New Bight Airport Guide: Flights, Arrival & Getting Around Cat Island
INTRODUCTION
New Bight Airport (TBI) is an important arrival point for travelers heading to central and southern Cat Island in The Bahamas. Located near New Bight and Mount Alvernia, the airport provides convenient access to the central part of this long, lightly developed island. The Bahamas tourism authority specifically identifies New Bight Airport as welcoming international travelers with Customs and Immigration services.
Travelers search for New Bight Airport primarily when deciding which Cat Island airport to use, checking flights from Nassau or South Florida, arranging rental transportation, or determining how close their accommodation is to TBI.
The airport has become particularly relevant for international access. Makers Air launched scheduled service between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and New Bight on November 1, 2025. Official Bahamas flight information also lists service between Nassau and New Bight.
For travelers planning beyond their airport arrival, the Ultimate Cat Island Travel Guide provides the broader overview of accommodations, beaches, settlements, restaurants and things to do across the island.
WHERE IS NEW BIGHT AIRPORT?
New Bight Airport serves the central portion of Cat Island and is located near New Bight and Mount Alvernia. The airport's IATA code is TBI.
That central position is one of its main advantages.
Cat Island is elongated, and its communities and accommodations are distributed over a considerable distance rather than clustered around one resort district. Arriving relatively close to New Bight can therefore reduce ground travel for visitors staying in the central part of the island.
New Bight itself is an important Cat Island settlement, while nearby Mount Alvernia rises to 206 feet above sea level and is the highest point in The Bahamas.
Visitors staying considerably farther north should also compare TBI with Arthur's Town Airport (ATC) before choosing flights.
FLIGHTS TO NEW BIGHT AIRPORT
Flight schedules for small Out Island airports can change, making it important to verify the operating schedule directly with the airline before booking accommodations or ground transfers.
The official Bahamas tourism flight directory currently lists Western Air service between Nassau (NAS) and New Bight (TBI).
This route provides an important domestic connection because Nassau's Lynden Pindling International Airport serves as the country's principal aviation hub.
International connectivity expanded substantially in late 2025.
Makers Air began daily scheduled service between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and New Bight on November 1, 2025, providing a direct South Florida connection without requiring travelers on that service to connect through Nassau.
Because routes and operating days are subject to change, travelers should treat airline schedules—not older travel articles—as the final authority when booking.
FLYING FROM NASSAU TO NEW BIGHT
Connecting through Nassau remains a practical way to reach Cat Island.
The official Bahamas flight directory lists domestic service in both directions between Nassau (NAS) and New Bight (TBI).
For international visitors already flying into Nassau, this can make it possible to combine Cat Island with Nassau or another Bahamian island as part of a multi-island itinerary.
When purchasing separate international and domestic tickets, build sufficient connection time into the itinerary. Weather, baggage handling and airline schedules can affect connections, particularly when moving between major international services and smaller Family Island flights.
Travelers planning broader island hopping in The Bahamas should also examine the practical flight connections through Nassau rather than assuming direct inter-island flights exist between every island.
DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM SOUTH FLORIDA
New Bight gained an important international connection in November 2025.
According to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Makers Air introduced daily scheduled service from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) to New Bight Airport (TBI) beginning November 1, 2025.
The route is particularly useful for travelers originating in South Florida or connecting independently into the region.
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport should not be confused with the much larger Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Travelers arranging onward flights, hotels or transportation should confirm which Fort Lauderdale airport their itinerary uses.
The addition of direct South Florida service also reinforces New Bight's role as more than a domestic landing point.
CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION AT NEW BIGHT
One of New Bight Airport's most important distinctions is its international-processing capability.
The official Bahamas tourism authority states that New Bight Airport welcomes international travelers with Customs and Immigration services.
This capability supports direct international flights and can also be relevant to private aviation.
Travelers arriving internationally remain responsible for satisfying current Bahamian entry requirements. Requirements can vary according to nationality, travel purpose and other circumstances, so international passengers should verify current requirements before departure rather than relying solely on older travel advice.
The Bahamas government states that non-residents arriving in the country are processed by Immigration and are subject to Customs requirements for goods brought into The Bahamas.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE
New Bight Airport is a small Family Island airport, not a large international terminal comparable with Nassau.
Travelers should plan accordingly.
The airport's role is primarily functional: getting passengers into and out of Cat Island. Visitors should not assume they will find an extensive selection of shops, restaurants, lounges or other services inside the terminal.
That makes advance planning particularly useful.
Have your accommodation details available, arrange transportation before arriving where possible, and confirm pickup arrangements directly with your hotel, rental provider or local driver.
International passengers should also keep passports and required travel documents easily accessible for arrival processing.
GETTING FROM NEW BIGHT AIRPORT TO YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Ground transportation is an important part of planning a Cat Island trip.
Unlike Nassau, Cat Island does not have a dense public transportation network designed around large visitor volumes. Settlements, beaches, restaurants and accommodations are spread along the island.
For many independent travelers, a rental vehicle provides the most flexibility.
Other possibilities can include:
Availability can be limited compared with major destinations, so arranging transportation before flying to TBI is preferable to assuming a vehicle will be waiting on arrival.
If renting a vehicle, ask the provider about pickup procedures, fuel expectations and road conditions.
NEW BIGHT AIRPORT OR ARTHUR'S TOWN AIRPORT?
