Tag:
Philip Goldson International Airport
Travel
Spirit Airlines inaugurates non-stop flight from Fort Lauderdale to Belize
On Friday, November 21st, Belize welcomed Spirit Airlines’ first direct flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA. When the aircraft landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport, it was greeted by officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the United States Embassy, along with traditional drumming, refreshments, and sweet Belizean treats for the arriving passengers. The inaugural event marked an important new chapter in the country’s air travel connectivity.
Business & Economy
BTB September Report Reveals Decline in Tourist Arrivals
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) has released its September 2025 tourism statistics, revealing 20,822 overnight tourist arrivals, an 8.6% decline compared to the same month last year. The data, published on October 28, 2025, was compiled from key points of entry across the country and highlights a decline during what is traditionally one of Belize’s slower travel months.
Pageants & Beauty
Miss Universe Belize Isabella Zabaneh Departs for Miss Universe Pageant
On Monday, October 27th, Miss Universe Belize 2025, Isabella Zabaneh, received a heartfelt Belizean send-off at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) before departing for Thailand, where she will proudly represent Belize at the 74th Miss Universe Pageant. The southern beauty was met with vibrant drumming and danced Punta with pride, embodying the rhythm, spirit, and warmth of the Belizean people.
Travel
Air Canada to Launch New Non-Stop Service from Montreal to Belize
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB), in partnership with Air Canada, is proud to announce the launch of a new, nonstop flight connecting Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) with Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City. This landmark route, beginning December 8, 2025, marks the first direct air service linking Montreal, Quebec, and Belize.
Government
Belize Airports Authority Cancels Security Contracts: What’s Next?
Following weeks of criticism and intense scrutiny, the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) has officially cancelled the security contracts awarded for local aerodromes. These contracts, previously held by Four Diamond Security Limited and iSecurity Limited, were suspended and eventually terminated due to concerns over an improperly conducted tendering process. The BAA has confirmed that an investigation into the awarding of these contracts is ongoing and stated that further actions will be taken as necessary once the inquiry concludes.
Government
21 Belizeans Repatriated from the USA in First-Ever Charter Flight
On Thursday, May 22nd, a charter flight from the United States of America (USA) landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), repatriating 21 Belizeans who had been residing illegally in that country. The aircraft arrived shortly after 11AM, and following immigration processing, the Belizean nationals were transported to the Queen Street Police Station in Belize City for screening before being released. The flight, an Airbus A321, was carrying a total of 150 deportees, the majority of whom were from Peru and Chile.
Accidents & Disasters
Passengers injured in plane hijacking now recovering at home, pilot Howell Grange speaks on incident
On Thursday, April 17th, a shocking incident occurred in Belize when an American national, Akinyela Taylor, 49, hijacked a Tropic Air flight en route from Corozal to San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye. Taylor threatened the passengers with a knife and inflicted severe injuries on three individuals, including the pilot. The injured victims—San Pedro businessman Fitzgerald Brown, Tropic Air employee Franchesco Castaneda, and Pilot Captain Howell Grange—were rushed to hospitals in Belize City following the life-threatening situation. The ordeal ended with Taylor being shot when the plane finally landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA).
Community and Society
Government considers an international airport for northern Ambergris Caye
The concept of establishing an international airport in north San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, is not new. Although no concrete steps have been taken to...