Seven Months Later: New Airport Security Contracts Signed

Seven months after the shocking midair hijacking of a Tropic Air flight by U.S. national Akinyela Sawa Taylor, the Belize Airport Authority has taken decisive action to overhaul airport security. The authority is set to sign new security contracts for municipal airports nationwide, following the termination of nearly $30 million in previous agreements with two private firms. The move comes in response to widespread public backlash and aims to restore confidence in airport safety and tighten oversight. Civil Aviation CEO Narda Garcia emphasized that the new contracts were awarded after a rigorous tendering process, ensuring that the selected company meets all specified requirements. Garcia noted that one company will handle body searches and human security, while another will manage surveillance systems. The announcement of the new contracts is expected soon, marking a significant step toward enhancing airport security in Belize.