Cat Island has two airports that travelers commonly encounter: New Bight Airport (TBI) and Arthur's Town Airport (ATC).
The official Bahamas tourism authority describes Arthur's Town Airport as serving the northern end of Cat Island, while New Bight Airport is positioned near Mount Alvernia farther south.
The best choice therefore depends partly on where you are staying.
Choose New Bight Airport when the available flight schedule works for your trip and your accommodation or primary activities are closer to central or southern Cat Island.
Consider Arthur's Town Airport when staying in northern Cat Island or when its available flights create a more convenient itinerary.
International air access to northern Cat Island also expanded in May 2026, when Makers Air began scheduled Fort Lauderdale Executive–Arthur's Town service.
For many travelers, comparing both airports before purchasing flights can significantly reduce unnecessary driving.
MOUNT ALVERNIA AND THE HERMITAGE NEAR TBI
One of the most useful geographic references for New Bight Airport is Mount Alvernia.
The Bahamas tourism authority explicitly describes TBI as being located near Mount Alvernia.
Mount Alvernia, traditionally known as Como Hill, reaches 206 feet above sea level, making it the highest point in The Bahamas. Its summit is crowned by The Hermitage, the stone retreat constructed by Father Jerome in 1939.
This makes the landmark a natural addition for visitors staying around New Bight after arriving at TBI.
Travelers interested specifically in the landmark should continue to the Mount Alvernia and The Hermitage Guide for its history, hike and visitor information.
PLANNING YOUR DEPARTURE FROM TBI
Departure planning should begin before the final morning of the trip.
Confirm your flight directly with the airline, particularly because Family Island schedules can change. Ask your accommodation or transportation provider how much driving time to allow from your location.
International and domestic passengers may have different check-in and processing requirements.
If returning a rental vehicle, confirm where the vehicle should be left and whether an in-person inspection is required.
Travelers connecting onward in Nassau should also consider the complete itinerary rather than only the short Cat Island flight. Leave adequate connection time for baggage, terminal procedures and any required international processing.
WHO SHOULD USE NEW BIGHT AIRPORT?
TBI is especially practical for:
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Travelers staying around New Bight or central Cat Island
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Visitors planning to see Mount Alvernia and The Hermitage
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Travelers connecting through Nassau
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South Florida travelers using available direct service
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International visitors requiring an airport with Customs and Immigration
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Visitors whose accommodations provide convenient transfers from TBI
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Travelers exploring central or southern Cat Island
The deciding factor should generally be the combination of flight availability + accommodation location + ground transportation, rather than choosing an airport solely because of airfare.
LOCAL & DESTINATION CONTEXT
New Bight Airport connects New Bight → central Cat Island → Mount Alvernia and The Hermitage → Nassau and South Florida → the wider Bahamas aviation network. Together with Arthur's Town Airport in northern Cat Island, TBI helps make the island accessible despite its dispersed settlements and relatively small-scale tourism infrastructure. For visitors, understanding the relationship between these airports, local roads and accommodation locations is an important part of planning a practical Cat Island itinerary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE AIRPORT CODE FOR NEW BIGHT AIRPORT?
The IATA airport code for New Bight Airport on Cat Island is TBI.
WHERE IS NEW BIGHT AIRPORT LOCATED?
New Bight Airport is on Cat Island in The Bahamas, near the settlement of New Bight and Mount Alvernia.
IS NEW BIGHT AIRPORT AN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT?
New Bight Airport accommodates international travelers and has Customs and Immigration services, according to the official Bahamas tourism authority.
CAN YOU FLY FROM NASSAU TO NEW BIGHT?
Yes. The official Bahamas flight directory currently lists service between Nassau (NAS) and New Bight (TBI). Flight schedules should be reconfirmed directly with the operating airline.
CAN YOU FLY DIRECTLY FROM FLORIDA TO NEW BIGHT?
Yes. Makers Air launched scheduled service between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and New Bight (TBI) on November 1, 2025.
ARE NEW BIGHT AIRPORT AND ARTHUR'S TOWN AIRPORT THE SAME?
No. TBI serves the New Bight/central Cat Island area, while Arthur's Town Airport (ATC) serves northern Cat Island.
HOW SHOULD YOU GET AROUND AFTER ARRIVING AT TBI?
A rental vehicle, prearranged transfer or local driver is generally the most practical option because Cat Island's settlements and attractions are geographically dispersed.
WHY CHOOSE NEW BIGHT AIRPORT FOR A CAT ISLAND VACATION?
TBI's central location, proximity to New Bight and Mount Alvernia, domestic connection with Nassau and international-processing capability make it a practical gateway for many Cat Island itineraries.
EXPLORE MORE CAT ISLAND GUIDES
CONCLUSION
New Bight Airport is more than a small landing point on Cat Island. Its location near New Bight and Mount Alvernia, Customs and Immigration capability, connection with Nassau and direct South Florida service make TBI one of the island's principal transportation gateways.
It is particularly practical for travelers staying in central Cat Island, visiting Mount Alvernia and The Hermitage, or building an itinerary around the island's central and southern communities.
Because Cat Island is geographically dispersed, choosing the right airport can materially improve a trip. Compare TBI with Arthur's Town Airport based on current flights and the location of your accommodation, then arrange ground transportation before arrival.
For everything beyond the airport—including beaches, accommodations, restaurants, communities and attractions—continue to the Ultimate Cat Island Travel Guide.
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