Soldier Cay Airstrip

The closure was the result of private ownership decisions and economic factors. The airstrip was a private amenity for the estate on Soldier Cay. Its closure was not due to a specific accident, military conversion, or government action. Instead, the maintenance and operational costs were likely deemed unnecessary or too expensive by the island's owner(s), leading to it falling into disuse and eventual dereliction.

The site is completely derelict and non-operational. The runway is severely overgrown with mature vegetation and trees, and the asphalt surface is cracked and deteriorated. Large white 'X' markings are still visible on parts of the runway, serving as a clear visual warning to pilots that the field is closed. The island itself remains a private estate, with the associated buildings appearing maintained. Access to the island is now exclusively by boat or potentially helicopter.

The airstrip's significance was entirely private. It was constructed to provide convenient, direct air access for the owner of the private estate on Soldier Cay, their family, and guests. Operations were limited to small general aviation aircraft, such as single and twin-engine propeller planes, capable of using its relatively short runway. The airstrip never served commercial, public, or military functions. It was representative of the many private airstrips built in the Bahamas during the mid-to-late 20th century by wealthy individuals to support their exclusive island retreats.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Soldier Cay Airstrip. Any such initiative would be entirely at the discretion and considerable expense of the island's private owner. The restoration would require extensive work, including clearing all vegetation, excavating the old runway, and laying a completely new surface, plus potential recertification. Given the many years of neglect and the existence of alternative transport (sea access), the likelihood of the airstrip being restored is extremely low to non-existent.