Belize saw almost half a million overnight visitors in 2023, with 77% of those visitors arriving via the Philip Goldson International Airport. Found in the burgeoning village (that’s more akin to a town) of Ladyville, the PGIA is the country’s only international airport. Meanwhile, a handful of smaller domestic airports—like the John Grief II Airport in San Pedro and the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport in Belize City—connect the country’s bustling tourism hubs. But with the number of tourist arrivals to Belize projected to grow exponentially in the next few years, the country’s Prime Minister says that the aviation industry is in much need of expansion. Prime Minister John Briceño spoke at the 12th annual North American, Central American, and Caribbean Directors of Civil Aviation Meeting this week. Here’s what he had to say about the future of Belize’s Airports.
Belize Might See At Least 3 New Major Airports in the Coming Years
Photo by ROEming Belize
“Aviation is of foremost importance to our tourism industry,” said Hon. Briceño at the Directors of Civil Aviation Meeting, which was held in Placencia. With tourism accounting for 55% of the country’s GDP, he added, aviation then becomes a very crucial sector for Belize.
Similar: Belize Sees Record-Breaking Tourism Arrivals for Early 2024
Over the next fifteen years, the country’s overnight arrivals are expected to triple. As a result of this, the government plans to expand the aviation industry. The hope is that this will be done through the creation of at least three new airports. That includes a new airport in San Pedro, one in Placencia, and a “national” airport for local flights.
“All of them to be able to handle larger planes within Belize and who knows, probably handle short regional flights,” added Hon. Briceño.
The Expansion of Belize’s International Airport
Image via Meritt Thomas on Unsplash
Taking place much sooner than the development of three new airports is the expansion of Belize’s international airport. Through an investment of US $125 Million, the Philip Goldson International Airport will be getting a much-needed facelift. Last year, the Belize government announced that there are a slew of improvements planned for the PGIA. This includes new check-in facilities, larger arrival and departure halls, and more restaurants, shops, and car rentals.
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- The Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE)
Already underway is a brand new airport access road. Meanwhile, visitors can expect to see new parking facilities, improved security facilities, and even escalators and jetways once Phase 3 of the project is completed.
Featured Photo by ROEming Belize Travel Agency
