Belize

Belize City Airport gets funding for upgrade

07 Nov 2023

#73650

The government of Belize plans to invest $250 million in upgrading the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). The investment aims to improve the airport's facilities to accommodate more passengers and increase flight operations.

INFRATA Airport Consultants, on behalf of the Belize Airports Concession Company, devised the modernization strategy. The Minister of Tourism and Diaspora Relations, Anthony Mahler, stressed the need for upgrades as the tourism industry expands, with the PGIA being the primary entry point for tourists. The airport will undergo significant changes, including new terminals, a taxiway, jetbridges, and shops, over a ten-to-fifteen-year period.

Minister Mahler also advocated for the airport to operate 24/7 to meet the demand for flights. He highlighted the importance of efficient management and questioned the practice of charging overtime fees for airlines during peak periods.

The PGIA is Belize's largest and busiest airport, ranking fifth in Central America for passenger traffic. The Belize Airport Concession Company Limited, in partnership with the government, aims to transform the PGIA into a modern and efficient facility to support the country's growing tourism sector.