FlightOps is warning aircraft operators and pilots who intend to do humanitarian relief flights in the Bahamas that “the operational situation in the northern Bahamas is complex, potentially dangerous, and changing continuously.” In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, “Large parts of the islands have been wiped out, much flooding remains, roads are out, and the situation on the ground is very challenging.” Currently, FlightOps said the focus is on evacuation—“getting people out.”

Meanwhile, “The airspace picture is worrying,” it continued. “We’ve received reports of aircraft operating at low level without a transponder, creating a collision concern, and there were several reported security incidents on the ground putting the safety of crews at risk. The airports are not secure zones, and police presence is low. There are many more aircraft than usual in Abaco, meaning the airspace is crowded in places, and there is no ATC.”

According to the flight-planning company, there also are 15-nm no-fly zones around Freeport and Marsh Harbour, with access granted only by the Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency. At press time, North Eleuthera Airport was still closed, as were all airports in Bimini, Grand Bahama, and Abaco (except for Sandy Point).