destination.
Rick Gardner of CST Flight Services is among the industry figures commenting on the issue, while the National Business Aviation Association has warned operators and is seeking invoices to support its advocacy effort. Unpaid balances could expose aircraft to liens, detention or seizure, according to the reporting.
Exemptions appear to cover search-and-rescue aircraft, medical evacuation flights, emergency landings and aircraft owned or chartered by the Bahamian government, as well as aircraft belonging to armed forces or governments of ICAO member states.