The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation acknowledges concerns raised by local and international stakeholders, concerning overflight fees in Bahamian airspace. While matters of mutual concern are best addressed through constructive dialogue at the negotiating table rather than in the public domain, the Ministry considers it important to provide an update on the issues that remain central to ongoing discussions. Through the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority (BANSA), the Government of The Bahamas continues to hold productive technical meetings with industry partners. All parties share the goal of resolving any remaining differences over the overflight charging framework.
To be clear, BANSA’s present discussions relate solely to overflight fees and do not involve any additional fee. Although we cannot disclose details of the ongoing discussions, they are progressing well, with all sides engaging in good faith.
As a State Party to the Chicago Convention, The Bahamas is expected to adhere to applicable provisions on charges, included in Article 15. Accordingly, the Government’s approach will be guided by ICAO’s Policies on Charges for Airports and Air Navigation Services (Doc 9082) and its four key principles:
– Non-discrimination: Users operating in similar circumstances will be charged equally.
– Cost-relatedness:Charges will reflect the cost of the services provided. Users will not be charged for services they do not receive or charged twice for the same service.
– Transparency:Users will have access to clear information about the services, their costs and how charges are calculated.
– Consultation with users: Airspace users will be consulted before charges are introduced or changed and given reasonable notice before they take effect.
In the ongoing overflight consultations, our goal is to resolve remaining differences and develop a charging framework that meets these requirements while recognizing aviation’s importance to The Bahamas.
It is further anticipated that any future arrangements or charges for the provision of aeronautical meteorological services will also be consistent with these principles.
The Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis, M.P., Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, said: “The United States is our closest aviation partner, and our airline partners play an essential role in connecting our islands to the world and supporting the families and businesses that depend on air travel. We have listened to their concerns and remain committed to working through the outstanding issues constructively.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that any charging framework is fair, transparent, related to the cost of services provided and developed in consultation with users. We will continue these discussions in good faith, recognising our shared interest in safe, reliable air connectivity and the continued strength of our aviation relationship.”
The Ministry will provide further updates on overflight matters as consultations progress. The safety of the travelling public and the continuity of essential air services will remain central to its work.
