Belize's Airline Accessibility: A Tropical Haven's Reach

Belize is served by 11 international airlines, with flights to the US, Canada, Latin America, and Mexico. The country's only international airport, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, is located in Ladyville, 10 miles outside of Belize City. The airport has a 9,700-foot runway, capable of accommodating full-size aircraft. American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, TACA, Southwest Airlines, United, and US Airways all provide non-stop services to the airport from various cities in the US and Latin America. Belize also has two domestic airlines, Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, which primarily operate Cessna Caravan planes from the international airport and various domestic airports across the country.

Tropic Air: Belize's biggest airline with 17 flight destinations

Belize has one international airport and several domestic airports. The country's main airport is the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, located in Ladyville, a village 10 miles outside of Belize City.

Belize has two domestic airlines: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, the latter being the country's biggest airline. Tropic Air flies to 14 destinations, including Belize, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. The airline also provides regional flights from Belize to Cancun, Guatemala City, and Roatan, which are done on Beechcraft 1900 aircraft. Tropic Air has recently expanded its service offerings by commencing non-stop, twice-weekly flights between the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City and the Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. San Pedro Sula is now Tropic Air's second destination in Honduras.

Tropic Air operates thirteen Cessna Grand Caravans (208B) Glass Cockpit, one Gippsland GA8 Airvan, and two Cessna T182T's. The airline is also the only one in Belize to have IATA standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) Certification. Safety is a top priority for Tropic Air, and they are committed to upholding the highest standards in every aspect of their operations. They are also dedicated to providing professional service and care to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey for their passengers.

Tropic Air has won the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Award in both 2019 and 2020. The airline has also recently announced a strategic initiative to eliminate carbon emissions by converting its fleet to net-zero emissions through the use of renewable energy sources. This initiative is in collaboration with MONTE, a company dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in aviation and maritime industries.

Maya Island Air: Belize's second domestic airline

Belize has one international airport and several domestic airports. The country has two domestic airlines: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. Maya Island Air, also known as Maya Airways, is based in Belize City and operates from the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport. The airline was formed in 1962 and currently flies to 11 destinations within Belize and offers chartered flights to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.

Maya Island Air's fleet consists of a variety of aircraft, including the Britten-Norman BN2A Islander, the Cessna 182 Skylane, the Cessna 208 Caravan, and the Gippsland Airvan. The airline provides daily scheduled flights to popular destinations within Belize, such as San Pedro, Dangriga (Hopkins), Placencia, Caye Caulker, and Corozal. Maya Island Air also offers tours of the Blue Hole and Lamanai, providing aerial views of the Turneffe Atoll and the Great Barrier Reef.

As Belize's most experienced airline, Maya Island Air serves as a convenient gateway to the country's diverse attractions. The airline's website highlights the easy accessibility of Belize City, which offers a central location for exploring the nation's pristine beaches, lush jungles, and historic Mayan temples. Maya Island Air's scheduled flights and charter services cater to both local and international travellers seeking to discover the unique experiences that Belize has to offer.

While reviews of Maya Island Air on Tripadvisor are mixed, with some passengers praising the airline for positive experiences and accommodating staff, others have expressed concerns about flight delays and logistical issues. However, the airline's commitment to safety and customer satisfaction remains a key priority, as evidenced by their long-standing presence in the Belizean aviation industry.

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport: Belize's only international airport

Belize has one international airport, the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), which is located in Ladyville, a village that is approximately 10 miles outside of Belize City. The airport is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a popular Belizean activist and politician who died in 2001. It is the largest and busiest airport in the country, serving approximately 1.1 million passengers in 2018.

The airport covers 457 acres of land and has one runway. It is owned by the Government of Belize and the Belize Airports Authority. In 2018, the airport received over 5,000 international and 26,000 domestic flights. Currently, 11 international and two domestic airlines operate from the airport, with scheduled flights to the USA, Canada, Latin America, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe.

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 shops, duty-free shops, a bank, and various other services. Outside the terminal, there are car parking lots and taxi services, as well as a Rental Services Center offering car rentals, telephone services, and travel agency assistance. The airport is currently undergoing a $60 million improvement project, which includes infrastructure expansion, a new Eastern Taxiway, a new car park facility, personnel training, and equipment upgrades.

For travellers wishing to stay near the airport, Belize City is only a 20-30 minute drive away and offers a range of hotel options. When departing from the airport, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours prior for international flights and 1.5 hours prior for domestic travel.

Belize's five most popular airports

Belize has one international airport and several domestic airports. The country's 5 most popular airports are:

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport

Also known as Belize International Airport or PGIA, this airport is the primary international airport of Belize. It is located in the village of Ladyville, about 9 to 10 miles outside of Belize City. The airport boasts a long runway measuring 9,700 feet, capable of accommodating full-size aircraft. It offers direct connections to the United States, Canada, and several cities in Central America.

Belize City Municipal Airport

Commonly referred to as the "Belize Municipal Airport," this airport serves as a central location for easy transport to the country's beaches, jungles, and historic Mayan temples. It is located in Belize City, providing convenient access to various destinations within Belize.

San Pedro Airport

San Pedro Airport, also known as John Greif II Airport, serves San Pedro, Ambergris Caye. It is one of the busiest airports in Belize, catering to both domestic and international travellers. Maya Island Air and Tropic Air offer scheduled flights to San Pedro, making it easily accessible from other parts of the country.

Caye Caulker Airport

Caye Caulker Airport is another popular airport in Belize, located on the island of Caye Caulker. It is a small airport that serves as a gateway to the island's attractions, including its pristine beaches and marine life.

Placencia Airport

Placencia Airport is situated in a peninsula in Southern Belize, known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. The airport serves as an entry point for travellers seeking a peaceful getaway, offering easy access to the nearby seaside towns and natural attractions.

Airlines flying to Belize from the United States

Belize is served by 11 international airlines, with flights to the USA, Canada, Latin America, and Mexico.

United Airlines, American Airlines, and British Airways are among the carriers that fly to Belize from the United States. United Airlines offers flights to Belize City from over 200 airports across the United States, including Houston, Denver, San Francisco, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Seattle. American Airlines and British Airways also offer flights from Miami to Belize City.

For those seeking a nonstop flight, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New York provide regular services. Miami International Airport (MIA) is the only other US airport to offer nonstop flights to Belize.

Other US cities with flights to Belize include Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, Newark, and Seattle.

Domestic Airlines in Belize

Belize has two domestic airlines: Maya Island Air and Tropic Air. These airlines primarily use Cessna Caravan planes and operate from the Philip Goldson International Airport and domestic airports across Belize. Tropic Air also provides regional flights to Cancun, Guatemala City, and Roatan.

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