Long Island has two airfields at opposite ends of the island. Stella Maris (SML) in the north serves as the primary operational gateway, offering on-field customs and listed Jet-A fuel near Cape Santa Maria. Southern Deadman's Cay (LGI) underwent extensive runway and terminal reconstruction, with current border staffing and operational status requiring per-trip carrier verification. AvSky coordinates with operating carriers to confirm live airfield notices, customs availability, and ground transfers for your specific destination.

Stella Maris features a 4,019-foot paved runway that routinely accommodates turboprops and select light business jets. Larger cabins require tail-specific performance evaluations by the operating carrier, accounting for ambient temperatures, landing weights, runway surface conditions, and required safety margins. Traveling parties requiring super-midsize or heavy jets commonly land at nearby George Town in the Exumas, which offers a 7,000-foot runway and instrument approaches, completing the final 34-nautical-mile hop via regional aircraft.

Deadman's Cay has been undergoing extensive reconstruction, with government plans calling for an elevated 6,500-foot runway and upgraded international terminal facilities to accommodate larger aircraft in the future. Because current regulatory and tourism listings conflict regarding active operational hours and on-site customs staffing, operating carriers verify field notices and border availability directly prior to scheduling. AvSky monitors local progress to confirm whether your flight can utilize the southern field.

Ground transfers depend on your destination, as Long Island's two main attractions lie at opposite ends of the Queen's Highway. Cape Santa Maria sits minutes from northern Stella Maris Airport. Dean's Blue Hole and Clarence Town sit near southern Deadman's Cay, requiring an hour-long drive if landing in the north. Most guests arrange rental cars or private resort shuttles, which AvSky can coordinate dockside or roadside as part of your overall itinerary.

Stella Maris lists both Jet A-1 and avgas on the official aerodrome register, providing a significant operational advantage over fuel-less Out Islands. Because on-island reserves, pricing, and pump hours vary, flight crews confirm supplier availability and obtain written fuel releases prior to takeoff. On short flights from South Florida, aircraft frequently tanker round-trip fuel as a built-in operational safeguard. Deadman's Cay lists no fuel.

Yes. Stella Maris is an authorized port of entry, allowing international charter arrivals to complete customs and immigration on the field without routing through Nassau. Operating carriers submit advance passenger manifests and electronic declarations via Click2Clear before departure. Standard flight tracks between Florida and Long Island remain well northeast of Cuban airspace. Return flights complete US customs and immigration inspection at your initial mainland point of arrival.

All passengers require a valid passport and proof of onward travel. US citizens staying up to 90 days for leisure travel do not require entry visas, while other nationalities should verify specific Bahamian immigration criteria. Your flight crew manages all aviation documentation—including cruising permits, general declarations, and electronic passenger manifests—ensuring seamless entry upon arrival at Stella Maris.

Charter costs reflect departure origin, cabin category, and layover schedule. On short 310-nautical-mile legs from South Florida, turboprops provide the most cost-effective solution, matching light-jet block times at lower hourly rates. For flights departing from Central Florida or northern hubs, light and midsize jets deliver superior speed and range. Total pricing accounts for repositioning, ramp handling, and government fees, with AvSky itemizing every fee line transparently.

Empty legs offer significant cost savings when repositioning flights open along the South Florida corridor. Because departure dates, aircraft models, and flight times are bound to another traveler's schedule, availability remains subject to cancellation if the primary charter changes. For travelers with flexible travel windows, empty legs represent compelling value; for those with confirmed resort stays or scheduled events, dedicated round-trip charters provide guaranteed departure times.

Hold volume dictates aircraft sizing far more than passenger weight. Long Island charters routinely transport bulky sporting equipment, including freediving fins, regulator cases, underwater camera housings, and rigid rod tubes. While high-performance turboprops easily accommodate personal luggage and standard gear on Florida crossings, larger groups or travelers transporting provisions benefit from midsize cabins with dedicated external baggage bays. AvSky reviews your complete equipment manifest to ensure ample hold capacity.

Several southern islands sit within brief flight distances, making multi-destination itineraries straightforward. George Town in the Exumas lies roughly 34 nautical miles northwest, Cat Island is about 45 nautical miles north, and San Salvador sits 50 nautical miles east. Larger traveling groups frequently fly midsize or heavy jets into regional gateways like George Town or Nassau, connecting onward by turboprop. AvSky seamlessly coordinates connecting flights, ground handling, and luggage transfers across every leg.