The Eastern Caribbean’s air connectivity is set to strengthen with Bahamasair’s new nonstop route between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and North Eleuthera Airport starting November 23, 2025, alongside LIAT Air’s launches of Antigua to Santo Domingo and Dominica to Punta Cana flights in December. These developments underscore the region’s ongoing commitment to boosting tourism, facilitating business travel, and enhancing access to some of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations.
Bahamasair Brings North Eleuthera Closer to South Florida
Bahamasair’s new service will operate every Wednesday and Sunday through January 4, 2026. Flights depart Fort Lauderdale in the early afternoon, arriving in North Eleuthera two hours later with return legs timed to offer convenient day travel. Introductory roundtrip fares start at dollar three hundred sixteen, making it a compelling option for travelers seeking the Bahamas’ famed pink-sand beaches, charming pastel towns, and tranquil atmosphere without requiring long-haul flights.
North Eleuthera serves as a gateway to Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, reachable by short ferry rides, ideal for quick getaways or extended Caribbean escapes. Destinations like Governor’s Harbour and Cape Eleuthera resort further highlight the island’s appeal as a destination for authentic natural beauty and relaxed leisure travel.
LIAT Air’s Expanded Network: Antigua–Santo Domingo and Dominica–Punta Cana
Capitalizing on rising leisure and business demand, LIAT Air will introduce a weekly Friday flight between Antigua and Santo Domingo starting December 12, 2025. Operated with the ATR 42-600 aircraft, the route offers afternoon departures facilitating day or multi-day visits to the Dominican capital with competitive introductory fares. In addition, LIAT Air will start two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays between Dominica and Punta Cana beginning December 9, operated on Embraer ERJ-145 jets. The service connects Dominica’s eco-tourism offerings with Punta Cana’s large resort market, enabling diverse travel experiences and enhanced destination access.
Regional Tourism and Economic Implications
These new air routes come at a pivotal moment for Caribbean travel, facilitating greater regional mobility while supporting the tourism sector’s growth objectives. By improving access among the Eastern Caribbean islands and the Dominican Republic, airlines like Bahamasair and LIAT Air help stimulate local economies through increased visitor spending, extended stays, and greater cultural interaction.
Travel demand from North America and intra-Caribbean travelers is expected to benefit substantially from these shorter, more frequent routes, feeding hotel, dining, and service industries in each destination.
Airlines’ Fleet Modernization and Service Evolution
Bahamasair employs a modern ATR 42-600 aircraft for the new North Eleuthera route, reflecting fleet upgrades aimed at improved efficiency and comfort. LIAT Air continues to leverage its growing fleet, featuring Embraer ERJ-145 jets and ATR turboprops, to serve diverse markets ranging from short island hops to slightly longer regional flights. This fleet diversity enables schedule flexibility and scalable offerings tailored to seasonality and passenger volumes.
Future Prospects in Regional Air Network Expansion
Both airlines have outlined plans for continued route development across the Caribbean, including LIAT’s anticipated new link to Guyana and Bahamasair’s sustained emphasis on connecting Florida and the Bahamas. These strategies demonstrate a shared vision of fostering a robust, interconnected Caribbean aviation market that supports tourism, trade, and community ties throughout the region.
Booking and Travel Information
Passengers can book tickets from late 2025 via official airline websites and authorized travel agents. Early bookings are encouraged to secure promotional fares and desired travel dates, especially for holiday and high-season travel to the Caribbean’s premier leisure destinations.
The introduction of these direct flights represents a welcome expansion of travel options, helping visitors bypass complex connections and facilitating easier access to some of the Caribbean’s most stunning island experiences.
Several airlines, including Avianca Costa Rica, Bahamasair, Aerolíneas Argentinas, and Sunrise Airways, have recently canceled multiple flights, causing widespread disruptions for travelers across the Americas. Avianca Costa Rica (LRC) canceled its flight LRC611 between El Salvador (SAL) and San José (SJO) on Sunday at 10:20 AM CST. Bahamasair (BHS) grounded flights BHS208 from Fort Lauderdale (KFLL) to Nassau (NAS) on Saturday, and BHS147 and BHS148 from Nassau (NAS) to Montego Bay (MBJ) and back on Sunday.
Aerolíneas Argentinas (ARG) canceled several flights, including ARG1254, ARG1388, ARG1267, ARG1268, ARG1389, and ARG1269 on Sunday, affecting routes between Buenos Aires (AEP), Rio de Janeiro (GIG), and Montevideo (MVD). Finally, Sunrise Airways (KSZ) canceled a series of flights on both Saturday and Sunday, including KSZ33, KSZ46, KSZ30, and others connecting Les Cayes (CYA), Port-au-Prince (PAP), and Cap-Haitien (CAP) due to adverse weather conditions in Haiti. These widespread cancellations have impacted both regional and international travel, causing delays and disruptions for passengers across multiple routes.
