Leonard M. Thompson International Airport

Overview

Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (MHH) serves as the primary air gateway to the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas. Located on Great Abaco Island near the town of Marsh Harbour, the airport handles both domestic flights from Nassau and other Bahamian islands, as well as international flights from the United States and Canada. Named after a former Bahamian parliamentarian, the airport is a vital link for tourists heading to the famous cays and for residents of the Out Islands. Although modest in size, it processes a steady flow of travellers year-round, with peak activity typically in the early afternoon.

The airport is used mainly by leisure travellers, including families, sailors, and fishermen bound for the pristine beaches and marinas of Abaco. It also supports a small amount of cargo and medical evacuation flights. Unlike larger Bahamian airports, MHH has a single terminal building that blends open-air breezeways with covered waiting areas, reflecting the laid-back island atmosphere.

Location & Access

Leonard M. Thompson International Airport sits on the eastern side of Great Abaco Island, approximately two miles from downtown Marsh Harbour. The surrounding area is flat and scrubby, with the turquoise waters of the Sea of Abaco visible from the approach. Getting to and from the airport is straightforward:

• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. Fares are fixed by the government for common destinations; a ride to Marsh Harbour town or to the ferry docks costs around $15–$20 per person (as of recent rates). Taxis are usually minivans that can accommodate luggage.
• Rental Cars: Several international and local rental agencies have desks inside the terminal. Driving is on the left-hand side, British-style. The road network on Great Abaco is limited, with main paved roads connecting Marsh Harbour to settlements like Treasure Cay and Hope Town (via ferry).
• Ferry Connections: For travellers continuing to smaller cays (e.g., Hope Town, Green Turtle Cay), a short taxi ride to the Marsh Harbour Ferry Terminal connects to daily ferries and water taxis. The airport itself does not have a seaplane base, but nearby marinas offer charter boats.
• Walking: Not recommended due to lack of sidewalks and distance from town.

Nearby settlements include Marsh Harbour (the commercial hub), Dundas Town, and Murphy Town. The airport is also within a 30-minute drive of the popular resort area of Treasure Cay (though the road is being upgraded).

Facilities

Despite its size, Leonard M. Thompson International Airport provides essential amenities for passenger comfort. The following facilities are confirmed on-site:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The entire terminal is wheelchair-friendly, with a dedicated accessible car park close to the entrance, wide doors, and step-free access throughout. Accessible toilets are available, including grab bars and sufficient turning space. The check-in counters and baggage claim are also at a suitable height for wheelchair users.
• Baggage Storage: A luggage storage service is available inside the terminal, useful for travellers who want to explore Marsh Harbour during a long layover. Rates are reasonable and charged per bag per day.
• Toilets: Clean restrooms with flush toilets and sinks are located near the arrivals area. One of the restrooms includes a changing table for infants, making it easier for families travelling with small children.
• Other Services: The airport has a small snack bar offering drinks, sandwiches, and local pastries. A gift shop sells souvenirs, sunscreen, and basic toiletries. Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal (though speeds can be variable). There is no ATM on-site, but the currency exchange counter in arrivals can change US dollars (the local currency) for Bahamian dollars at par.

Note: The airport does not have a VIP lounge, a full-service restaurant, or a duty-free shop. International departures have a small waiting area with seating, but no airside shopping. Plan accordingly.

About the Region

The Abaco Islands are a boating and sailing paradise, with more than 130 miles of barrier reef and dozens of cays. Marsh Harbour, as the largest town in Abaco, serves as the primary supply centre for the outer islands. The area is famous for its world-class bonefishing, blue-hole diving, and pristine beaches like those at Hope Town and Elbow Cay. The historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse (built in 1863) is a popular day-trip destination accessible by ferry from Marsh Harbour.

The geography of Great Abaco is low-lying limestone with extensive pine forests and mangroves. The Sea of Abaco, a protected sound, offers calm waters ideal for kayaking and sailing. After Hurricane Dorian in 2019, the region has been steadily rebuilding, with many resorts and restaurants reopening. The airport itself was extensively renovated following the storm and now features a modern terminal that can handle increased passenger traffic.

Wildlife is abundant: visitors might spot the rare Abaco parrot in the pine forests, or sea turtles and dolphins in the coastal waters. Fishing tournaments, regattas, and the annual Abaco Sailing Week draw international crowds. The local economy relies heavily on tourism, with many visitors returning year after year.

Practical Information

• Hours: The airport is not open 24 hours a day. It typically opens a few hours before the first flight (around 6:00 AM) and closes after the last arrival (usually by 6:00 PM or earlier). Peak traffic is between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM, when several flights from Nassau and Florida arrive. Travelers with late-night or early-morning flights should confirm with their airline, as the terminal may be locked outside operating hours.
• Contact: For general inquiries, call +1 242-367-5500. The airport does not have a dedicated website but maintains a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/AbacoAirport) with updates on delays, construction, and special events.
• Parking: The airport has a small parking lot in front of the terminal. Parking is free for short-term stays (up to 30 minutes) and costs a modest fee for longer durations, payable at the booth near the exit. Spaces are limited, so arriving with enough time is advisable.
• Currency: The Bahamian dollar (BSD) is pegged 1:1 with the US dollar, and US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at the rental car desks and gift shop, but cash is preferred at the snack bar and for taxis.
• Security: Security screening is standard for a domestic/international airport. Expect to remove shoes and belts, and place liquids in clear bags. The checking of agricultural produce (fruits, seeds, etc.) is common as part of Bahamian biosecurity regulations.

Leonard M. Thompson International Airport may lack the glitz of Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International, but its small-scale charm and functional facilities make it a fitting entry point to the unhurried beauty of the Abaco Islands. With a little planning, transiting here is smooth and pleasant.