Belize City Airport: Efficient Transit For Seamless Travel

Belize City's Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is a small airport, similar in size to a regional airport. It is the only international airport in Belize, and all international arrivals land there. The airport is located about 10 miles outside of Belize City in the village of Ladyville. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before their flight. For domestic connections, passengers should allow a minimum of 1 hour between flights, and for international connections, a minimum of 3 hours.

The official name of Belize City Airport is Philip Goldson International Airport

Belize City is served by two airports: the Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) and the Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA). Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is the official name of Belize City Airport. The airport is named after politician Philip S. W. Goldson, who died in 2001. It is located in Ladyville, approximately 8-10 miles (16km) from the centre of Belize City. It is the largest and busiest airport in Belize, serving all international flights into and out of the country.

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, new services, and equipment upgrades. Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is the fifth busiest airport in Central America, with stable passenger growth. It covers 457 acres (185 ha) of land and has one runway.

Passengers are expected to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their scheduled departure time. The airport offers free wireless internet access, and taxicabs are available outside the terminal during normal operating hours. There is also a car park facility, with parking costing $2 per day, and $9 for overnight parking.

When changing flights in Belize City Airport, it is important to consider the time required to move between the international and domestic terminals, as well as the time needed to navigate airport security and reach your departure gate. In addition, it is recommended to research the location of your arrival and departure gates, as well as the availability of ground transportation options, to ensure a smooth and efficient connection.

It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your flight

Firstly, passengers exit the plane onto the tarmac and walk into the airport. Due to the mild weather, there is no jet bridge. You will then need to go through customs and immigration, which can take between 30 minutes to an hour. It is important to have a pen and a flat surface to fill out the necessary forms. After this, you can collect any checked luggage and exit the airport building.

If you have a local flight connection, you will need to go through security to the main terminal. It is recommended to allow a minimum of 1 hour between domestic connections and 3 hours for international connections. For local connections, you can check-in with either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air, the two local flight providers, in the main terminal. You will then go through security to the departure lounge and flight gate.

By arriving 2-3 hours early, you can ensure you have enough time to complete all the necessary steps and have a comfortable buffer in case of any delays or unexpected issues. This buffer is particularly important if you are travelling with young children or elderly passengers, as it allows extra time for navigating the airport and completing the various check-in processes.

Additionally, arriving early can provide you with the opportunity to explore the airport's amenities. Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport offers shops, restaurants, duty-free stores, and souvenir shops across its terminals. You can also take advantage of the free wireless internet access provided by the airport.

The airport is small and easy to navigate

The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA) in Belize City is small and easy to navigate. In fact, it is one of the smallest international airports in the world, similar in size to a typical regional airport in the USA. The airport is located about 10 miles outside of Belize City in the village of Ladyville.

Upon arrival, passengers exit the plane down the boarding stairs onto the tarmac and walk into the airport. There is no jet bridge due to the mild weather year-round. After going through customs and immigration, passengers can exit the airport building. The process of clearing customs and immigration can take between 30 minutes to an hour. It is recommended to have a pen and a flat surface available for filling out the entry forms, which are required for each traveller. There are at least two clearance points to pass through security.

For those with a domestic connection, it is recommended to allow a minimum of one hour between flights. For international connections, a minimum of three hours is advised. This is to ensure adequate time for check-in and security clearance.

The airport has all the necessary amenities, including shops, restaurants, duty-free shops, and souvenir shops. There are also two ATM machines located in the main terminal, offering Belize currency. Ground transportation via taxi is available outside the airport at the arrivals gate, and car rentals can be found in the airport parking lot.

The official language in Belize is English, which makes communication and navigation easier for English speakers. Overall, the small size and straightforward layout of the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport make it a convenient gateway to Belize.

There are shops, restaurants, and duty-free stores in the airport

Belize City Airport, officially known as Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, is one of the smallest international airports in the world. It is located about 10 miles outside of Belize City in the village of Ladyville. The airport is easy to navigate, as it is small and English is the official language. The airport code is BZE.

The departure lounge offers a range of dining options, including Global Spice, S & D Snacks, Jets Bar, Café Belize, Sugar Fix, Bistro To Go, Sun Garden To Go, Belizimo Pizzeria, and Johnny'z Bar. For those looking for last-minute gifts or souvenirs, the airport has a variety of options, including local rums, Belizean hardwoods, shell boxes, and Belikin t-shirts. These items can be found in the duty-free shops and souvenir shops located in the terminals and departure lounge.

Passengers should arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before their scheduled departure time. The airport is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, and there are two ATMs located in the main terminal offering Belize currency. US dollars are also widely accepted in Belize, with $1 USD equalling $2 BZD.

It can take 30 minutes to an hour to clear customs and immigration

When changing flights in Belize City Airport, it's important to factor in the time it takes to clear customs and immigration. On average, this process can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, so it's advisable to plan for this potential time commitment.

Belize City Airport, officially known as Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, is the only international airport in Belize. As with any international travel, it's crucial to have all the necessary documentation ready when clearing customs and immigration. At this airport, you'll first need to clear immigration before proceeding to customs.

To facilitate a smooth immigration process, ensure you have a valid passport, a completed embarkation form, and any other required documentation. This may include a return ticket, a valid visa (if applicable), proof of sufficient funds, and documentation for any minor children travelling with you. It's also important to be aware of any applicable fees, such as the exit fee for tourists and non-Belizean citizens.

Once you've cleared immigration, you'll proceed to customs. Here, you'll need to declare any items that are taxable or duty-free. Make sure to have your Customs Declaration Form and relevant receipts readily available. If you have items to declare, they should be listed on the Customs Declaration Form along with the corresponding invoices.

The time it takes to clear customs and immigration at Belize City Airport can vary depending on factors such as the number of travellers, staffing levels, and the complexity of individual cases. However, by being prepared and organised, you can help streamline the process and minimise potential delays.

Frequently asked questions