Avianca Costa Rica (LACSA) Flight Cancellations
Flight Cancellations:
LRC611: El Salvador (SAL) to San José (SJO)
LRC611: San José (SJO) to El Salvador (SAL)
Scheduled Departure Time:
Sunday, 10:20 AM CST
Cause: The specific reason behind the cancellations has not been officially disclosed by Avianca Costa Rica. However, the airline acknowledged operational challenges that affected its flight schedule. While further details are pending, this disruption has left travelers with limited options for rebooking and forced many to explore alternate travel arrangements.
Key Affected Destination: San José, Costa Rica, and El Salvador are key affected destinations. Both are important hubs for tourists, business travelers, and locals. The cancellation of these routes directly impacts travelers planning to visit Costa Rica or El Salvador, both of which are popular tourist destinations.
Impact on Passengers: Passengers traveling between Costa Rica and El Salvador are experiencing delays or the need to rebook on other flights. Some passengers may be forced to stay longer at airports or reschedule their plans. The lack of timely communication from the airline has only added to the inconvenience, leaving travelers in limbo. Many are left with limited choices, especially with the high demand during peak travel seasons.
Impact on Tourism: Tourism between Costa Rica and El Salvador may be temporarily disrupted, with both countries missing out on travelers who were planning visits for leisure or business. This can also affect regional tourism, as travelers who are unable to fly may decide to cancel their plans altogether. The local economy, which relies heavily on tourism, could also take a temporary hit as a result of these cancellations.
Bahamasair Flight Cancellations
Flight Cancellations:
BHS208: Fort Lauderdale (KFLL) to Nassau (NAS)
BHS147: Nassau (NAS) to Montego Bay (MBJ)
BHS148: Montego Bay (MBJ) to Nassau (NAS)
Scheduled Departure Times:
BHS208: Saturday, 6:25 PM EDT
BHS147: Sunday, 2:55 PM EDT
BHS148: Sunday, 4:25 PM EST
Cause: Bahamasair cited a series of weather-related issues, equipment problems, and infrastructure challenges as the reason for these cancellations. These factors, compounded by unforeseen delays, disrupted the airline’s operational capacity, leading to the cancellation of multiple flights.
Key Affected Destination: Nassau, Bahamas, is one of the major tourist destinations in the Caribbean. These cancellations affect travelers looking to either start or conclude their vacations. Furthermore, those connecting from Fort Lauderdale to Nassau and then on to Montego Bay, Jamaica, are also impacted, with limited options for rerouting.
Impact on Passengers: Travelers flying to or from Nassau may be forced to rebook or reschedule their flights for different days or alternate routes. The cancellations have caused long waiting times for those who need to secure new bookings, as the number of available flights is limited. With such cancellations, passengers may face added costs, such as hotel stays or food, if they are stranded at airports.
Impact on Tourism: The Bahamas’ tourism sector is heavily reliant on international visitors. The cancellations could reduce the number of tourists visiting the islands, affecting hotels, tour companies, and other local services. Similarly, travelers bound for Montego Bay, Jamaica, may also experience disruptions to their holiday plans. The cancellations serve as a reminder of the volatility that airlines and travelers face due to weather-related events.
Aerolíneas Argentinas Flight Cancellations
Flight Cancellations:
ARG1254: Buenos Aires (AEP) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
ARG1388: Buenos Aires (AEP) to Montevideo (MVD)
ARG1267: Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Buenos Aires (AEP)
ARG1268: Buenos Aires (AEP) to Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
ARG1389: Montevideo (MVD) to Buenos Aires (AEP)
ARG1269: Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Buenos Aires (AEP)
Scheduled Departure Times:
Sunday, various times
Cause: The airline has attributed the cancellations to operational challenges. Though specifics regarding the exact causes were not revealed, airlines typically face issues such as staffing shortages, aircraft availability, and maintenance needs, which could have led to these disruptions.
Key Affected Destination: Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a major hub in South America, especially for travelers to and from neighboring countries like Brazil and Uruguay. These cancellations, especially on key routes like Rio de Janeiro and Montevideo, could cause significant inconvenience for both leisure and business travelers.
Impact on Passengers: Passengers on these routes will need to rebook their flights with Aerolíneas Argentinas or look for alternative carriers. For those traveling on business, these delays can affect meetings or deadlines. Additionally, there may be added costs for overnight stays and meals for those who are stranded due to the cancellations.
Impact on Tourism: Buenos Aires is a major tourism destination, with visitors flocking to the city for its cultural heritage, restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere. With these cancellations, the airline has contributed to potential disruptions to Argentina’s tourism flow. This can have a ripple effect on hotels, tours, and other local services, potentially causing financial setbacks.
