The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation(BMOTIA) joins industry partners in celebrating the introduction of twice-weekly nonstop flights to Long Island with Makers Air. Beginning 14 December 2023, service will operate using Cessna Grand Caravans (9-seater)between Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and Stella Maris Airport (SML), every Thursday and Sunday.

The flights are scheduled to depart FXE at 1:00 PM for SML and will depart SML at 3:30 PM for FXE. With theterminal being just 13 miles from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), guests can also takeadvantage of convenient same-day connections.

Deputy Director General Dr Kenneth Romer hailed the flight as a testament of The Bahamas’ strong partnershipwith industry leaders and a reflection of the collective commitment to creating opportunities for localentrepreneurs and stakeholders.

“Supporting additional airlift along with advancing plans for the construction of a new airport in Deadman’s Cay,are part of The Government’s Family Islands Renaissance Project,” Romer said. “Our main priority as anorganization is to continue to grow air stop over arrivals and engage with new source markets. We are grateful forour partnership with Makers Air and their dedication to providing easy, reliable, and convenient flights to theIslands of The Bahamas.”

Kerry Fountain, Executive Director, Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board said, “Today marks the beginning of athrilling journey as we inaugurate new airline service with Makers Air from Fort Lauderdale’s Executive Airport toStella Maris, Long Island, Bahamas.

“We are fully committed to making it easier to get to all of our Family of Out Islands, especially from South Floridawith partners like Makers Air that offer customer convenience, safety, innovation, and impeccable service, and welook forward to soaring to new heights together.”

David Hocher, Owner and President, Makers Air added, “As we embark on this exciting journey to Stella Maris,Long Island, we are thrilled to bring a direct connection from Florida to this hidden gem in The Bahamas. LongIsland has so much to offer, and with this new route, we hope to provide a much-needed travel option to bothvacationers and residents.”

Guests can explore Long Island’s breathtaking cliffs and ecological wonders, including Dean’s Blue Hole, Hamilton’sCave and Cape Santa Maria Beach, which has been hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Not tobe missed are the thriving coral reefs, pristine flats and serene beaches that make Long Island a haven for fishing, diving, and boating. For places to stay, the island offers a myriad of bungalows, chic villas, quaint Bahamianvacation rentals and branded 4-star boutique hotels.

Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort General Manager Greg Vogt said, “We are delighted to welcome Makers Air toLong Island, a testament to our destination's allure. With this direct service, accessing the beauty and charm ofLong Island has never been more convenient. Your journey awaits, effortlessly bridging Fort Lauderdale to theenchanting landscape and unparalleled white sand beaches.”

The new route adds to Makers Air already extensive selection of daily flights to Out Islands of The Bahamas. Thisincludes flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) to Cat Island (TBI); Staniel Cay (Exuma); Chub Cay(Berry Islands); Great Harbour Cay (Berry Islands); San Andros; Fresh Creek (Andros); Congo Town (Andros); NorthEleuthera (ELH); and Rock Sound (Eleuthera). For booking information, visit www.makersair.com. To plan your nextOut Island trip, visit www.myoutislands.com.