Travelers were, once again, forced to endure long lines at Nassau International Airport over the holiday weekend. Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin said NIA has ï¾ outgrown the present level of traffic.
Meanwhile, hundreds of passengers passing through the airport over the holiday weekend experienced what many of them called “nightmarish conditions” as long lines made traveling more difficult.
The situation frustrated many, including Sherry Griffin, an employee at Nassau Flight Services.
Ms. Griffin said that congestion in the international terminal was attributed to long security lines and that the situation tends to get worse on Sundays and Thursdays.
“Essentially our lines stem from security, she said. “I don’t know whether it is placement, efficiency or the lack there of, but usually that is where the problem stems. Once you have gotten beyond that point into US Customs, there is barely anyone inside the hall.
Darrell Robinson, who was visiting from Pennsylvania, said the situation was vexing. But he noted that the wait at many U.S. airports is equally long.
Mr. Robinson said it would be a good idea if airlines had more people available to check in passengers at NIA.
John Krotsky, who lives in Ohio, said that in the post-September 11th era, travelers need a lot of patience.
“I do not have any problems with this because this is a part of what the world is going through. I mean when you have the problems with terrorism I would prefer to be safe, he said.
“The only way to improve this situation is to increase the number of personnel who are checking you in and by so doing it would be more costly, so it’s a wash.
Transportation and Aviation Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said the situation at NIA over the holiday weekend speaks to the need for a major overhaul of the facility, which she said the government is about to embark on.
She told The Bahama Journal that her ministry, with the assistance of the Ministry of Tourism, has incorporated temporary solutions to the growing problem and noted that the country has outgrown NIA.
“The Ministry of Tourism has given to us on a temporary basis four persons, concierge individuals, who are basically assisting us with the management of the cues, she said. “They will help to identify people who have flights to catch and people who are frustrated.
She also said that authorities have put in place signage to provide information regarding airport operations.
“We are try to put in place other measures which would expedite and more effectively manage the lines, the Minister assured.
Minister Hanna-Martin indicated that increased security regulations and a booming tourism industry have contributed to the headaches that many travelers experienced over the holiday weekend.
She said the government is working speedily to address the concerns.
By: Perez Clarke, The Bahama Journal
