Your Helpful Guide to the Belize Airport

Your-Guide-to-Belize-Airport

Vacations in Belize begin at the international airport near Belize City. As there is only one international airport in Belize, all flights land there. Many guests continue on to Ambergris Caye via a local hopper flight. The Belize airport is easy to navigate as it is small in size and English is the official language. You’ll exit the plane onto the tarmac, and get your first dose of the tropical sun. Read on for details on the airport, travel logistics, and fast facts.

The Belize International Airport

  • The name of the airport is the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA). The airport code is BZE.
  • The location of the airport is about 10 miles outside of Belize City in the village of Ladyville
  • There are several local airstrips throughout the country, including Ambergris Caye. The PGIA has the only runway long enough to serve large jets. All international arrivals land there.
  • PGIA is one of the smallest international airports in the world. It is similar in size to a typical regional airport in the USA. Passengers exit the plane down the boarding stairs onto the tarmac and walk into the airport. Due to the mild weather year-round, there is no jet bridge. After going through customs and immigration, passengers can exit the airport building. For a local flight connection, passengers go through security to the main terminal.
  • Arrival procedures- Flight attendants hand out Customs and Immigration forms on the plane. Complete these before you go to the immigration counter. The immigration form is one per passenger and the customs form is one per household. Immigration will check your form and process your passport. Then, continue to baggage claim to collect any checked luggage. There is a line for non-residents and one for Belizeans, members of CARICOM and those in wheelchairs. For details on what you can bring and visa information, visit our blog on Belize Entry Requirements.

Belize International Airport at a Glance

  • Local time- Belize is on Central Standard Time (CST), but does not do Daylight Savings Time.
  • Opening hours- Daily, 6am-6pm
  • ATM’s- There are two ATM’s located in the main terminal. Atlantic Bank and Belize Bank. The only currency available via an ATM is Belize currency.
  • Money Exchange- You do not need to exchange US dollars for local Belize currency. US $1 = BZ $2. When paying in US cash it is common to receive change in BZ dollars.
  • Shops, restaurants, other business areas- There are several shops and restaurants throughout the main areas of the airport. In the arrival hall and departure lounge, there are duty-free shops. Terminals 1 and 2 have souvenir shops. There are restaurants in both terminals and in the departure lounge.
  • Local flight check-in- Maya Island Air and Tropic Air are the two local flight providers in Belize. Both have ticketing counters in the main terminal. After going through the international arrivals process you can check-in for your local flight. You will then go through security to the departure lounge and flight gate. The flight to Ambergris Caye is about 15 minutes, with scenic views of the Belize Barrier Reef.
  • Transportation and taxi- Ground transportation via taxi is available outside the airport at the arrivals gate. Car rentals are also available in the parking lot of the airport.

How to Check-in for Your Return Flight

  • When it’s time for your return flight, most international airlines allow you to check-in online. On certain airlines, you must do so to secure your seat number. Check with your airline on their policies for flight check-in.
  • Whether you check-in online or at the airport, you will need the following. Keep handy your flight information, passport and passenger information.
  • At the airport ticketing counter, you can check your luggage.
  • Note that the PGIA does not offer TSA pre-check.
  • Be sure to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours ahead of your flight. For more details on the departure process, click here.

The Belize airport is the jumping-off point for your next tropical adventure. Travel in Belize is becoming easier than ever. For a full list of all the direct flights available, visit our blog on Flights to Belize. Click here for a map of the Belize airport showing the terminals, arrival hall and departure lounge.  Your Belize vacation is waiting!

Belize International Airport