Belize Airport: Navigating A Slow-Paced Travel Experience

Philip Goldson International Airport, also known as Belize City Airport or BZE, is the largest and busiest airport in Belize. However, it is a small airport, similar in size to regional airports. The process of disembarking the plane and reaching the airport entrance can be slow, as passengers need to carry their luggage down the steps and walk a short distance. In addition, the customs clearance process can be time-consuming, with multiple forms and clearance points to navigate. The airport is currently undergoing a $60 million improvement project, which includes infrastructure expansion, a new taxiway, and personnel training, which may help to alleviate some of the delays.

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is the official name for Belize City Airport

The airport covers 457 acres of land and has one long runway, able to accommodate full-size aircraft. It offers direct connections to the United States, Canada, and several Central American cities. American airlines offering non-stop flights to Belize include Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Canadian carriers with non-stop flights are Air Canada and WestJet.

An ongoing $60 million Airport Improvements Project at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport includes infrastructure expansion, a new Eastern Taxiway, a new car park facility, personnel training, new services, and equipment upgrades. The project aims to transform the airport and support the continued growth and development of the aviation industry in Belize.

The airport is about a 30-minute drive from Belize City's centre. It is important to note that both the airport and Belize City are at risk of serious flooding due to their low elevation and coastal location. As a result, the capital of Belize has been moved to Belmopan, which is located inland.

The airport is 30 minutes from Belize City centre

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, commonly referred to as Belize City Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Belize. It is located in Ladyville, around 30 minutes' drive from the centre of Belize City. The airport is currently undergoing a $60 million improvement project, which includes a new Eastern Taxiway, a new car park, and an expansion of airport infrastructure.

The airport is easily accessible from Belize City via the new paved access road from the George Price Highway, which was completed in mid-2020. This road provides a direct route to the airfield and passenger terminal, improving travel times to and from the city centre.

Despite being the nation's busiest airport, the process of disembarking and clearing customs at Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport can be slow. Passengers disembark the plane via stairs and are required to carry their luggage down to the airport entrance. There are also multiple clearance points to pass through, which can result in long wait times. It is recommended to have a pen and a flat surface for completing entry forms, as each traveller is required to fill out a form.

The airport is relatively small, similar in size to regional airports. It has one runway and covers 457 acres (185 ha) of land. Despite being the busiest airport in Belize, it is only the fifth busiest airport in Central America.

It is the largest and busiest airport in Belize

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, often simply referred to as the "Belize Airport", is the largest and busiest airport in Belize. It is located in the village of Ladyville, approximately nine to ten miles from Belize City, the country's largest urban area. 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, equipment upgrades, and many other improvements.

Philip Goldson Airport has a long runway, measuring 9,700 to 9,900 feet, which can accommodate full-size aircraft. The airport offers international service via American Airlines, Avianca, Copa Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, U.S. Airways, and Southwest. Direct connections are available to several cities in the United States, Canada, and Central America. Domestic air connections to top tourist destinations in Belize, such as San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Corozal, Dangriga/Hopkins, San Ignacio, and Punta Gorda, are provided by Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.

The airport has two terminals, with check-in counters for all airlines located in Terminals 1 and 2. The Airport Terminal Building measures 110,000 square feet and includes international and domestic terminals with a total of 7 departure gates. Car Park A and B provide a total of 390 parking spaces, with an exit fee of US$2.00 in Car Park A. The airport also offers a range of services and amenities, including duty-free and retail stores, restaurants, delis, banking services, and rental services.

Philip Goldson International Airport is a non-smoking airport, with smoking only permitted outside the Airport Terminal Building. It is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and services are available upon request beyond these hours. With its ongoing improvements and expansion, the airport is well-positioned to support the continued growth and development of the aviation industry in Belize.

The airport is at risk of serious flooding due to its low elevation and coastal location

Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, serving Belize City, is at a low elevation of just 5m (16 ft) above sea level. This, combined with its location on Belize's eastern coast, means that the airport is at risk of serious flooding. Indeed, the risk is so significant that Belize's capital has been moved to Belmopan, further inland. However, the airport remains the largest and busiest in the country, with stable passenger growth, currently ranking as the fifth busiest airport in Central America.

The airport's low-lying nature makes it vulnerable to rising sea levels and storm surges. With only a slight increase in sea level, the airport could find itself inundated, causing significant disruptions to travel and the local economy. The impact of climate change and the associated rise in sea levels pose a severe threat to the airport's long-term viability and highlight the urgency of adapting to mitigate the risks posed by its low elevation.

The airport's coastal location further exacerbates the flooding risk. Being situated directly on the coast means that the airport is exposed to the full force of any storms or hurricanes that might strike. The combination of high winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall could lead to devastating flooding at the airport and in the surrounding area.

The potential impact of flooding at the airport extends beyond mere travel disruptions. As the largest and busiest airport in Belize, a significant flood event could result in substantial economic losses, not just for the airport but also for the country's tourism and trade sectors. The airport plays a crucial role in facilitating international travel to and from Belize, and any extended period of closure due to flooding could have far-reaching consequences.

Mitigating the risk of flooding at the airport is of paramount importance to ensure the country's economic stability and the safety of travellers. While the capital has already been relocated, the airport's continued operation and expansion plans underscore the necessity of implementing effective flood resilience measures. This may include both structural and non-structural approaches, such as elevating critical infrastructure, improving drainage systems, and developing comprehensive emergency response plans.

It is currently undergoing a $60 million Airport Improvements Project

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, Belize, is currently undergoing a $60 million Airport Improvements Project. This project includes a range of developments aimed at enhancing the airport's infrastructure and improving the overall experience for travellers.

One of the key components of the project is the expansion of the airport's infrastructure, which will create more space and improve the flow of passenger traffic. This includes a new Eastern Taxiway to facilitate smoother ground operations, as well as a new carpark facility to accommodate a larger number of vehicles. The expansion also involves adding 50 new parking slots to Car Park A, along with a new entrance, security cameras, and pedestrian walkways, improving parking availability and security for travellers.

The project also prioritises personnel training and new services, ensuring that the airport's staff are equipped with the necessary skills to handle the latest equipment and provide efficient services. This includes training in dangerous goods and ramp operation, as well as security training conducted by experts in the field.

Upgrades to equipment and facilities are also a significant part of the improvements. This includes the installation of a new 20-ton air conditioning unit to ensure the comfort of travellers and staff, as well as the installation of new 6" pipes by B.W.S. to expand water services along the Airport Access Road.

The Airport Improvements Project also involves refurbishing and relocating existing facilities to optimise space and functionality. For example, the Employee Lounges are being relocated to make way for the expansion of the Airport Terminal Building, and the baggage carousels in the Arrival Hall are being repositioned during the airport's closure to improve efficiency.

With these comprehensive improvements, the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is poised to offer travellers an even more efficient, secure, and comfortable experience, solidifying its position as a key gateway to Belize and Central America.

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