American Airlines is opening a new gateway to one of the Caribbean’s most under-the-radar escapes, launching the first-ever scheduled nonstop flights from the United States to Bimini in The Bahamas. The short hop from Miami turns what was once a complex journey involving ferries, private boats or charter planes into a seamless, sub-one-hour flight to an island long prized by anglers, divers and beach seekers looking for a quieter alternative to the region’s bigger resort hubs.

A New Nonstop Doorway to a Caribbean Oasis

Beginning February 14, 2026, American Airlines is operating a new nonstop service between Miami International Airport and South Bimini Airport, offering three flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The route, flown by an Embraer 175 aircraft under the American Eagle brand, is the first regularly scheduled commercial link between the U.S. mainland and Bimini, a small island cluster just 50 miles east of South Florida.

The new Miami to Bimini service is set to become American’s shortest international route, covering roughly 64 miles and taking under an hour gate to gate. While Bimini has always been geographically close, getting there has typically meant stitching together charter flights or ferry crossings. By placing the island directly into its Miami hub network, American is effectively moving this slice of The Bahamas from a niche destination to one that fits easily into a weekend or short-break itinerary for North American travelers.

The launch also cements Bimini as the seventh Bahamian island in American’s portfolio, joining Nassau, Freeport, George Town, Marsh Harbour, Governor’s Harbour and North Eleuthera. With the new flights, the carrier plans to operate more than 30 daily services to The Bahamas in the winter season, reinforcing its position as the leading U.S. airline in the country in terms of capacity and connectivity.

What Travelers Can Expect From the New Route

American’s Bimini flights are being scheduled to appeal to both weekend vacationers and connecting passengers from across the United States and Canada. Departures from Miami are planned around mid-morning, with arrivals into South Bimini shortly before lunchtime, allowing same-day hotel check-in and afternoon time on the beach. Return flights typically depart late morning, landing in Miami around midday, leaving room for onward connections to more than 80 destinations in American’s network.

The Embraer 175 aircraft assigned to the route seats around 76 passengers in a two-cabin layout, including a premium section and main cabin. For travelers used to larger jets on Caribbean runs, the E175 offers a more intimate experience while still providing overhead bin space, reclining seats and a familiar mainline-style interior. The short flight time also means that, for many passengers, the experience will feel closer to a commuter hop than a traditional long-haul island escape.

American is positioning the schedule to allow maximum flexibility: the Monday and Wednesday flights cater to travelers tacking a Bimini getaway onto a business trip or a longer Florida stay, while the Saturday service targets classic long weekend leisure demand. For Bimini’s hospitality sector, that pattern is expected to translate into steadier midweek bookings alongside traditional peak weekend traffic.

Bimini Steps From Hidden Gem to High-Profile Getaway

Bimini has long been a name passed quietly among those who know the region well. Famous for its white sand beaches, impossibly clear waters and rich marine life, the island has drawn sport fishers chasing marlin and tuna, divers exploring reefs and shipwrecks, and boaters from South Florida seeking a quick but exotic-feeling escape. Yet a lack of scheduled international air service kept it off the radar of many casual travelers who might otherwise have opted for more straightforward Caribbean options.

The new nonstop flights are expected to change that equation. Tourism officials in The Bahamas have described the service as a game-changer for the island, emphasizing that easier air access could broaden Bimini’s appeal beyond boaters and niche enthusiasts. With a growing mix of accommodations, from short-term rentals and small inns to the large-scale Resorts World Bimini complex, the island is increasingly equipped to welcome a wider segment of the market, including families, couples and small groups.

For visitors, the allure lies in the island’s scale and character. Bimini’s laid-back pace stands in contrast to the high-rise skylines and busy cruise piers that define some of the Caribbean’s larger destinations. Days revolve around beaches, snorkeling trips, fishing charters and quiet evenings in local restaurants and bars. The new air service, tourism officials say, lets travelers step into that atmosphere with far less logistical planning than in the past.

Tourism Surge in The Bahamas Sets the Stage

The decision to add Bimini to American’s route map comes during a period of renewed strength for tourism across The Bahamas. The archipelago has recorded double-digit growth in visitor arrivals in recent years, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and signaling sustained demand for sun-and-sea getaways among North American travelers. That performance has encouraged both the Bahamian government and major carriers to invest in new infrastructure and routes beyond the capital, Nassau.

Officials at the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation have highlighted the Bimini launch as part of a broader strategy to spread tourism benefits across the so-called Out Islands, the less-developed islands that offer quieter, nature-centered experiences. By securing nonstop access from a major U.S. hub, they aim to boost visitor numbers while supporting local jobs in hospitality, transportation and related services.

