As Belize anticipates a surge in tourism following the resolution of the U.S. federal government shutdown, persistent air traffic control shortages and equipment failures at major U.S. airports are casting a shadow over this optimism. These issues, which predate the shutdown, are expected to persist even after government services resume, potentially hindering the recovery of Belize’s tourism sector. Reynaldo Malik Jr., President of the Belize Hotel Association, emphasized that the air traffic controller shortage and equipment malfunctions have been ongoing for the past six months. He cautioned against assuming that the end of the federal shutdown would immediately resolve these challenges, drawing parallels to the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on Belize’s tourism workforce. Malik noted that some air traffic controllers may not return to their jobs, leading to potential reductions in regional flights. The Belize Tourism Board is actively engaging with airlines to assess the impact of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) planned flight reductions. B.T.B. Director Evan Tillett highlighted a positive sign from United Airlines, which has indicated that international flights to Belize will remain unaffected.