Bahamian Government Working to Remedy Concerns Levied by US Airlines

Government officials in The Bahamas said they are working with airlines in the United States to overcome legal challenges claiming the island nation is overcharging for access to its international airspace.

According to Eyewitness News Bahamas, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the issue was a "misunderstanding" and would work with U.S. carriers "to ensure we come to an understanding that is in the best interest of our country."

"We value the contribution of our partners as it relates to aviation and tourism in The Bahamas," Cooper said.

The complaint was levied by the Airlines for America (A4A) group, which is accusing the Bahamian government of charging "astronomical" and "unreasonable" overflight fees, which it claims violates the Air Transport Agreement (ATA) between the Bahamas and the U.S.

A4A officials believe the island nation is overcharging for air navigation services, which "exceed the cost of providing those services." As a result, representatives from the top U.S. airlines believe there is a violation of Article 10 of the US-Bahamas ATA.

Cooper released a full statement on the situation to Eyewitness News Bahamas:

"We consider the airless to be partners. We are working with them in a consultative process to ensure we come to an understanding that is in the best interest of our country. We maintain that there was a consultation on the roll-out of the overflight charging system. There was concurrence with ICAOO which is the regulatory body for aviation internationally."