American, for its part, has been steadily increasing capacity to the country. The airline plans a significant boost in summer 2026, with up to 35 daily flights to seven Bahamian destinations from U.S. gateways. Network planners say the goal is to give travelers a range of experiences within The Bahamas, from resort-heavy Nassau to more secluded islands like Bimini that focus on boutique stays and outdoor adventure.

Airport Upgrades Underpin the New Connectivity

Behind the launch of the Bimini flights lies a major investment in infrastructure at South Bimini International Airport. The facility is in the midst of a substantial expansion and modernization project, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, designed to handle larger volumes of commercial traffic while improving the overall passenger experience. Renderings released by project partners show a redesigned terminal with upgraded check-in, security and arrivals areas, along with enhanced apron and runway capabilities.

The redevelopment is part of a wider push by Bahamian authorities to upgrade key Out Island airports, improving safety standards and making them more attractive to international carriers. For Bimini, the timing is strategic: as American launches its route, the island’s airport will be better positioned to accommodate not only new flights but also the expectations of travelers accustomed to modern facilities at larger Caribbean gateways.

Local officials and private partners involved in the airport project have framed the American service as proof of concept that infrastructure spending can draw tangible new airlift. They also point to potential long-term benefits, including opportunities for other airlines to consider seasonal or niche services and for the island to host more regional events and conferences that rely on reliable air access.

Economic Ripple Effects for a Small Island Community

For Bimini’s residents and businesses, the arrival of nonstop service from Miami is more than just a new line on the departures board. Tourism is the island’s economic backbone, and any shift that makes it easier for visitors to arrive typically translates into higher demand for hotel rooms, restaurants, excursions and local services. Business leaders on the island have already cited the route as a milestone that could support new investments in accommodations, dining and experiences.

Resort operators in particular are expected to benefit from the newfound ease of access. Large properties such as Resorts World Bimini, which features hotel rooms, villas, pools, a casino and a marina, can now market short-stay packages tied directly to the American schedule. For smaller guesthouses and independent tour operators, the flights represent a chance to tap into a broader cross-section of travelers who may not have considered a more complex journey worth the effort.

The economic impact may also extend beyond tourism. Improved air connectivity can support local residents who travel regularly to the United States for education, healthcare or business, reducing travel times and simplifying connections. Additionally, the visibility that comes with being on a major carrier’s route map can attract interest from investors in sectors such as real estate, retail and services, especially as the island’s profile rises in North American media and travel circles.

American’s move into Bimini comes amid intensifying competition among airlines for Caribbean leisure traffic. U.S. carriers and regional airlines alike have been announcing new or restored routes to islands across the region, from expanded service to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to the resumption of key links to destinations such as Saint Lucia. The winter and early spring travel seasons remain the key battleground, as travelers seek warm-weather escapes from North America’s colder states.

By staking a claim as the only U.S. airline offering nonstop service to Bimini, American is betting that uniqueness will resonate with customers hunting for something different from the standard resort roster. Network planners at the airline have said that travelers increasingly want destinations that feel distinctive yet are still easy to reach. With its combination of short flight time, small-island atmosphere and upgraded infrastructure, Bimini fits neatly into that strategy.

The route also underscores the importance of Miami as a Caribbean super-hub. From MIA, American already serves a web of destinations throughout the region; adding Bimini gives the airline another niche offering it can feed from cities across the United States and Canada. For Miami itself, the service contributes to its role as a primary North American launchpad for Caribbean tourism, complementing the city’s busy cruise terminals and existing air links.

What This Means for Travelers Planning Their Next Escape

For travelers, the practical impact of American’s new service is straightforward: visiting Bimini is about to become far simpler. Instead of building itineraries around ferry timetables, charter operators or multi-stop connections through Nassau, passengers will be able to book a standard ticket from their home city to Miami and connect directly to the island. The sub-one-hour final leg means that, for many, it will be possible to leave home in the morning and arrive on the island in time for lunch by the sea.

The change is likely to make Bimini an attractive choice for short getaways, including long weekends and spur-of-the-moment breaks when fares are favorable. Travelers accustomed to multi-hour flights deeper into the Caribbean may find the convenience especially appealing, particularly those based in the southeastern United States. At the same time, the connection through Miami opens the door for visitors from farther afield, including the Midwest and Northeast, to consider Bimini alongside more established islands.

As the first flights take off, both American Airlines and Bahamian tourism officials will be watching demand closely. If the route performs well, it could become a template for similar services to other small islands that have historically relied on indirect access. For now, though, the spotlight is on Bimini, the latest Caribbean oasis to be brought within easy reach of North American travelers looking for turquoise waters, quiet beaches and a sense that a true getaway does not have to be far away at all.