American Airlines began a new nonstop flight from Miami International Airport (MIA) to South Bimini Airport (BIM) on February 14 2026, marking the first time a U.S. carrier offers direct service to the island of Bimini in the Bahamas.
The route operates three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays—using an Embraer 175 aircraft under the American Eagle brand. The 64‑mile hop takes between 30 and 52 minutes, making it the airline’s shortest international flight and the quickest way for travelers from South Florida to reach Bimini’s beaches and marine‑life attractions.
By adding Bimini to its schedule, American Airlines taps a niche leisure market that previously required a connecting flight through Nassau or private charter. The move leverages Miami’s status as the airline’s largest international gateway and aligns with its strategy of expanding short‑haul, high‑yield routes that complement long‑haul and business‑travel segments.
Senior Vice President of Network Planning Brian Znotins said, “American knows that travelers are looking for unique and varied experiences, and that’s why we’ve added destinations like Bimini to our network.” Managing Director of Operations José María Giraldo added, “This new service between Miami and Bimini further enhances connectivity to the Bahamas through our largest international gateway and reinforces our position as the leading U.S. carrier in the country.”
Tourism to the Bahamas has rebounded strongly, with arrivals in 2025 up 11.4% over 2024 and surpassing pre‑pandemic levels by 70%. Bimini’s appeal—white‑sand beaches, crystal‑clear waters, and world‑class fishing—has been amplified by recent terminal upgrades at South Bimini Airport, positioning the island for increased international traffic.
The launch exemplifies American’s broader Caribbean strategy: it is the airline’s seventh destination in the Bahamas and part of a plan to operate over 30 daily flights to the islands during the winter season, more than any other U.S. carrier. The short‑haul leisure focus is expected to generate strong load factors and revenue, while the new route strengthens the carrier’s competitive edge in a market where no other U.S. airline offers nonstop service to Bimini.
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