Belize Airports: Open For Business Or Closed?

Belize is a well-connected Central American country with numerous airports. The primary gateway for international travellers is the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, located in Ladyville, about 10 miles from Belize City. This airport is named after Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a prominent Belizean rights activist. The airport offers flights to 18 cities from 11 different international airlines, connecting Belize to the USA, Canada, Latin America, and Mexico.

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport

In 2018, the Philip Goldson International Airport received over 5,000 international and 26,000 domestic flights, serving approximately 1.1 million passengers. Currently, 11 international and two domestic airlines operate from the PGIA with scheduled flights to the USA, Canada, Latin America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. The airport covers 457 acres (185 ha) of land and has one runway. It is the largest and busiest airport in Belize and the fifth busiest airport in Central America.

The Philip Goldson International Airport terminal building contains Terminals 1 and 2, International Arrival and Departure Halls, a Domestic Arrival Hall, restaurants, bars, snack outlets, gift/souvenir shops, duty-free shops, a bank, and various other services. Outside the terminal building, there are car parking lots and often a sea of Belize City taxis waiting to pick up passengers. There is also a Rental Services Center containing car rental, telephone, and travel agency services.

The airport has undergone significant improvements, including a $60 million Airport Improvements Project that included airport infrastructure expansion, a new Eastern Taxiway, a new car park facility, personnel training, new services, and equipment upgrades. In mid-2020, a new paved access road was completed from the George Price Highway, providing a direct route to the airfield.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport implemented health and safety measures and reopened to international tourism on October 1, 2020. As of March 1, 2022, fully vaccinated individuals or those with a negative COVID-19 test were allowed entry into Belize without additional testing. However, travel health insurance is still optional for arriving visitors.

Belize's COVID-19 restrictions

As of 1 October 2020, Belize's airports have been open for international travel. However, there are still COVID-19 restrictions in place for those travelling to the country.

Firstly, all travellers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 96 hours of arrival, or a negative rapid antigen test taken no more than 48 hours prior to travel. This information must be uploaded to the Belize Health App within 72 hours before departure. Face masks are mandatory in airports, and passengers must maintain six feet of distance from one another.

Upon arrival, travellers will proceed to a health screening area to verify their certified COVID-19 test results. Those without test results will need to take a swab test at the airport, at a cost of $50, and self-isolate at their accommodation until they receive their results. If a traveller receives a positive result during their trip, they will be placed in a minimum 14-day quarantine at their hotel, at their own expense, until the Ministry of Health gives them clearance to leave. If travellers show any symptoms during their stay, the Ministry of Health reserves the right to test them and place them in quarantine until negative results are received.

Travellers must also have reservations at hotels that have been approved by Belize's recently expanded Safe Corridor program in order to enter the country. This includes hotels, restaurants, and tour operators that have achieved the destination's "Tourism Gold Standard" certification. To be certified, hotels must require face masks in public places and implement other social-distancing protocols, including online check-in/out, contactless payment systems, and automated ordering/booking. They must also provide hand sanitising stations in public areas, enhanced room cleaning, and daily health checks for guests and employees.

In addition, properties must set aside designated isolation/quarantine rooms for suspected COVID-19 cases, provide round-trip transport service from the airport, and offer onsite activities and isolated tours.

As of March 2022, individuals entering Belize who are fully vaccinated and have their vaccination certificate are exempt from testing requirements.

Domestic airports in Belize

Belize has one international airport and several domestic airports. Domestic airports in Belize are scattered across the country, in the most populous areas of each district. These airports are primarily used by tourists during the high tourism season.

The 5 most popular domestic airports in Belize are:

• Belize City Municipal Airport
• San Pedro Airport (also known as John Greif II Airport)
• Caye Caulker Airport
• Placencia Airport
• San Ignacio Airport (also known as Maya Flats Airstrip)

Other domestic airports in Belize include:

• Corozal Town Airport
• Hector Silva Airstrip – Belmopan Airport
• Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport – Belize City Airport
• Dangriga Municipal Airport
• Punta Gorda Airport
• Maya Island Airport

International airlines flying to Belize

Belize's Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City is currently undergoing a $60 million Airport Improvements Project, which includes infrastructure expansion, a new Eastern Taxiway, a new car park facility, and more. The airport is open and welcoming international travellers.

• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Alaska Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Jet Blue
• Frontier Airlines
• Air Canada
• WestJet
• Tropic Air
• Avianca Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• TACA
• Continental
• US Air
• INTERJET
• Maya Island Air
• Belize Helicopter Services
• Astrum Helicopter Service
• Tropic Airlines

International flights to Belize land at Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. Direct flights are available from cities across North America, including Toronto, Calgary, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis, New York, LA, and Denver. From Europe, travellers can fly from London Heathrow with a short connection in Miami.

Getting to Belize City from the airport

Belize has 19 airports, with the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) being the main international airport. It is located in Ladyville, around 10 miles from Belize City.

Getting from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport to Belize City

There are a few ways to get from the airport to Belize City. The quickest and most straightforward option is to take a taxi, which costs around $25 USD and takes 15-25 minutes, depending on traffic. If you are travelling in a group, you can split the cost between you. However, be aware that the taxi drivers will charge each person the full amount if they realise you are travelling separately, so it is best to organise this before exiting the airport.

If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can walk or take a taxi from the airport to the Philip Goldson Highway (about 2.5 km). From there, you can wait for a bus going towards Belize City. The bus fare is only $1-2 USD, but be aware that express buses will not stop, and it may take longer to get to your destination.

Another option is to book a shuttle service, which can take you from the airport to your accommodation in Belize City or to the water taxi terminals if you are heading to the Cayes. This can be a more stress-free option, as you can book in advance and avoid waiting in long taxi lines.

Getting from Other Airports to Belize City

If you are flying into one of the smaller airports in Belize, you may have different transport options. For example, if you are flying into Belize City Municipal Airport, you can take a domestic flight to San Pedro Ambergris Caye, which is the busiest domestic air route in the country.

Frequently asked questions