Planning a trip to Belize and wondering about the airports? Not many travelers know that this Central American jewel is well-served by numerous airports, with Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport being the primary gateway for international travelers.
Our comprehensive guide to airports in Belize will provide you with essential information on everything from airport codes to departure tax, and how best to navigate around these travel hubs in Belize. Let’s take off on this aerial journey!
Key Takeaways
- Belize has several airports, with Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport being the main one for international travelers.
- Public airports like Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia, Dangriga, and San Ignacio connect different parts of Belize.
- Private and agricultural aerodromes play a key role in connecting remote areas and supporting industries like farming and aquaculture.
- Airlines like Tropic Air and Maya Island Air offer domestic flights within Belize. While international airlines from the US and Canada fly to Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.
Overview of Airports in Belize
There are three types of airports in Belize: the Belize International Airport, public airports, and private and agricultural aerodromes.
Belize International Airport
The Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is the main airport in Belize. It sits in Ladyville, about 10 miles from Belize City. This big airport got its name from Philip Stanley Wilberforce Goldson, a well-known person who fought for people’s rights in Belize.
At this airport, you can catch flights with 11 different international airlines to places like USA, Canada, Latin America and Mexico.
| U.S. airlines flying to Belize | Location in USA |
|---|---|
| Alaska Air | Seatle & Los Angeles |
| American Airlines | Miami, Dallas, Charlotte & Los Angeles |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta & Minneapolis |
| Frontier Airlines | Denver & Orlando |
| Southwest Airlines | Houston & Denver |
| Sun Country Airlines | Minneapolis |
| United Airlines | Houston, Chicago, Newark, Denver, Los Angeles |
| Canadian airlines flying to Belize | Location in Canada |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | Toronto |
| WestJet | Calgary & Toronto |
| Regional airlines flying to Belize | Location in Latin America or Mexico |
|---|---|
| Copa Airlines | Panama City |
| TAG Airlines | Flores & Guatemala City |
| Tropic Air | Cancun, Guatemala City & Roatan |
Public Airports
Belize is home to several airports that are open to the public. Here’s a list of some:
- Belize City Airport: It is one of the biggest and busiest airports in Belize. This airport can handle both big and small planes.
- San Pedro Airport: You can find this airport on the island of Ambergris Caye. It runs domestic flights to other parts of Belize.
- Caye Caulker Airport: It sits on its namesake, Caye Caulker Island, running mainly local flights.
- Placencia Airport: Find it in southern Belize, it connects travelers to Belize City and other areas.
- Dangriga Airport: Use this airport if you’re visiting the Stann Creek District in southern Belize.
- San Ignacio Airport: Located close to one of Belize’s top eco-lodges, it provides quick access for those eager for nature adventure.
Private and Agricultural Aerodromes
Belize has many private and agricultural aerodromes. They are a big part of Belize’s air traffic. This list includes:
- Belize Aquaculture Ltd: An airstrip that helps the aquaculture industry in Belize.
- Black Bird Caye: A strip for flights to Black Bird Caye, an island known for its wildlife.
- Cisco Farm Airstrip: This airstrip makes it easy for farmers to ship goods.
- Other aerodromes are located all over Belize, serving different areas and groups of people.
| Location Served | District | Aerodrome Name |
| Belize Aquaculture Ltd. | Stann Creek | Belize Aquaculture Ltd. |
| Black Bird Caye | Belize | Black Bird Caye |
| Blue Creek | Orange Walk | Rempel Hangar |
| Blue Creek | Orange Walk | San Felipe Airstrip |
| Cisco Hill | Cayo | Cisco Farm Airstrip |
| Mountain Pine Ridge | Cayo | Hidden Valley Airstrip |
| Kanantik | Stann Creek | Kanantik Airstrip |
| Lamanai | Orange Walk | Lamanai |
| Northern Caye | Belize | Northern Two Cayes Airstrip |
| Indian Creek | Toledo | Rio Dorado Airstrip |
| Royal Mayan Shrimp Farm | Stan Creek | Royal Mayan Shrimp Farm |
| Spanish Lookout | Cayo | Spanish Lookout Airport (Manatee Airport) |
Airlines Serving Belize
Travel to Belize is easy with many airlines.
