Belize Flights: When Will They Return?

Flights to Belize have been suspended since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While some airlines have resumed flights to the country, Southwest Airlines, for instance, has not yet reinstated its routes to Belize. In 2021, the airline announced it would resume flights from Houston and Denver, but this was short-lived due to the pandemic. As of 2024, Southwest Airlines has not provided an update on when it will resume flights to Belize, and the country's international airport remains closed until further notice.

Southwest flights to Belize suspended

Southwest flights to Belize are expected to remain suspended until the new year, with the date for Belize's reopening still uncertain. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought international travel to a standstill. Belize's Philip Goldson International Airport will only reopen under approval from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In a press conference on May 29, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the airport will remain closed until a rapid test is available for pre-boarding travellers to safeguard against the pandemic. As a result, Belize has seen no commercial flights apart from repatriations since March. Southwest is slowly resuming international routes, but Belize is not on the list. The airline will resume services from Phoenix International to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on October 8, with all other Caribbean destinations suspended until October 30.

For the rest of the year, Southwest has 11 new routes to resume a full schedule, but all are inside the US. For international travel routes, border restrictions and mandatory quarantine will determine whether flights resume. With the uncertainty of international demand, Southwest flights to Belize are expected to remain suspended. However, as travel limits evolve, this date may be subject to change.

Southwest routes to Belize come from Houston (Hobby) and Ft. Lauderdale, with seasonal direct flights from Denver, Colorado, as well. Travellers who wish to fly to Belize are advised to check the latest travel news and updates from Southwest online.

Air Canada resumes flights to Belize

Air Canada has announced that it will resume flights to Belize, with the first flight departing Toronto at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, 4 December 2022. This marks the resumption of the airline's service to the country after flights ceased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Belize Tourism Board welcomed the move, which will boost the country's tourism industry and make it easier for travellers to experience the unique attractions that Belize has to offer.

The initial schedule includes a Sunday nonstop service from Toronto, arriving in Belize City at 1:15 p.m. The return flight will depart Belize City at 2:15 p.m. and arrive back in Toronto at 7:35 p.m. Starting in March 2023, Air Canada will offer twice-weekly flights using an Airbus A220-300.

Air Canada is Canada's largest airline and the leading provider of scheduled passenger services in the Canadian market and internationally to and from the country. The airline first started flying to Belize from Toronto in late 2017. The resumption of flights is part of the airline's commitment to serving top tourist destinations and strengthening its presence in international markets.

In addition to Air Canada's resumption of service, Southwest Airlines has also resumed flights to Belize as of November 7, 2021, offering non-stop services from Houston and Denver, Colorado. These flights were also interrupted due to the pandemic but have now resumed, providing travellers with more options for visiting Belize.

Belize's Philip Goldson International Airport closed

Belize's Philip Goldson International Airport was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport is the country's only international airport and is located in Ladyville, just outside Belize City. It is the main gateway to the country for international travellers, especially those coming from the United States.

The airport's closure has impacted the country's tourism industry, which is a significant contributor to Belize's economy. Many travellers and tourists from the United States have expressed their eagerness to visit Belize, with some opting to wait for their preferred airlines to resume flights rather than fly with other carriers.

During a press conference on May 29, 2021, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the airport would only reopen with approval from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The airport remained closed until a rapid test became available for pre-boarding travellers as a safeguard against the pandemic.

As of June 2021, Southwest Airlines, which previously offered flights to Belize from Houston, Denver, and Ft. Lauderdale, had not resumed its services to the country. However, in November 2021, Southwest resumed flights to Belize from Houston and Denver.

In December 2022, Air Canada also resumed nonstop flights to Belize from Toronto, Canada. This resumption of flights by major airlines is a positive sign for travellers and the Belizean tourism industry, which is slowly recovering from the pandemic.

Nonstop flights from the US to Belize

There are several nonstop flights from the US to Belize, depending on your city of origin. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) provides regular nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Belize, arriving at Philip S. W. Goldson Airport. Another city that offers nonstop connections from the U.S. to Belize is New York, with flights departing from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and landing at Philip S. W. Goldson Airport.

Miami is the only other US city that offers nonstop flights to Belize, serviced by American Airlines or British Airways. These flights depart from Miami International Airport (MIA) and land at Belize City Airport.

In addition, Air Canada offers nonstop flights from Toronto, Canada, to Belize.

Belize's reopening date uncertain

Belize's reopening date is uncertain, with no commercial flights to the country since March 2020, apart from repatriations. The country's international airport, Philip Goldson International Airport, will only reopen under approval from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In June 2021, Southwest Airlines resumed flights to Belize from Houston and Denver, Colorado, but these were suspended again by July 2024. Southwest will operate 35 fewer international routes in winter 2024 compared to winter 2019, and Belize is not on the list of resumed routes. The airline has not given a reason for this suspension, and it is unclear when flights will resume.

Air Canada resumed nonstop flights from Toronto to Belize in December 2022, with twice-weekly flights starting in March 2023.

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