The Bahamas Issues “All Clear” After Storm

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued an All Clear for the entire country late Wednesday, confirming that all hurricane watches and warnings linked to Hurricane Melissa had been lifted. It marked the first step in the country’s rapid return to normal operations following several tense days of closures and precautionary measures across the archipelago.

By Thursday morning, the Bahamas Airport Authority had completed a sweep of safety inspections across the Central and Southern Bahamas — from Exuma to Inagua — with most airports reopening for commercial traffic. The agency said Rum Cay Airport, Deadman’s Cay Airport, and Stella Maris Airport on Long Island were still being evaluated after initial checks.

Officials reported only minimal damage to airport infrastructure and surrounding communities, a welcome outcome for a country that has endured several severe hurricane seasons in the past decade.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, I. Chester Cooper, said the government’s focus was on a swift but safe return to full operations.
“The All Clear allowed Bahamians and visitors to return safely to our islands,” Cooper said. “We are proud of the resilience of our communities, the dedication of our emergency teams, and the readiness of our airports to welcome everyone back.”

Domestic carriers resumed flights to the Family Islands Thursday morning, and several international airlines were expected to restore service to Nassau and Freeport by the end of the day, according to officials at Lynden Pindling International Airport.

The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation said it was already in contact with travel partners abroad to reassure visitors and tour operators that The Bahamas’ airports, resorts, and marinas had escaped major damage.

In a statement, the Ministry also extended solidarity to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and other Caribbean nations that faced Melissa’s stronger winds and heavier rainfall earlier in the week.

For The Bahamas, the storm served as another reminder of both vulnerability and resilience — a nation built on islands, ready once again to welcome travelers back to its beaches under clear skies.