Belize Airport Proximity To The City: A Traveler's Guide

Belize's primary international airport, Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA), is located in the village of Ladyville, approximately 9-10 miles from Belize City. The airport is easily accessible from Belize City, with a drive time of around 20-30 minutes. The airport is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a Belizean activist and politician who passed away in 2001. It is the only airport in the country with a runway long enough for large jets, making it the primary entry point for international flights.

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

The Philip Goldson International Airport (IATA: BZE) is a modern airport that handles all international traffic to Belize. It features a long main runway of 9,700 feet, capable of accommodating full-size aircraft. The airport covers 457 acres of land and has one runway. It is currently the fifth busiest airport in Central America, with stable passenger growth. In 2018, the airport received over 5,000 international and 26,000 domestic flights, serving approximately 1.1 million passengers.

The airport facilities include Terminals 1 and 2, International Arrival and Departure Halls, a Domestic Arrival Hall, restaurants, bars, snack outlets, gift and souvenir shops, duty-free shops, a bank, car parking lots, and a Rental Services Centre. There are also two ATMs available, from Atlantic Bank and Belize Bank, which dispense only Belizean currency. The airport is owned by the Government of Belize and the Belize Airports Authority.

An ongoing $60 million Airport Improvements Project is transforming the airport's infrastructure. This includes expanding the airport, constructing a new Eastern Taxiway and carpark facility, personnel training, introducing new services, and upgrading equipment. These improvements position Belize well for the continued growth and development of the aviation industry.

Several major airlines operate at the Philip Goldson International Airport, providing non-stop service to various destinations in the United States, Mexico, Central America, and Canada. These include American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United, and U.S. Airways.

The airport is located in Ladyville, 10 miles from Belize City

Belize's primary international airport is Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA/BZE), located in the village of Ladyville, around 10 miles from Belize City. The airport is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a Belizean activist and politician who passed away in 2001. It is the only airport in the country with a runway long enough for large jets used in international aviation. The runway measures 9,700 feet in length, accommodating full-size aircraft.

The airport is situated about 20 to 30 minutes away from Belize City by car. It serves as the entry point for all international flights to Belize and some domestic flights. Other domestic flights depart from the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport in Belize City, also known as the Belize Municipal Airport.

Several major US airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and US Airways, offer non-stop services to PGIA from various cities in the United States. The airport also receives flights from other international carriers, such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Avianca Airlines.

Upon arrival at the Philip Goldson International Airport, travellers can opt for ground transportation or domestic flights to reach their final destination within Belize. Taxis are readily available outside the airport exit, and the drive to Belize City typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes. Local airlines, such as Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, also provide convenient connections to various destinations within the country.

Belize boasts a well-developed transportation network, making it easy for visitors to navigate their way around the country. In addition to air travel, visitors can choose from buses, water taxis, boats, cars, and even kayaks to explore the beauty and culture that Belize has to offer.

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

Belize is easy to get to and get around, with lots of transportation options and great infrastructure. The easiest and most popular way to get to Belize is by flying into the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. The airport is located in Ladyville, a village/suburb that is 10 miles from Belize City. It takes 20-30 minutes to drive from the airport to Belize City.

The airport is fully equipped and modern, handling all international traffic. It has a long main runway measuring 9,700 feet, which is able to accommodate full-size aircraft. The airport is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a Belizean activist and politician who died in 2001. It is owned by the Government of Belize and the Belize Airports Authority.

Several airlines offer non-stop services to the airport from various cities in the United States, Canada, and Central America. These include American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United, and U.S. Airways. The airport also serves as a hub for local airlines Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, which offer domestic flights to various destinations within Belize.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can easily get to Belize City by taxi, which is typically used to travel to the water taxi terminal or bus terminal in the city. The drive from the airport to Belize City takes around 20-30 minutes, making it a convenient and quick option for travellers.

In addition to taxis, shuttle and private car transfer services are also offered by hotels and private companies. Alternatively, you can opt for a domestic flight with local airlines like Tropic Air, which offer daily flights to locations across Belize.

There are two domestic airlines in Belize: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air

Belize's Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA/BZE) is the country's primary international airport, located just 10 miles from Belize City.

Tropic Air flies to 11 destinations within Belize, including Belize City Municipal, Corozal, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Belmopan, Placencia, Punta Gorda, Dangriga, and Orange Walk. They also offer regional flights to nearby countries, including Cancun, Mexico, and Flores, Guatemala. Tropic Air offers a free baggage policy on domestic flights and free re-booking if your international flight is delayed.

Maya Island Air serves 11 destinations in Belize, including Caye Caulker, Corozal, Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda, San Pedro Town, Savannah, Caye Chapel, Kanantik (Stann Creek), and Tower Hill (Orange Walk). Maya Island Air is Belize's most experienced airline, offering daily scheduled flights to popular destinations.

Both airlines primarily use Cessna Caravan planes, also known as "puddle jumpers," for domestic flights. These small planes offer breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Maya Mountains.

The departure tax for international tourists is $55.50

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) is the primary international airport in Belize and is located just 10 miles from Belize City. The airport is served by five major US airlines and five other airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines.

When it comes to departure taxes, non-Belizean citizens and residents are required to pay a departure tax when leaving the country. This tax is typically not included in the price of airfare and must be paid upon departure. The departure tax for non-citizens and non-residents of Belize is $35.50 USD, plus an additional $0.75 USD security screening fee. This brings the total departure tax for international tourists to $55.50 USD, including the security screening fee. It is important to note that this tax must be paid in cash, as credit and debit cards are not accepted.

In addition to the departure tax, there is also a conservation fee of $7.50 BZD for visitors staying in Belize for more than 24 hours. This fee is waived for travellers spending less than a full day in the country. It is recommended that visitors check with their airline to see if the departure tax is included in their airfare, as some airlines do include it. However, it is always best to be prepared and have the cash on hand to pay the departure tax if needed.

The departure tax is used by the Belizean government to fund infrastructure development and conservation programs. While it may be an additional cost for tourists, it helps to support the country's development and preservation efforts.

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