Over the last few months international travel has come to a screeching halt with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing on. As we approach summer, there has been slow movement towards the resuming of flights. Many of Belize’s neighbours like Mexico, Jamaica, and the Bahamas will reopen their borders as early as June. While Southwest resumes service to those listed, flights to Belize is expected to remain suspended as Southwest will operate 35 fewer international routes this winter than it did at the end of 2019.
Much like Belize, these destinations are eager to welcome travellers, with the economy heavily dependent on tourism. Currently, the date for Belize’s reopening is uncertain. During a press conference help on May 29, Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced Belize’s Philip Goldson International Airport, will only reopen under approval from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Getting to Belize With Southwest
Southwest routes to Belize come from Houston (Hobby) and Ft. Lauderdale, with seasonal direct flights from Denver, Colorado as well.
What we know about Southwest’s International Flights
Due to the pandemic, Belize has seen no commercial flights apart from repatriations since March. As June approaches Southwest is slowly resuming international routes. Looking at the flight routes, Belize is not on the list. Belize’s international airport remains closed untіl а rаріd tеѕt is available for рrе-bоаrdіng travellers to safeguard against the pandemic.
Caribbean Flights Resume
As early as June 7th, Southwest plans to reintroduce a select number of international flights operating out of its major hubs:
- Houston’s Hobby (HOU) to Cancun, MX, and San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, MX
- Baltimore/Washington to Cancun, MX, Montego Bay, JA, and Nassau, BS
- Denver, CO to Cancun, MX, and San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, MX
- Orlando, FL to Montego Bay, JA
- Tampa, FL to Havana, CU
In addition to these international flights, Southwest will resume services from Phoenix International to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on October 8, with all other Caribbean destinations suspended until October 30. As we look ahead into the rest of the year, Southwest has 11 new routes to resume a full schedule, with all being inside the state. For international travel routes, border restrictions and mandatory quarantine will determine whether flights resume. And with the uncertainty of international demand, Southwest international services to Belize is expected to remain suspended until the new year. However, as travel limits evolve, this date may be subject to change.
Stay up to date with the latest travel news, including resumed service, online at Southwest.
