American Airlines to launch shortest international route in 2026

American Airlines has announced the launch of its shortest international route starting February 2026, linking Miami (MIA) and South Bimini (BIM) in the Bahamas. The new service will span only 64 miles, making it the shortest international flight in the carrier’s network.

The route will be operated by American Eagle through Envoy Air, with flights scheduled three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Operations will utilize the Embraer E175 regional jet, which seats 76 passengers—12 in business class and 64 in economy.

This new connection will surpass the airline’s current shortest system route between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Milwaukee (MKE), which covers 67 miles. South Bimini will become the seventh Bahamian destination for American Airlines, joining Nassau, Freeport, George Town, Governor’s Harbour, Marsh Harbour, and North Eleuthera.

South Bimini is primarily served by Bahamian carriers Flamingo Air and Western Air, with no regular service by U.S. airlines to date. The airport is a key entry point for tourists, particularly those traveling to local resorts such as Resorts World Bimini.

The Embraer E175 assigned to the route is commonly used for short-haul regional flights, offering both business and economy cabins. The addition of South Bimini to American’s network expands direct access for U.S. passengers to the Bahamas and may influence traffic flow to the island, which is popular among tourists.

With the introduction of this service, American Airlines will become the only U.S. carrier offering regular flights to South Bimini. The airline is expected to monitor demand before considering any adjustments to frequency or capacity on the route.

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