Sununu Slams Bahamas Over FAA Service Fees
Airlines for America's chief criticized the Bahamas for charging fees on services the FAA provides free of charge.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Air Travel
Live Poll
Would new airspace fees make you less likely to book a Bahamas trip?
Airlines for America President and CEO Chris Sununu criticized the Bahamas government for collecting fees on air traffic control services that the Federal Aviation Administration provides at no cost. A separate proposal by the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network would add a new meteorological fee on overflights, landings, and takeoffs.
Why it matters
The dispute touches airlines flying into and over The Bahamas, which pay charges tied to the airspace they use. The US Department of Transportation has restricted licenses for local airlines seeking to fly into the United States, citing concerns in the bilateral aviation relationship.
The initially proposed fee was $775 per flight, with $225 going to the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network and $550 to a project management company. The network has not provided an updated figure, and the agreement behind the proposal remains unpublished.
The players
Chris Sununu
Chris Sununu is the President and CEO of Airlines for America, a trade group representing major US airlines, and a former governor of New Hampshire.
JoBeth Coleby-Davis
JoBeth Coleby-Davis is the Bahamian minister whose office has been asked about the deal but has not answered questions on it.
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the US agency that regulates civil aviation and provides air traffic control and weather services to The Bahamas without charge.
US Department of Transportation
The US Department of Transportation is the federal agency that oversees aviation policy and restricted licenses for Bahamian airlines flying into the United States.
The details
The Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority charges US customers for air traffic control services, while the FAA provides those services free of charge to The Bahamas. A heads of agreement signed over a year ago between the government and the network would establish a NextGen Meteorological Watch Office charging a fee on every overflight, landing, and takeoff.
Timeline
Over a year before November 6, 2026: heads of agreement signed between the government and the Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network.
November 6, 2026: Sununu publicly criticized the Bahamas fees.
Travel Outlook
The dispute follows the US Department of Transportation's decision to restrict licenses for Bahamian airlines, citing its bilateral aviation relationship with The Bahamas. The proposed meteorological fee would add a new charge on top of existing air navigation costs for carriers serving the islands.
Travelers booking flights to or over The Bahamas may see airline fees change depending on how the dispute is resolved. Because the proposed fee is not yet finalized, the final cost passed to passengers remains unknown.
The takeaway
Airline fees for overflights and landings can change quickly when governments and carriers disagree over who should charge for air navigation services. Travelers should check their airline's fee disclosures when booking routes through The Bahamas.
Further reading
For more on how airline fees and airspace charges affect flights, see Air Travel.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Nassau Guardian.
Live Poll
Would new airspace fees make you less likely to book a Bahamas trip?
