Fly Maya Belize: Is This Airline A Safe Bet?

Maya Island Air is a trusted airline in Belize, with an excellent safety record and commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable experience for both locals and tourists. The airline offers daily scheduled flights to various destinations within Belize, including Belize City, San Pedro, and Placencia, as well as connections to neighbouring countries such as Guatemala and Honduras. Maya Island Air operates a modern fleet of aircraft, including Cessna Caravans and DHC-6 Twin Otters, known for their reliability and ability to access remote areas. The airline prioritises safety, adhering to international standards, and their experienced pilots and maintenance teams ensure an impeccable safety record. Tropic Air, another airline in Belize, also emphasises safety as their top priority, promising to uphold the highest standards in all operations.

Maya Island Air's safety record

Maya Island Air, also known as Maya Airways, is a premier airline operating in Belize with its head office at the Belize City Municipal Airport. The airline was formed in 1962 and has established itself as Belize's most experienced airline. It offers daily scheduled flights to 11 destinations within Belize and chartered flights to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. Maya Island Air's fleet includes modern aircraft such as Cessna Caravans and DHC-6 Twin Otters, known for their reliability and ability to access remote destinations.

The airline prioritises safety and has a strong commitment to adhering to stringent international safety standards and regulations. Its experienced pilots and dedicated maintenance teams work tirelessly to maintain an impeccable safety record, providing passengers with peace of mind during their journeys.

While the airline has a positive reputation for safety, there have been some reports of delays and logistical issues. Reviews on Tripadvisor indicate that some passengers have experienced significant delays, with one review mentioning a three-hour delay for a 15-minute flight. Another review mentions a delay of over two hours, which almost caused a missed international connection. It is important to note that these reviews represent individual experiences and may not be indicative of the airline's overall performance.

Despite some negative reviews, Maya Island Air has also received positive feedback from passengers who have had positive experiences with the airline's staff, from ticket counter workers to pilots. One passenger mentions that they have flown with Maya 6-7 times and have had nothing but very positive dealings with the airline.

Overall, Maya Island Air's safety record remains a key priority for the airline, and they continue to strive for exceptional customer service and a seamless travel experience for their passengers.

Belize's drone safety rules

Belizes Drone Safety Rules

Drone operations in Belize are regulated by the Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA). Flying a drone is legal in Belize, but operators must comply with strict regulations.

Rules for Residents of Belize:

The use of drones for hobbyist flights is not permitted in Belize. Commercial drone flights are allowed, but operators must obtain authorization from the BDCA. No license or insurance is required for commercial drone operations.

Rules for Foreign Visitors to Belize:

Foreign visitors are not permitted to fly drones for hobbyist purposes in Belize. Commercial flights by foreign visitors are allowed, but authorization is required. No license or insurance is necessary for foreign commercial drone operations.

Rules for Government Drone Operators in Belize:

Drone operations by the government are permitted without the need for a license or registration. No drone insurance is required for government drone operations.

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Belize:

Drone operators must obtain direct authorization from the BDCA to fly in Belize. This authorization can be obtained by submitting a letter of request to the Director of Civil Aviation, stating the purpose of the drone operation, the arrival date of the operator, and the locations of the proposed flights. The letter must be emailed to the BDCA and include the following:

• A copy of the drone operator's identification card or passport.
• A letter of approval for works by the Belize Film Commission.
• A completed Drone Application Form, which can be obtained by sending a request via email to the BDCA.

After submitting the application, the operator will need to visit the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) office at Philip Goldson International Airport and pay a fee of approximately 12-13 euros. With the proof of payment, the operator will receive an import and flight authorization letter from the BDCA.

Drone operations are prohibited within 3 miles of any airport or airfield. It is important to respect the privacy of others when flying a drone.

Important Considerations:

The Belize City Airport is known for its strict bag checks, and it is unlikely that a drone will pass through without being noticed. If a drone is found upon arrival, it will be confiscated and stored at the airport. If found upon departure, the operator may face sanctions for illegally importing a drone into the country.

Some airlines will only allow drones on board if the batteries are detached and placed in a firecase. It is important to check with the airline before travelling.