- International airlines: A total of 11 international airlines fly to Belize. Big names from the US like Alaska Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines are all options. From Canada, you can choose from Air Canada and WestJet.
- Regional airlines: Copa Airlines and TAG Airlines connect Belize with other spots in Latin America.
- Domestic flights: Flying within Belize is quick and easy too! Maya Island Air and Tropic Air both operate domestic flights. These airlines take travelers from Philip Goldson International Airport to fun tourist places in Belize.
- Other flights: Tropic Air also flies directly to Cancun, Guatemala City, and Roatan from Belize for those looking for more adventure.
Understanding Belize Airport Codes
Belize has different airport codes that you should know when traveling. Here are the main airport codes that you will encounter when traveling into and around Belize.
Airport Flying Into Belize
| International Airport in Belize | Code |
|---|---|
| Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport | (BZE) |
Domestic Airports in Belize
| Domestic Airports in Belize | Code |
|---|---|
| Caye Caulker Airport | (CUK) |
| Corozal Town Airport | (CZH) |
| Dangriga Airport | (DGA) |
| Hector Silva Airstrip – Belmopan Airport | (BCV) |
| John Greif II Airport — San Pedro, Ambergris Caye Airport | (SPR) |
| Maya Flats Airstrip – San Ignacio Town Airport | (CYD) |
| Orange Walk Airport | (ORZ) |
| Placencia Airport | (PLJ) |
| Punta Gorda Airport | (ORZ) |
| Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport – Belize City Airport | (TZA) |
For instance, the code for Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is BZE.
If you’re flying to other destinations within Belize, you might encounter other airport codes such as TZA for Belize City Municipal Airport, SPR for San Pedro Airport, CUK for Caye Caulker Airport, PLJ for Placencia Airport, and CYD for San Ignacio Airport.
Understanding these codes will help you easily identify your destination when booking flights or checking baggage tags.
Navigating Belize Airport: What You Need to Know
The International Airport of Belize, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, can sometimes be a little overwhelming, but don’t worry! Here’s what you need to know to navigate it with ease.
Once you land at the airport, follow the signs for customs and immigration. Have your passport and necessary documents ready for inspection. After going through these procedures, you can collect your luggage at the baggage claim area.
If you’re taking a domestic flight within Belize, there are smaller airports that serve as hubs for regional flights. The most popular ones include the Belize City Municipal Airport (for local connections), San Pedro Airport (for access to Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker Airport (for access to Caye Caulker), Placencia Airport (for access to Placencia), and San Ignacio Airport (for access to San Ignacio).
These airports have short runways, so expect small planes like Cessna Caravans or Beechcraft 1900 aircraft.
When leaving Belize by air, make sure you allow enough time to check-in for your flight and go through security screening. It’s always a good idea to arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure time.
Remember that there is an airport departure tax when leaving Belize by air. This fee is usually included in the cost of your ticket or may need to be paid separately upon departure.
Navigating Belize Airport doesn’t have to be stressful if you know what to expect. Follow these tips and enjoy your journey through this beautiful country!
Airport Departure Tax and Border Exit Fees in Belize
In Belize, travelers should be aware of certain costs, including the Airport Departure Tax and Border Exit Fees. Here’s an overview to help you plan your travel budget accordingly.
| Type of Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Airport Departure Tax | Approximately $40 USD. Most airlines include this in the ticket price, but it’s always best to double-check. |
| Border Exit Fee (if departing by land) | Approximately $20 USD. |
Please note that these costs are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to confirm with your airline or travel agent before your trip.
Also, remember these fees are in addition to any airline baggage fees or other travel costs. It’s just a part of traveling in Belize.
