Colonel Hill Airport (IATA: CRI, ICAO: MYCI) is the principal commercial airport serving Crooked Island and one of the primary gateways to the Acklins & Crooked Islands in the southeastern Bahamas. Located approximately 3 miles (5 km) southeast of Colonel Hill, the airport provides scheduled domestic air service linking the island with Nassau and regional destinations, making it an essential transportation hub for residents, visitors, and inter-island travel.
Owned and operated by the Bahamas Department of Aviation, Colonel Hill Airport features a single asphalt runway and supports public domestic aviation. Although it is a small Family Island airport with limited passenger facilities, it plays a vital role in connecting travelers to one of the least-developed island groups in The Bahamas. The airport also provides convenient access to neighboring Acklins Island via scheduled ferry services and occasional regional flights, allowing visitors to explore multiple islands during one trip.
Colonel Hill Airport serves as the primary arrival point for travelers visiting attractions such as Bird Rock Lighthouse, the Bight of Acklins, French Wells Channel, Hope Great House, Pittstown Point, and the island's quiet beaches. It is also the nearest airport for annual cultural events including the Crooked Island Homecoming Festival. Hotels, lodges, and guesthouses on both Crooked Island and Acklins commonly provide airport transfers, while rental vehicles and taxis are available through local providers rather than at dedicated airport rental counters.
The airport is best suited to travelers exploring the Family Islands, bonefish anglers, eco-tourists, photographers, history enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a slower-paced Bahamian destination with easy access to marine environments and cultural attractions.
KEY FACTS
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Destination Name: Colonel Hill Airport
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Category: Transportation Hub
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Destination Type: Domestic Airport
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Location: Near Colonel Hill, Crooked Island, The Bahamas
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Island Group: Acklins & Crooked Islands
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IATA Code: CRI
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ICAO Code: MYCI
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Known For: Primary airport serving Crooked Island
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Best For: Family Island travelers, anglers, eco-tourists, island-hopping visitors
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Nearby Attractions: Colonel Hill, Bird Rock Lighthouse, Bight of Acklins, Hope Great House, French Wells Channel
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Transportation Access: Scheduled domestic flights, taxis, hotel transfers, rental vehicles through local providers
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Ferry Access: Twice-daily ferry connections with Acklins and Long Cay are available nearby
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Airport Access: Domestic commercial flights from Nassau and regional destinations
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Ideal Length of Stay: Gateway for multi-day island visits
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Best Time to Visit: Year-round
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Family Friendly: Yes
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Official Source: Bahamas Department of Aviation
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHTS
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Primary airport serving Crooked Island and the Acklins & Crooked Islands
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Domestic air connections with Nassau
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Single asphalt runway operated by the Bahamas Department of Aviation
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Convenient access to Bird Rock Lighthouse and the Bight of Acklins
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Gateway for bonefishing lodges and eco-tourism operators
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Hotel transfer services commonly available
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Nearby ferry connections to Acklins and Long Cay
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Easy access to Colonel Hill, Hope Great House, and coastal attractions
VISITOR INFORMATION
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Best Time to Visit: Year-round
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Suggested Visit Duration: Arrival gateway for longer island stays
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Accessibility: Domestic airport serving scheduled commercial flights
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Transportation Options: Hotel transfers, local taxis, rental vehicles through local providers
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Ferry Access: Nearby scheduled ferry services connect Crooked Island with Acklins and Long Cay
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Airport Access: Colonel Hill Airport (CRI)
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Road Conditions: Connected to Colonel Hill and surrounding settlements via paved roads
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Accommodation Availability: Guesthouses, fishing lodges, vacation rentals, and small hotels nearby
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Dining Availability: Local restaurants in Colonel Hill and surrounding communities
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Family Suitability: Yes
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Swimming Suitability: Nearby beaches are suitable during calm conditions
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Snorkeling Suitability: Available at nearby coastal and reef locations
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Diving Opportunities: Boat-access dive sites around surrounding reefs
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Boating Opportunities: Excellent throughout the Bight of Acklins
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Fishing Opportunities: Internationally recognized bonefishing and flats fishing
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Photography Opportunities: Coastal scenery, marine landscapes, historic sites, wildlife
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Infrastructure Level: Small Family Island airport with basic passenger facilities
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Weather Considerations: Flight schedules may occasionally be affected by tropical weather
FAQ SECTION
What is Colonel Hill Airport?
Colonel Hill Airport (CRI) is the primary domestic airport serving Crooked Island and the surrounding Acklins & Crooked Islands. It provides scheduled air connections to Nassau and serves as the main gateway for visitors exploring the region.
Where is Colonel Hill Airport located?
The airport is located about 3 miles southeast of Colonel Hill on Crooked Island in the southeastern Bahamas.
Can you fly directly to Colonel Hill Airport?
Yes. Scheduled domestic flights connect Colonel Hill Airport with Nassau, while regional services may connect with nearby Family Islands depending on airline schedules.
Are rental cars available at Colonel Hill Airport?
Rental vehicles are available through local providers and some hotels, although there are no major rental agencies operating directly from the airport terminal. Hotel transfers and taxis are also available.
Why is Colonel Hill Airport important?
The airport provides essential transportation for residents and visitors while supporting tourism, fishing lodges, eco-tourism, and access to attractions throughout Crooked Island and the Acklins & Crooked Islands.
How do you travel from Colonel Hill Airport to Acklins Island?
Visitors can travel between Crooked Island and Acklins using scheduled ferry services operating between the islands, and some regional flights may also be available depending on schedules.
TRAVELER EXPECTATION SUMMARY
Travelers using Colonel Hill Airport can expect a small, efficient Family Island airport offering straightforward access to Crooked Island's historic settlements, marine attractions, bonefishing lodges, and neighboring islands within the Acklins & Crooked Islands.
LOCAL AND DESTINATION CONTEXT
Colonel Hill Airport serves the settlement of Colonel Hill on Crooked Island, within the Acklins & Crooked Islands of southeastern The Bahamas. The airport provides convenient access to destinations including Bird Rock Lighthouse, the Bight of Acklins, French Wells Channel, Hope Great House, Pittstown Point, and ferry connections linking Acklins Island and Long Cay, making it the principal aviation gateway for the island group.
RELATED DESTINATIONS
Colonel Hill Airport, CRI, MYCI, Colonel Hill, Crooked Island, Acklins & Crooked Islands, The Bahamas, Bahamas Department of Aviation, Nassau flights, domestic airport, Bird Rock Lighthouse, Bight of Acklins, Hope Great House, French Wells Channel, Pittstown Point, Spring Point, Long Cay, island hopping, bonefishing, eco-tourism, Family Island travel, airport transfers, ferry connections