Here are our tips for getting through Philip Goldson International Airport, otherwise known as the Belize City airport or BZE, and for regional air travel with Tropic Air and Maya Island Air in Belize. It only took one quick Google search to find there is a large amount of confusion about Philip Goldson International and Belize City Airport.
This blog post will clear up that confusion and provide guidance for travelers flying through the international airport in Belize City.
Philip Goldson International Airport.
Let’s clear that up first. Belize City has one international airport, airport code BZE. While it is commonly referred to as the Belize City airport, the official name is Philip Goldson International Airport. There you have it.
Ever get off a plane and wonder what comes next?
We did.
Our arrival in Belize City at Philip Goldson International Airport was one of the Travel Junkie team’s most confusing experiences, so I am sharing the lessons we learned about getting through the Belize City airport, otherwise known as BZE.
Philip Goldson International Airport aka Belize City International Airport (BZE) is a small airport, similar in size to regional airports many of us experience at home. First, you will not arrive through an enclosed gangway. Passengers disembark the plane down flights of stairs. Be prepared for the process to be slow if you aren’t seated by an approved exit. To exit, you will be required to carry your carry-on luggage down the steps and walk a short distance (in the heat and humidity) to the airport entrance.
Clearing customs in BZE.
You need to clear customs to enter the country, the same as with any other international travel. These are random, general tips… Have a pen and flat surface available for completing the entry forms. A form is required for each traveler – many countries require a form to be completed per family, Belize requires one per traveler. There is a minimum of 2 clearance points to pass security.
The last clearance point requires travelers to line up beside tourist shops. This can be good or bad, depending on your perspective. During our last trip, one of the travelers in line with us was celebrating a birthday and the wait included sampling alcoholic beverages from one of the shops.
The availability of tourist shops may not be a bad thing, as the line was long. It took us over 2 hours to complete the step between the last 2 clearance points. Two long… hot… exhausting hours. There was no place to sit, use a restroom, or generally relax while waiting to start your vacation.
If your traveling party includes the elderly or infirm, please take this into consideration. Remember, life may be slower in Belize than what you expect at home. Security agents left their stations and long lines and disappeared… only to come back what seemed to be a long time later. There is also the potential for language barriers.
Patience is key to your arrival at BZE airport.
Regional flights.
Our last step for our travel to the island of Ambergris Caye was to secure a regional flight; the choices are Tropic Air or Maya Island Air. As you exit the last customs clearance point, the exit to the airport is to your right, but there is also a set of doors straight across the hallway from the customs clearance point.
To access ground transportation and regional ferries, exit out the doors to your right. To access regional flights, go through those double doors.
We were not expecting assistance, but there was an agent greeting passengers right inside those double doors. That agent’s job is to help travelers secure a regional flight. This is not a scam, and they were very helpful.
There are two regional airlines to choose from, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. We flew with both during our stay in Belize. Our experience was good with both, and we don’t recommend one over the other. The agent will help you not only secure the next available regional flight they will also assist with any required paperwork and forms, and then escort you to… wait for it… security.
Here are easy links to each of the regional airlines that fly from the Belize City airport. It may be easier to coordinate the next leg of your air travel before arriving in Belize City – that is one of our lessons learned. We will be coordinating our air travel before leaving home for our Panama trip in December. Both Tropic Air and Maya Island Air fly from and to BZE.
This was our view from our regional jet as we flew between islands. This view itself is more than worth the flight!
Clearing Belize City Airport Security – again
Unfortunately, if you are using regional airlines to reach your Belize destination, you will be required to clear Belize security. Luckily, the rules for security here are the same as general worldwide rules – separate liquids, remove computers and all electronics larger than a cell phone, and remove your shoes.
The regional airlines are located at the far end of this wing of the airport. One wall of the wing is lined with windows overlooking runways and parked planes, and the other wall is lined with shops. These are NOT your typical airport shops.
We found the best barbecue in Belize in one of these airport shops, as well as a nicely priced selection of sauces, a wide selection of souvenirs, a couple of small bars, and light snacks. Seating is available and space to enjoy your purchases will keep you comfortable until your regional flight is ready.
Upon your return flight back home, the gates for departures are located in this same region – so do your comparison shopping and scope out the area for your return trip!
Want information about traveling to Belize? Check out our Belize and Ambergris Caye stories.
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