Getting Around Belize
Traveling around Belize is made easy with various transportation options available. Whether you prefer to explore by car, air, bus, or cab, there are convenient ways to navigate the country and discover its beauty.
Read on to find out more about how to get around Belize and make the most of your trip!
Travel by Car
Traveling by car in Belize is a convenient option for tourists who want to explore the country at their own pace. The road network in Belize is relatively small but well-maintained, making it easy to navigate.
Renting a car allows you to visit remote areas and discover hidden gems that may not be easily accessible by other modes of transportation. It’s important to note that driving is on the right side of the road in Belize, similar to North America.
Make sure to have a valid driver’s license and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws before hitting the road. Keep in mind that some roads may be unpaved or poorly lit, so exercise caution while driving, especially at night.
Travel by Air
Belize offers convenient and efficient air travel options for tourists. The country has one international airport, the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport.
This airport is well-connected to major cities in the USA, Canada, Latin America, and Mexico through several international airlines like Alaska Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines and more.
For domestic travel within Belize, there are five main airports that cater to local flights. These include the Belize City Municipal Airport as well as airports in San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Caye Caulker, Placencia and San Ignacio (Cayo).
These domestic flights are operated by reliable airlines such as Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.
Tropic Air Flights Map
Maya Island Flights Map
Travel by Bus
Traveling by bus is a popular and affordable way to get around Belize. Whether you’re exploring urban areas or venturing into rural parts of the country, buses provide convenient access to different destinations.
You’ll find several bus companies operating routes throughout Belize, making it easy to reach your desired location. Keep in mind that buses can be crowded, especially during busy travel times, so plan accordingly.
The best part is that bus fares in Belize are generally inexpensive, making this mode of transportation a cost-effective choice for travelers. So hop on board and enjoy the convenience and affordability of traveling by bus in Belize!
Travel by Cab
Taxis in Belize are a convenient way to get around, especially when you’re exploring the city or need to go from one place to another. You can easily spot them by their green license plates.
Unlike taxis in some countries that use meters, taxis in Belize have fixed fares based on your destination. For example, if you’re traveling into Belize City, the starting fare is $30 USD or $60 BZD, which you’ll need to pay in cash.
So, if you prefer a hassle-free and comfortable ride during your stay in Belize, taking a cab is a reliable option.
Are There Specific Airports in Belize that Have Different Travel Requirements?
When traveling to Belize, it is important to stay informed about the Belize travel requirements info for specific airports. Different airports may have varying travel restrictions or entry requirements, so be sure to check the most up-to-date information before planning your trip.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the airports in Belize is key for a smooth travel experience. From the primary international airport, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, to the domestic airports scattered across the country, there are plenty of options for travelers.
With airlines like Maya Island Air and Tropic Air serving Belize, getting around is convenient. Whether you’re exploring Belize City or venturing out to popular destinations like San Pedro and Placencia, knowing your way around these airports will make your trip hassle-free.
So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that Belize has to offer!
FAQs
1. What are some of the domestic airports in Belize?
Some of the domestic airports in Belize include Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport, Hector Silva Airstrip, Punta Gorda Airport and John Greif II Airport.
2. Can I reach Belize from major cities like Seattle, Los Angeles and Miami?
Yes! Flights to Belize are available from major cities like Seattle, Los Angeles, Miami as well as Dallas and Chicago among other places.
3. Are there small group tours offered at any location in Belize?
Yes! Small Group Tours are often provided for tourists visiting popular sites such as Hopkins or San Ignacio located in Cayo.
4. What is a “Puddle jumper” related to transport in Belize?
“Puddle Jumper” is an informal name often used for the domestic airlines that provide short flights between different locations within Belize.
5. What should I know about airport departure tax & land border exit fees in my travel planning?
When leaving through any airport or land border point, travelers may need to pay a departure tax as well an exit fee which forms part of your travel costs around beautiful parts like Northern Two Cayes Airstrip.
