DPM: Black point airport progressing
Reconstruction of the Black Point Airport in Exuma is advancing steadily, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper, who also represents Exumas and Ragged Island in Parliament. Cooper reported that the project has moved into visible vertical construction, noting strong on-site activity and rapid progress.
The government signed a $17.96 million agreement in July with Abaco Aggregate & Cement Ltd. to expand and remediate the airport. The upgraded facility is designed to handle approximately 70 passengers and will be equipped with navigational systems to support night operations.
Cooper highlighted that steelwork is well underway and the structure is rising toward its first floor, reflecting significant momentum. He emphasized that the airport is not just an infrastructure upgrade but a critical gateway for the economy of Exuma and the surrounding cays.
The project timeline targets completion within 10 to 12 months for a new 45,000-square-foot terminal. According to Cooper, major airside components have already been delivered, including:
- New runway and taxiways
- Airfield lighting suitable for night operations
- Enhanced drainage
- Safety and compliance infrastructure
Beyond the terminal building, substantial foundational and civil works have been completed on the airside, providing the backbone for efficient and safe operations once the terminal comes online.
The Black Point Airport redevelopment forms part of the government’s Family Island Renaissance Project, which aims to modernize and transform infrastructure throughout the Family Islands. Cooper has described the airport works as the single largest investment in Black Point to date.
The facility is expected to meet international aviation standards, with ICAO compliance and modern amenities planned throughout. Importantly, the airport will operate as a designated port of entry, enabling direct international arrivals—including from the United States—and allowing passengers to clear customs and immigration at Black Point.
Once completed, the upgraded airport is anticipated to improve connectivity, support tourism growth, and bolster economic opportunities across Exuma and the cays, reflecting a strategic investment in the long-term development of the Family Islands.
