Grand Bahama Freeport Intl. Airport - Spotting Guide

Grand Bahama Freeport Intl. Airport – Spotting Guide

May 7, 2023 - last modified on December 6, 2023

Grand Bahama (Freeport) International Airport, was one of the largest privately owned airport in the world before its purchase by the Bahamian government in April 2021. This airport is one of the three located on the island of Grand Bahama. Freeport Intl. Airport has the longest runway in the Bahamas, extending out to 11,020 ft capable of handling aircrafts such as the Boeing 747. The airport sees direct services from the United States, Canada Italy. This airport is also a hub for the largest black owned airline in the Bahamas, Western Air.

Back in 2003, the airport recieved a major renovation. A new international terminal (2004) and a domestic terminal (2005) were erected, capable of withstanding strong winds up to 100+ miles per hour. Over the years, many hurricanes made land fall on Freeport resulting in these two terminals being damaged. However, they met they match in 2019 with 8 feet tall floodings, there was no chance of survival.

A temporary terminal was In December 2022, three years after the devestating storm, the domestic terminal was rebuilt taking on the name of “Terminal 2”. It is expected that a “World Class” is to begin construction in March 2023.

Written by Ellison Hepburn. Last Update: February 2023

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
06/24	3.358 m (11.020 ft) Asphalt
Terminals
Terminal 1	Bahamasair, American Airlines, Silver Airways, Flamingo Air
Terminal 2	Sunwing, Neos (Bus Terminal)
Terminal “Blue”	Western Air
Spotting Information
Ladder	Helpful at spot 1-3 but there are large holes in the fence that are not repaired, big enough to fit just about any lens.
Car/Public Transport	Public Transport not available but 1-3 are in walking distance from the terminal.
Drinks/Food	There is a KFC, Burger King & Subway nearby the airport.
Hotels	Closest hotels are Castaway Suites and Royal Island however they’re not the best.
Season	Traffic is almost similar throughout the year. Try to avoid humid and wet months (July-October).
Security	Airport police does not bother the planespotters.
Runway Usage
General Info	For the most part, RWY06 is always in use. However in certain weather conditions RWY24 will be in use.

	Spot #1 – Terminal 2
WHERE	After entering the airport continue down on Terminal Rd and park at the official terminal 2 parking. Now you can position yourself on each side of the terminal along the fence.

WHAT	West side of the terminal is best for traffic landing and line-up on 06. Traffic departing 24 and taxiway movements from the east side.

TIME	Almost all day in winter and summer morning hours. Heat Haze can become a problem in August.

MISC.	Everything you need can be found within the terminal. No ladder needed as there are large holes in the fence that are not repaired, big enough to fit just about any lens.

FOCAL LENGTH	Bahamasair – 300mm \| IBC Airways 300mm \| Western & Bahamasair \| 250mm

West side of the terminal

East side of the terminal

	Spot #2 – Terminal 1
WHERE	After entering the airport, make the second right to enter Terminal 1. Continue down then veer left to the parking directly at the fence.

WHAT	Traffic departing 06, traffic departing 24 & traffic entering the FBO

TIME	Almost all day in winter and summer morning hours. Heat Haze is not a problem at this location

MISC.	Everything you need can be found within the terminal. No ladder needed as there are large holes in the fence that are not repaired, big enough to fit just about any lens.

FOCAL LENGTH	C6-DON – 200mm \| American Airlines – 220mm \| Conquest Air – 130mm \| King Air – 230mm \| HondaJet – 160

	Spot #3 – Western Air Hangars
WHERE	If approaching from E. Mall Drive continue left around the roundabout. Make the first right then continue right until you arrive to the Western Air hanger

WHAT	Traffic taxing to Terminal “Blue” & Terminal 2

TIME	Almost all day in winter and summer morning hours. Heat Haze can become a problem in August.

MISC.	Reccomended to get your shot and leave. No ladder needed as there are large holes in the fence that are not repaired, big enough to fit just about any lens. Due to the narrow lanes traffic can be hectic when flights are inbound.

FOCAL LENGTH	C6-PAM – 200mm \| Western – 300mm

	Spot #4 – Queens Cove Rd
WHERE	Pass the airport terminal and drive westwards onto Queens Cove Rd. Head straight on and you’ll meet your spot.

WHAT	Traffic arriving RWY06 only.

TIME	All day, as you can place yourself along the road on each side of the runway. Heat Haze is not much of a problem

MISC.	Reccomended to get your shot and leave. Do not hang around for too long at this at this location due to a lack of human presence.

FOCAL LENGTH	American CRJ – 250mm \| Bahamasair B735 – 200mm \| C6-FLI – 300mm \| Western Air – 260mm \| Bahamasair B737 – 200mm