Sunrise Airways Flight Cancellations
Flight Cancellations:
KSZ33: Les Cayes (CYA) to Port-au-Prince (PAP)
KSZ46: Les Cayes (CYA) to Cap-Haitien (CAP)
KSZ30: Les Cayes (CYA) to Port-au-Prince (PAP)
KSZ41: Cap-Haitien (CAP) to Les Cayes (CYA)
KSZ32: Port-au-Prince (PAP) to Les Cayes (CYA)
KSZ42: Les Cayes (CYA) to Cap-Haitien (CAP)
KSZ33: Les Cayes (CYA) to Port-au-Prince (PAP)
KSZ34: Port-au-Prince (PAP) to Les Cayes (CYA)
KSZ35: Les Cayes (CYA) to Port-au-Prince (PAP)
KSZ45: Cap-Haitien (CAP) to Les Cayes (CYA)
KSZ36: Port-au-Prince (PAP) to Les Cayes (CYA)
KSZ46: Les Cayes (CYA) to Cap-Haitien (CAP)
Scheduled Departure Times:
Saturday and Sunday, various times
Cause: Sunrise Airways canceled these flights due to adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes, Haiti. The region has been experiencing heavy rains and strong winds, which made it unsafe for the airline to operate flights to and from the area.
Key Affected Destination: Les Cayes, Haiti, is a smaller but crucial hub for domestic travel within the country. This region is often affected by weather-related issues, especially during the hurricane season, which has a major impact on the local economy and tourism.
Impact on Passengers: Affected passengers are advised to contact Sunrise Airways to discuss rebooking options. Many travelers could be stranded at airports or at their destinations if they were relying on these flights for connecting travel. This could cause logistical challenges, as the limited flight availability may lead to delays or increased prices.
Impact on Tourism: The cancellations have affected local tourism in Haiti, as travelers visiting Les Cayes are now unable to proceed with their plans. This impacts both local businesses and the broader tourism economy in Haiti, which depends on international and regional travelers to sustain the sector.
Summary Table of Cancelled Flights
Airline
Flight ID
Route
Scheduled Departure Time
Cause
Avianca Costa Rica
LRC611
SAL SJO
Sun 10:20 AM CST
Operational challenges (specific cause unclear)
Bahamasair
BHS208
KFLL → NAS
Sat 6:25 PM EDT
Weather, equipment, and infrastructure issues
Bahamasair
BHS147
NAS → MBJ
Sun 2:55 PM EDT
Weather, equipment, and infrastructure issues
Bahamasair
BHS148
MBJ → NAS
Sun 4:25 PM EST
Weather, equipment, and infrastructure issues
Aerolíneas Argentinas
ARG1254
AEP → GIG
Sun 1:30 PM -03
Operational challenges (specific cause unclear)
Aerolíneas Argentinas
ARG1388
AEP → MVD
Sun 4:03 PM -03
Operational challenges (specific cause unclear)
Aerolíneas Argentinas
ARG1267
GIG → AEP
Sun 5:15 PM -03
Operational challenges (specific cause unclear)
Aerolíneas Argentinas
ARG1268
AEP → GIG
Sun 5:40 PM -03
Operational challenges (specific cause unclear)
Aerolíneas Argentinas
ARG1389
MVD → AEP
Sun 6:34 PM -03
Operational challenges (specific cause unclear)
Aerolíneas Argentinas
ARG1269
GIG → AEP
Sun 9:25 PM -03
Operational challenges (specific cause unclear)
Sunrise Airways
KSZ33
CYA → PAP
Sat 3:05 PM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ46
CYA → CAP
Sat 3:38 PM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ30
CYA → PAP
Sun 7:50 AM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ41
CAP → CYA
Sun 8:08 AM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ32
PAP → CYA
Sun 8:50 AM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ42
CYA → CAP
Sun 9:23 AM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ33
CYA → PAP
Sun 11:05 AM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ34
PAP → CYA
Sun 1:05 PM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ35
CYA → PAP
Sun 2:05 PM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ45
CAP → CYA
Sun 2:38 PM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Sunrise Airways
KSZ36
PAP → CYA
Sun 3:05 PM EDT
Adverse weather conditions in Les Cayes
Source: FlightAware
Conclusion
The recent flight cancellations by Avianca Costa Rica, Bahamasair, Aerolíneas Argentinas, and Sunrise Airways have caused significant disruptions for passengers across the Americas. Whether due to operational challenges or adverse weather conditions, these cancellations highlight the vulnerability of air travel to unforeseen circumstances. Travelers are advised to stay updated on their flight status, reach out to airlines for rebooking options, and prepare for potential delays. The cancellations also serve as a reminder of the broader impact on tourism, as these disruptions can ripple through local economies and affect travel plans for both business and leisure travelers. As the situation unfolds, affected passengers are encouraged to remain flexible and patient while the airlines work to resolve the issues.
Disclaimer: The information provided is sourced from FlightAware and airport websites. We do not guarantee its accuracy and have no intention to harm or malign any airlines. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact us at pr@travelandtourworld.com.