NASSAU| The Bahamas Government says ongoing negotiations with aviation industry stakeholders concern overflight fees only and do not involve any additional charges, as it works to resolve outstanding differences over fees for aircraft operating in Bahamian airspace.
In a statement issued Monday, November 9, The Bahamas Ministry of Energy, Utilities, and Aviation acknowledged concerns raised by local and international aviation operators and confirmed that discussions are continuing through the Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority (BANSA).
The clarification comes amid objections from major United States airlines over Bahamian air navigation charges and concerns surrounding a separate proposed fee for aviation meteorological services associated with the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network (BACSWN).
The Ministry stressed that BANSA’s current negotiations are limited strictly to overflight fees.
“To be clear, BANSA’s present discussions relate solely to overflight fees and do not involve any additional fee,” the statement said.
The Government also outlined four principles that will guide its approach to aviation charges: non-discrimination, cost-relatedness, transparency and consultation with airspace users.
Under those principles, operators should not be charged twice for the same service or billed for services they do not receive. Charges must also reflect the cost of services provided, with users given clear information about how fees are calculated.
Minister of Energy, Utilities and Aviation JoBeth Coleby-Davis said the Government had listened to concerns raised by its aviation partners, particularly those in the United States.
“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,” she said.
The Ministry said discussions are progressing in good faith, although it did not disclose the proposed fee structure, identify the remaining areas of disagreement or indicate when negotiations are expected to conclude.
It also stated that any future arrangements or charges for aeronautical meteorological services are expected to follow the same principles.
However, the statement did not clarify the current status of BACSWN’s proposed meteorological fee, which has been the subject of separate industry concerns and public discussion.
The Ministry said further updates would be provided as consultations continue, with aviation safety and the continuity of essential air services remaining priorities.
