Belize Plans Ambergris Caye Airport Construction Within Three Years

The government of Belize is advancing plans for the Ambergris Caye International Airport, a project under discussion for over a decade that is now projected to begin construction within the next three to four years. The development is a cornerstone of a broader, IDB-backed initiative to enhance the country's tourism infrastructure and capture a larger share of the high-end travel market.

According to Andre Perez, Area Representative for Belize Rural South, the project is confirmed to proceed. The airport is designed to cater specifically to private aircraft, allowing international visitors to land directly on Ambergris Caye, clear customs and immigration, and reach their accommodations quickly. This model mirrors similar successful tourism-focused airports in the Bahamas, aiming to attract a niche market of private jet travelers who currently must connect through the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (PGIA).

Operational Enhancements and Design

The airport's design features a runway between 7,000 and 8,000 feet, a significant upgrade that will accommodate not only private jets but also larger regional aircraft. This will directly impact local airline operations. Currently, flights between San Pedro and PGIA use small aircraft carrying approximately 14 passengers. The new runway will enable local carriers to operate larger Aerei da Trasporto Regionale (ATR) turboprop aircraft, which can carry around 40 passengers per trip. This near-tripling of per-flight capacity is expected to improve efficiency and potentially lower operational costs for domestic airlines.

The design and its supporting infrastructure plans have been reviewed and accepted by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a critical milestone for the project's financing and viability. The development includes essential services such as new roads, water and sewer systems, and lighting, with funding for this supporting infrastructure reportedly secured.

Strategic and Economic Context

The new airport is a key component of the Strategic Plan for the Sustainable Development of Ambergris Caye, a joint initiative between the Government of Belize and the IDB. This comprehensive plan involves an estimated investment of over US$300 million aimed at managing the island's rapid growth sustainably. The airport is positioned as a catalyst for economic development, creating revenue through landing and parking fees while stimulating the local high-end tourism sector.

This project aligns with a broader trend in Caribbean airport development, where destinations are investing in aviation infrastructure to improve connectivity and attract premium travelers. Similar projects, such as the 'Family Island Airport Renaissance Project' in the Bahamas, focus on upgrading facilities on smaller islands to meet growing demand. The use of efficient turboprops like the ATR is also consistent with industry practices for providing cost-effective and reliable regional connectivity.

"There is a niche market of these types of clientele, who travel in their private jets and do not have time to stop at the Philip Goldson International Airport and then take a local flight to the island,” stated Perez, highlighting the project's strategic focus.

Next Steps

With the design approved by the IDB and initial funding secured, the project is moving from a long-term concept to an actionable plan. The government's stated timeline anticipates development beginning in the next three to four years. The project's progression will be closely watched by the tourism and aviation sectors as a key indicator of Belize's commitment to expanding its market presence. The successful completion of the airport would significantly alter the travel logistics for visitors to Ambergris Caye, Belize's most popular tourist destination.

Why This Matters

This development signals a strategic shift in Belize's tourism policy, directly targeting the lucrative private and luxury travel markets to compete more effectively with other high-end Caribbean destinations. For regional airlines, the new airport opens opportunities for operational upgrades and increased passenger volume. The project's success could serve as a model for other nations seeking to leverage targeted infrastructure investment, backed by international development banks, to drive sustainable economic growth.

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