Maya Island Air's aircraft

Maya Island Air, also known as Maya Airways, is an airline based in Belize City Municipal Airport in Belize City, Belize. It is the longest-running airline in Belize and has been in operation since 1962. The airline offers daily scheduled flights to 11 destinations within Belize and chartered flights to Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. Its main base is the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from Belize City's centre.

The airline's fleet includes small passenger airplanes, or "puddle jumpers," that are used for short-haul flights to smaller airports and airstrips within Belize. These flights typically last less than an hour, with many destinations reached within 15 minutes. The fleet includes Cessna 208 Caravans, Cessna 182 Skylane, Britten-Norman BN2A Islander, and Gippsland GA-8 Airvan aircraft. These planes are designed to carry three to twelve passengers comfortably and are equipped with storage bays for luggage.

Safety is a top priority for Maya Island Air, as evidenced by their commitment to comfortable and well-equipped aircraft. In addition, the airline has a baggage policy that allows passengers one small personal item and one carry-on bag with a maximum weight of 6.8 kg. Checked baggage is also offered free of charge with a maximum weight of 22.6 kg and specific dimensions.

Tropic Air's safety record

Tropic Air is an airline that operates scheduled services from Belize to 13 destinations in Belize, Mexico, El Salvador, and Honduras. It was founded in 1979 by John Greif III with a single plane and has since grown to become the largest and most experienced airline in Belize, with over 200 daily scheduled flights. Tropic Air is also the only airline in Belize with IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) Registration.

The airline's fleet consists of 17 light aircraft, including 15 Cessna Grand Caravans (208B) – Glass Cockpit and two Cessna T182T’s – Glass Cockpit. These aircraft are configured for three to fourteen passengers. Tropic Air's success is built on its commitment to the highest standards of safety and quality customer service, delivered with warmth and friendliness.

While Tropic Air has a strong focus on safety, there have been a couple of incidents in its history. On December 4, 2014, a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan overran the runway during landing at the Belize City Municipal Airport, ending up in the Caribbean Sea. Fortunately, no one was hurt in this incident. Another incident occurred on November 17, 2017, when a Cessna 208B Grand Caravan with seven people on board, including government officials, ditched into the sea right after takeoff from Placencia Airport due to a collision with a vehicle on the runway. Several people were injured, but there were no fatalities.

Despite these incidents, Tropic Air maintains a solid safety record. They have a fleet replacement and expansion program, continually investing in modern aircraft technology and infrastructure improvements. Tropic Air is committed to the growth of Belize's tourism industry and upholds the highest standards of safety in all its operations, ensuring the well-being of passengers, crew, and aircraft.

Belize's Covid-19 travel safety

Belize is a popular tourist destination, with North America being its largest tourism market. However, it is important to consider the country's COVID-19 and travel safety guidelines before planning a trip. Here are some key points regarding Belize's COVID-19 travel safety:

COVID-19 Vaccination and Entry Requirements:

It is recommended that all travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series with any additional recommended doses before travelling to Belize. While vaccination provides better protection, you may still be at risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before travelling to ensure you are adequately protected.

Travel Health Information:

Before planning international travel, refer to the Department of State's COVID-19 page for the latest updates and guidelines. Additionally, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional or a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before travelling to get personalized health advice and recommendations. Keep yourself updated with the latest travel health information from the CDC page.

Travel Insurance:

Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers COVID-19-related risks and other medical emergencies. It should also include coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays, as medical facilities in Belize may have limited equipment and trained professionals.

Safety Precautions in Belize:

Belize currently has a Level 2 Travel Advisory, which means that travellers should exercise increased caution due to crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Here are some safety precautions to consider:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid walking or driving at night.
• Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive watches or jewellery.
• Avoid travelling alone and stay in well-lit and populated areas.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to be located in an emergency.
• Follow local authorities' instructions and monitor media for updates on demonstrations, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler's Checklist.

In addition to COVID-19 safety, it is important to follow general travel safety guidelines and stay informed about any updates or changes in Belize's travel advisory level.

Frequently asked questions