Belize City And International Airport: A Quick Connection

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) is the only international airport in Belize. It is located in Ladyville, about 10 miles northwest of Belize City, and can be reached in 20 minutes by car. The airport is about a 30-minute drive from the centre of Belize City.

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is the only international airport in Belize

The airport is owned by the Government of Belize and the Belize Airports Authority and is operated by the Belize Airport Concession Company Limited under a Concession Agreement. In 2023, the airport handled over 4,200 international flights, 27,028 domestic flights, approximately 1,040,000 domestic and international passengers, and 680,000 kg of cargo. Eleven international and two domestic airlines operate from the airport, with scheduled flights to the USA, Canada, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Europe. These include major US airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines.

The airport was originally built in 1943, with a 5,000-foot asphalt runway, a taxiway, and a small apron. A terminal building was added in 1944 and inaugurated in 1945. It was originally known as Belize International Airport but was renamed in 1988 to honour Goldson. Due to its strategic location, the airport has hosted several military units over the years, including British and US forces.

The airport has undergone significant improvements, including a new access road from the George Price Highway, an Eastern Taxiway, a new car park facility, personnel training, new services, and equipment upgrades. The airport's infrastructure expansion positions Belize well for continued growth and development in the aviation industry.

It is located in Ladyville, a village/suburb about 10 miles from Belize City

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is located in Ladyville, a village/suburb about 10 miles from Belize City. It is the only international airport in Belize, serving as the main airport for tourists flying in from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and other countries in Central America. The airport is named after politician Philip S.W. Goldson, who passed away in 2001. It is situated at an elevation of 5m (16 ft), putting the airport and Belize City at risk of flooding due to their low elevation and coastal location.

Ladyville is approximately 20 minutes away from Belize City by car. Taxis are readily available outside the airport exit doors, providing a convenient option for travellers heading to Belize City. The taxi fare from the airport to the water taxi terminal or bus terminal in Belize City is typically around $15-$25 per trip. For those who prefer a scenic flight, local airlines like Tropic Air offer daily domestic flights to various destinations across Belize.

Belize has a well-developed transportation system, making it easy to get to and around the country. In addition to the international airport, there are 10 other main domestic airports in Belize, including the Belize City Municipal Airport and the Caye Caulker Airport. The country also boasts a good bus system, with buses offering an inexpensive and immersive way to travel like the locals.

For those looking to explore Belize's beautiful coastline, water taxis and boat charters are available from Belize City to destinations such as Caye Caulker and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. These water transportation options provide a unique perspective of the country's stunning natural landscapes.

The drive from the airport to Belize City takes around 20-30 minutes

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, named after politician Philip S. W. Goldson, is the only international airport in Belize. It is located in Ladyville, a village/suburb about 10 miles northwest of Belize City. The drive from the airport to Belize City takes around 20-30 minutes.

There are several transportation options to get from the airport to Belize City. One option is to take a taxi, which is a convenient choice as taxis are typically parked outside the airport exit doors. The cost of a taxi ride to Belize City is usually around $15-25 USD. Another option is to use a shuttle service, such as William's Belize Shuttle, which offers shared and private shuttle transfers to various destinations in the country.

If you prefer to travel by bus, Belize has a good bus system that is both inexpensive and reliable. Buses can be caught at bus terminals or flagged down on the roadside. However, there are currently no reliable online resources for bus schedules, so it is recommended to ask locals or visit a bus station for more information.

For those who want to explore Belize at their own pace, renting a car is a great option. Belize has a well-planned highway and road system, making it easy to reach all of the mainland cities, towns, and popular attractions by car. Car rental agencies can be found at the airport, in Belize City, and at other larger tourist destinations.

In addition to ground transportation, domestic flights are also available for those who want to get to their destination quickly. Belize's two airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, offer daily flights to various locations across the country.

The airport is at an elevation of 5m (16ft) and is at risk of flooding

The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, serving Belize City, is approximately 30 minutes' drive from the city centre. The airport is at an elevation of 5m (16ft) and is at risk of flooding, along with the entirety of Belize City, due to its low elevation and coastal location. The elevation of the airport is extremely low, and as a result, the country's capital has been moved to Belmopan. Despite this, the airport remains the largest and busiest in Belize, with stable passenger growth, and is currently the fifth busiest airport in Central America.

The airport's location is a cause for concern, as even a small rise in sea levels could result in flooding. Belize City is situated on the eastern coast of Central America, and with the airport being just 5m above sea level, it is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and more frequent and severe storms. The city's flat topography further exacerbates the risk of flooding, as there is no higher ground to provide protection from rising waters.

The consequences of flooding at the airport could be significant, disrupting travel plans and causing economic losses. The impact would be particularly acute given the airport's status as the country's largest and busiest, serving as a hub for both domestic and international travel. The low elevation of the airport highlights the challenges faced by coastal communities in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change.

To address the flooding risk, several adaptation strategies could be implemented. These may include the construction of flood defences, such as seawalls or levees, to protect the airport and surrounding areas from rising waters. Additionally, the development of early warning systems and emergency response plans can help minimise the impact of flooding events. It is also crucial to ensure that any new infrastructure is built with resilience to flooding in mind, taking into account potential future sea-level rise projections.

The vulnerability of the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport to flooding underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and communities from the impacts of climate change.

There are plenty of taxis outside the airport, which cost $15 from the airport to the water taxi in Belize City

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) is located just outside Belize City and is the easiest and most popular way to get to Belize. Once you arrive, there are plenty of taxis outside the airport, which is helpful to know as you cannot get to the water taxi in Belize City by ride-share. The taxi ride will cost you $15 from the airport to the water taxi in Belize City. Taxis in Belize are easy to identify with their green license plates, and their rates are very inexpensive.

Belize has a good bus system, which is another inexpensive and reliable way to get around. Buses can be caught at bus terminals or flagged down on the roadside. However, if you are travelling shorter distances, taking a taxi is a more convenient option.

If you are looking to travel further within Belize, you can also get around by plane, boat, car, or even kayak! Domestic flights are one of the fastest and easiest ways to get around the country. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are two airlines that fly within Belize. Water taxis are also a great way to get around Belize's cayes.

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