Last Updated on June 9, 2020, 3:30 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Almost three months have passed since The Bahamas had closed its border and ceased all commercial flights from all the airlines due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, as of today, June 9, Bahamian nationals can travel domestically to the various islands within the archipelago.
This is a part of the broader national plan set forward by the Bahamian Prime Minister, Dr Hon Hubert Minnis to reopen the Bahamas and to restart the economy of the country.
The Commercial airlines had started taking reservations for inter-island flights on June 2.
These airlines are working to make it sure that the numerous protocols, including, however not limited to the enhanced cleaning procedures for the aircraft and ensuring the flight crews would use a facial mask. Passengers will also be reminded that they should wear masks before boarding the aircraft.
The Ministry of “Health” and also the Ministry of “Tourism and Aviation” have outlined the procedures to ensure the physical distancing on board the aircraft before, during and after the boarding process would be implemented.
Bahamasair, the flag carrier of the Bahamas, is one of the various airlines which will be enforcing the protocols.
Managing Director at Bahamasair, Tracy Cooper, stated, “We will practise social distancing, and NAD (Nassau Airport Development) will monitor and make the necessary adjustments as we go on. All passengers are required to wear masks and flight attendants will wear masks as well. Flight attendants will also wear gloves, and there will be no catering of any kind on the flights. We will have some water, and that is only for those who need it. We are asking all passengers to hydrate themselves before the flights and after the flights.”
However, the airline will continue selling the middle seat of its aircraft. Mr Cooper said, “We will sell the middle seats, but we will practice social distancing as much as possible. We suspect that until Bahamians are comfortable with the resumption of their travelling, the planes will not be that full anyway.”
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
