NASSAU, BAHAMAS — A widely known private aviation executive said yesterday there was “a really significant flood of requests” for information regarding flying to The Bahamas, telling Eyewitness News “We now have not seen any pushback regarding COVID-19 testing requirements”.
Rick Gardner, a US business pilot, flight instructor and Bahamas Flying Ambassador said: “There has been a really significant flood of requests for information for flights to The Bahamas, which exceed questions for another country. The first concern pertains to the necessities for entry into The Bahamas. We now have shared the regulatory requirements as they’re published by The Bahamas government and we now have not seen any pushback on the subject of the COVID-19 testing requirements.”
He added: “Pilots are simply requesting clarification to be certain that they can be in compliance before they arrive. I feel the aggressive stance by The Bahamas government with the entry requirements provides the pilots and passengers with an added assurance that they’re traveling to a rustic where the chance of contracting COVID-19 can be lower than perhaps in other countries with lesser restrictions.”
General aviation pilots, together with private boaters and yachters were among the many first tourists allowed within the country as of June 15.
The Bahamas is predicted to officially open to international visitors on July 1.
Tourism Minister Dionisio D’Aguilar announced last week that the federal government would require a negative COVID-19 test for all people entering the country after July 1.
