New Bight Airport

New Bight-Freetown Settlement Airport (IATA: none, ICAO: MYCB) serves the island of Cat Island in the central Bahamas, handling mostly small charter and general aviation aircraft from a single compact terminal. Located near the settlement of New Bight on the island's western coast, the airport is the main entry point for visitors heading to the surrounding beaches, fishing lodges, and secluded resorts. The runway itself is asphalt, stretching about 5,000 feet, long enough to accommodate light jets and turboprops typical of private and semi-private flights. While the airport lacks the volume of Nassau's Lynden Pindling, its role is critical: Cat Island has no other commercial airport, so every passenger arriving via air passes through this one modest building.

The airport operates with a small, local staff known for their friendliness. The terminal is basic but functional — passengers should not expect lounges, duty-free shops, or food concessions. It is a place where the focus is on getting travellers from tarmac to transportation quickly, with a minimum of fuss. The atmosphere is relaxed, reflecting island pace. Security is present but not heavy; screening is low-key. For those accustomed to larger hubs, the simplicity can be refreshing, but preparation is key.

Getting There

New Bight-Freetown Settlement Airport lies roughly 10 miles south of the island's main settlement, Arthur's Town, and about 4 miles north of the historic site of the Hermitage. The airport's location is fairly central along Cat Island's western shore, accessible via the Queen's Highway, the island's primary paved road. From Arthur's Town, the drive takes approximately 20 minutes. From the southernmost settlements, like Old Bight, it's about a 30-minute drive. Road conditions are generally good, with paved surfaces along the main route, but some side roads are unpaved. There is no public bus service to or from the airport. Most visitors arrange airport transfers through their accommodation — many resorts and vacation rentals include pickup in their booking. Taxis are available but limited; it is wise to pre-arrange one via phone (the airport staff can help if needed). Rental cars are available from a few local agencies, but it is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season. The airport does not have a dedicated car rental counter; arrangements are typically made beforehand and the vehicle is either delivered to the airport or picked up at a nearby location. Cycling and walking are impractical due to distances and tropical heat.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at New Bight-Freetown Settlement Airport consists of a single building with a small check-in area, a waiting room, and a baggage claim zone that is essentially a single carousel or, more commonly, a designated spot where bags are placed on the floor. The building is functional but in need of upgrades. Seating is limited — perhaps a dozen chairs — so passengers may end up standing during busy times, especially when the Monday 4 pm and Tuesday 5 am rush occurs (though 'rush' is relative here). The toilets require attention; cleanliness is variable, and travellers should carry hand sanitiser. There is no air conditioning throughout the entire building; fans provide some relief but the interior can get warm. A small shop is not present; there are no food or drink vendors. Passengers must bring their own snacks and water, especially if waiting for a delayed flight.

The facility is wheelchair-accessible, with an accessible entrance and designated car park spaces. The airport staff are notably friendly and helpful, often going out of their way to assist with luggage or provide local information. Security screening is present but minimal. For departures, passengers check in at the counter, then proceed to a small waiting area. The gate is a doorway directly onto the tarmac; passengers walk across the apron to board the aircraft. On arrival, the process is reversed: walk from the plane to the building, retrieve luggage, and exit. The whole experience is efficient in its simplicity — but amenities are virtually nonexistent.

New Bight-Freetown Settlement Airport and Freetown Settlement

Cat Island, where the airport sits, is one of the most authentic and unspoiled destinations in the Bahamas. Unlike the heavily developed New Providence or Grand Bahama, Cat Island remains quiet, rural, and deeply connected to Bahamian traditions. The island stretches about 48 miles long and is known for its rolling green hills, a rarity in the flat Bahamas, and its miles of pristine beaches, many of which you can have entirely to yourself. The most famous beach is Greenwood Beach, a pink-sand stretch on the Atlantic side. The Hermitage, a hilltop retreat built by a retired Anglican priest in the 1940s, offers panoramic views and a sense of isolation.

Freetown Settlement, the closest community to the airport, is a small village with a population of a few hundred. It has a grocery store, a church, and a few local eateries serving cracked conch and peas 'n' rice. The pace of life is slow; people are welcoming. Visitors come to Cat Island primarily for fishing, diving, and snorkelling. The waters around the island are clear and teeming with marine life, including bonefish in the flats, an attraction for anglers worldwide. The island also hosts an annual Cat Island Regatta and a Rake n Scrape music festival that celebrates the traditional Bahamian music style. The airport is the lifeline for these visitors and for residents who travel to Nassau for medical appointments, shopping, or education.

The airport itself is a point of pride for the community, despite its shortfalls. It represents connection to the outside world. Improvements are discussed locally, but funding is limited. For now, the airport embodies a welcome contrast: it lacks conveniences, but it compensates with genuine hospitality. The staff know regular passengers by name. The informal atmosphere can be a relief after the impersonal nature of large airports.

Those who visit Cat Island often comment that the airport sets the tone — no overpriced shops, no crowds, just the sound of the wind and the sight of turquoise water from the tarmac. It is an arrival experience that forces you to slow down immediately. For many, that is exactly why they come.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours; operations align with flight schedules. The busiest times are Monday at 4 pm, Tuesday at 5 am, Wednesday at 10 am, and Thursday at 12 pm. Flights outside these times may require special coordination. The contact phone number is +1 242-342-2256. The FAA airport information page is at https://nfdc.faa.gov/nfdcApps/services/airportLookup/airportDisplay.jsp?airportId=mycb, which provides current runway data, NOTAMs, and frequency details.

Travellers should bring their own refreshments and toiletries (hand sanitiser, tissues). If renting a car, confirm with the rental company that the car will be delivered to the airport or that they have a nearby office. For transfers to hotels, arrange pickup in advance. There are no ATMs at the airport; bring cash for taxi or incidental expenses. The nearest ATM is in Arthur's Town.

A final tip: if you are flying into Cat Island for a vacation, pack light — the baggage claim area is small, and you may carry your own luggage from the plane to the car park. But the trade-off is a genuine welcome and a start to a peaceful stay.