The Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority (BANSA) has begun imposing retroactive fees on aircraft operators that flew to, out of, within, or over the Bahamas in twin piston-engined, turboprop, or jet-powered aircraft since May 1, 2021. Single piston-engined aircraft conducting private operations are exempt.
According to the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), citing Rick Gardner, owner of international trip support and ground handling company CST Flight Services, BANSA does not distinguish between general aviation and commercial operations.
The fees are based on aircraft maximum takeoff weight and represent increases of between 300% and 700%. They are charged in addition to other fees and also apply to operators that have already paid for BANSA services. BANSA has indicated that operators are responsible for settling any outstanding difference.
“Any aircraft with a debt can be seized/detained by the government in the case the operator refuses to pay the outstanding debt. This also applies to new owners,” BANSA told CST Flight Services. Operators can locate and pay outstanding invoices through the IATA Simplified Invoicing and Settlement system.
In addition to single piston-engined aircraft conducting private operations, exemptions include aircraft engaged in search and rescue or medical evacuation operations, emergency landings at unintended destinations, aircraft owned or chartered by the Bahamian government, and aircraft belonging to the armed forces or governments of ICAO member states.
In response, the NBAA has launched an advocacy effort against the fees, warning of their potential economic impact on FBOs, airports, the travel industry, and surrounding businesses. The association has also questioned the legitimacy of the fees, noting that the FAA provides most air traffic services in the Bahamas while charging only a nominal annual fee.
The NBAA has urged operators receiving retroactive invoices to share details of their cases to support the advocacy effort.
