Lobby group asks DOT to block Bahamasair’s operating authority amid fee spat

Bahamasair has become embroiled in spat playing out between Nassau and US airlines that fly into the island country’s airspace. For several years, US carriers have alleged that the Bahamas government charges unreasonable air navigation service fees, violating the US-Bahamas air transport agreement. Now, US trade group Airlines for America (A4A) is urging the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to prohibit Bahamasair’s from flying US routes – unless the Bahamas government eliminates alleged “excessive charges”. Specifically, A4A wants to DOT to hold up approval of Bahamasair’s pending request to renew its US operating authority. Time may be running out, as the Nassau-based carrier’s current authorisation – called an “exemption” – seemingly runs only through 3 October, according to regulatory filings. Bahamasair did not respond to a request for comment, nor did the company’s attorney, Michael Pennekamp with Miami law firm Fowler White Burnett. The DOT and The Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority (BANSA) also have not responded to inquiries from FlightGlobal. Bahamasair requested the renewed exemption on 23 August, and A4A objected on 12 September. Since then, the airline and trade group have battled the issue in DOT filings. “Because the government of the Bahamas continues to violate the [air transport agreement], Bahamasair’s application to serve the US must be denied,” A4A said in a 25 September filing.<br/>