Belize's International Airport Code: Unraveling The Mystery Of Bze

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA/BZE) is the primary international airport in Belize, located 9-10 miles from Belize City in the village of Ladyville. The airport is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a popular Belizean activist and politician who died in 2001. It is the only airport in Belize with a runway large enough for full-size aircraft and is the fifth busiest airport in Central America.

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

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, also known as PGIA or BZE, is a modern and fully equipped airport that handles all international traffic to and from Belize. With a long main runway of 9,700 feet, the airport can accommodate full-size aircraft, including large jets necessary for international aviation. 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.

The airport offers a range of services and facilities for travellers, including Terminals 1 and 2, international and domestic arrival and departure halls, restaurants, bars, snack outlets, gift shops, duty-free shops, banks, and other services. Outside the terminal, there is a car park, taxi services, and a Rental Services Centre offering car rentals, telephones, and travel agency services. The airport also has an ongoing $60 million Airport Improvements Project, which includes infrastructure expansion, a new Eastern Taxiway, personnel training, equipment upgrades, and other enhancements.

Several airlines operate from the Philip S.W. 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 also serves as a hub for local airlines such as Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, which provide domestic flights within Belize.

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport is easily accessible and provides a convenient gateway to Belize for international travellers. With its range of facilities and ongoing improvements, the airport plays a crucial role in the country's tourism and economic development.

It is located in Ladyville, a village that is 9-10 miles outside of Belize City

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA/BZE) is located in Ladyville, Belize, approximately 9-10 miles outside of Belize City. Ladyville is a small village situated around 30 minutes' drive from the centre of Belize City. In 2020, a new paved access road was completed, providing a direct route from the George Price Highway across the Belize River to the airfield's passenger terminal.

Ladyville is home to the Philip Goldson Airport, which is the primary international airport of Belize. The airport is named after politician Philip S.W. Goldson, who died in 2001. The airport covers 457 acres of land and has one runway, which is large enough to accommodate full-size aircraft.

The airport is the largest and busiest in Belize, serving the nation's largest city, Belize City, along the eastern coast of Central America. It is currently the fifth busiest airport in Central America, with stable passenger growth.

Ladyville is conveniently located near many of Belize's top attractions, including the Belize Zoo, the Maya ruins of Altun Ha, and historic downtown Belize City. The village is also just a short drive from the Black Orchid Resort, a popular destination for visitors.

In addition to its proximity to Belize City, Ladyville's location provides easy access to other parts of the country. From the airport, there are ground, water, and air connections to every destination in Belize. Local airlines such as Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer domestic flights to various locations within Belize.

The airport is at a low elevation and at risk of flooding

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE/PGIA) is the primary international airport of Belize. It is located 10 miles from Belize City, in Ladyville, and is the largest and busiest airport in the country. The airport is at an elevation of 5m (16 ft) above sea level, which means it is at risk of flooding due to its low elevation and coastal location.

Belize City and the airport are at risk of serious flooding due to their low elevation. At just 5m (16 ft) above sea level, the airport is particularly vulnerable to flooding from storms, high tides, and other weather events. This low elevation, combined with its proximity to the coast, makes the airport susceptible to flooding from storm surges and heavy rainfall. As a result, the capital of Belize has been relocated to Belmopan, further inland. However, the airport remains in operation due to its importance as the country's main international gateway.

The airport's low elevation poses challenges not only in terms of flooding but also for aircraft operations. The runway is only 16 feet above sea level, which can impact aircraft performance during takeoff and landing. Low elevation airports often have shorter runways due to space constraints, which can further impact aircraft operations. Additionally, the airport's proximity to the coast may result in strong winds and turbulence, requiring pilots to exercise caution during approach and departure.

To mitigate the risk of flooding, the airport has likely implemented various measures. These may include constructing flood defences, such as levees or flood walls, and ensuring that critical infrastructure, such as runways and taxiways, is built on higher ground. Regular maintenance of drainage systems is also crucial to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. The airport's emergency response plans likely include procedures for dealing with flooding, such as pumping out water and redirecting aircraft to unaffected areas.

While the airport's low elevation presents challenges, it also offers some advantages. For example, the flat terrain may have made it easier to construct the airport, and the warm coastal climate can be more comfortable for passengers and staff compared to higher, colder locations. Additionally, the low elevation likely contributes to stable air and good weather conditions, reducing flight delays and cancellations due to fog or strong winds often experienced at higher-altitude airports.

It is the fifth busiest airport in Central America

Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA/BZE) is the fifth busiest airport in Central America. It is Belize's only international airport and is located in Ladyville, around 9-10 miles outside of Belize City. The airport is served by international flights from the United States, Canada, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Mexico, and Honduras.

The airport is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a popular Belizean activist and politician who died in 2001. It was originally known as Belize International Airport until it was renamed in 1988. The airport covers 457 acres of land and has one runway, which is large enough for full-size aircraft.

Several airlines offer non-stop service to PGIA from various cities in North America, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, New York City, Miami, and Cancun. The airport also has direct connections to several cities in Central America, such as San Salvador, Panama City, Cancun, Guatemala City, and more.

The Philip Goldson Airport offers various amenities and services for travellers. These include overnight parking, restaurants, duty-free shops, ATMs, and currency exchange. Local airlines Tropic Air and Maya Island Air provide domestic service to over a dozen airports within Belize.

With its stable passenger growth and ability to receive full-size aircraft, the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport has established itself as a significant hub for travel to and from Belize, contributing to its ranking as the fifth busiest airport in Central America.

The airport is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a popular Belizean activist and politician

The Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA/BZE) in Belize is named after Hon. Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a popular Belizean activist and politician. Goldson was born in 1923 in Belize City and dedicated his life to the service of his nation. He was a key figure in the Belizean nationalist movement and played a significant role in the country's journey towards independence.

Goldson began his career in the civil service of British Honduras and later became a journalist. He wrote for the "Belize Billboard", the organ of the Belizean nationalist movement. In 1949, he became the general organiser of the General Workers Union, and in 1950, he co-founded the People's United Party (PUP), serving as its secretary until 1956. In that year, he returned to the "Belize Billboard" as its editor and later became its director-general.

Goldson's activism led to his imprisonment in 1951. He and fellow PUP member Leigh Richardson were arrested and jailed for writing and publishing the following statement: "There are two roads to self-government: Evolution and Revolution. We are now trying evolution." After his release, Goldson was elected to the Legislative Council of British Honduras in 1954, where he served until 1957 and implemented significant reforms in education, retirement, and labour policies.

During his political career, Goldson also helped establish the Honduras Independence Party, which later merged with the National Party to form the National Independence Party (NIP). He served as the secretary and leader of the opposition for the NIP until 1979. In 1972, the NIP merged with two other opposition parties to form the United Democratic Party (UDP).

Despite facing challenges, including losing his sight due to glaucoma in 1978, Goldson continued his political career. He was elected to the Belize City Municipal Council and the Belize House of Representatives in 1974. In 1984, he was re-elected and served as the Minister of Labour and Social Services. That same year, he was recognised for his dedication to disability rights by becoming the president of the Caribbean Association of Disabled Persons and the vice-president of Rehabilitation International in 1987.

In recognition of Goldson's significant contributions to Belize, the international airport in Belize City was renamed in his honour in 1988. The airport, located about 10 miles from Belize City, is the primary international airport serving the nation. It handles all international flights to Belize and has a long runway capable of accommodating full-size aircraft.

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