The Bahamas is billing aircraft operators for flights since May 2021. NBAA published an operator alert on 3 August 2026. The Bahamas Air Navigation Services Authority has begun retroactive collection under a revised fee schedule. Invoices apply to any twin-piston, turboprop or jet flight that arrived in, departed from, operated within or overflew Bahamian airspace on or after 1 May 2021. Single-engine piston aircraft on private flights are exempt.
The revised charges represent increases of nearly 300 per cent to almost 700 per cent, based on maximum takeoff weight. Operators who already paid earlier rates are being billed for the difference. Invoicing runs through the IATA Simplified Invoicing and Settlement platform.
BANSA has told operators that unpaid balances can be enforced by aircraft detention. In a written response to CST Flight Services, BANSA stated that any aircraft with a debt can be seized or detained by the government if the operator refuses to pay. NBAA notes that the provision applies to new owners as well. A pre-purchase title search will not always surface a BANSA balance.
Laura Everington, NBAA director of international operations and regulations, said the association is launching an advocacy effort with other stakeholders and the US government. NBAA has invited operators to share invoices to support the advocacy work. The association also questions the fees on the merits, noting that the US FAA provides most air traffic services to Bahamian airspace at minimal cost.
For Part 91 owners with any Bahamas activity since May 2021, three checks apply now. Reconcile flight logs against BANSA and IATA SIS invoices. Escrow any known balance ahead of a sale, transfer or refinancing. Add a BANSA-clearance representation to purchase agreements on aircraft with recent Caribbean history.
Source: NBAA operator alert, 3 August 2026; AVweb, 4 August 2026; Aerotime, 5 August 2026; CST Flight Services.