DALLAS — Saudi Arabia invests US$55 million to expand North Eleuthera International Airport (ELH) in the Bahamas as part of its initiative to foster economic growth and development in small island developing states (SIDS).

Saudi Arabia has committed US$55 million to a major airport project in the Bahamas that will significantly boost visitor capacity at ELH, which serves the northern part of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas, including the nearby islands of Harbour Island and Spanish Wells.

The expansion is expected to create over 300 direct jobs during the operational phase, providing a significant economic boost to the area. This promising development is set to transform the airport into a world-class international gateway, as highlighted by Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister Isaac Chester Cooper.

About North Eleuthera International Airport

The airport offers flights to several destinations through various airlines. American Eagle (AA) provides Embraer E-175 service to Charlotte and Miami, while Bahamasair (UP) connects to Governor's Harbour, Nassau, and Rock Sound.

Further, Delta Connection (DL) flies CRJ-700s to Atlanta, Pineapple Air (PNP) serves Governor's Harbour and Nassau, Silver Airways (3M) offers ATR-72 flights to Fort Lauderdale, and Southern Air Charter (PL) operates flights to Nassau.

This investment, facilitated by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), will more than double the airport's annual capacity from 300,000 to 700,000 visitors, supporting the region's growing tourism industry.

The Saudi Fund for Development, established in 1974, has a long history of supporting small island nations. To date, the SFD has financed over 800 projects globally, with a total investment of US$20 billion.