The Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA) has initiated a comprehensive review of national drone regulations following substantial feedback from industry operators and stakeholders. Director Nigel Carter confirmed the agency is actively revising existing frameworks through an ongoing consultation process that will include open public meetings.
This regulatory overhaul represents a significant development for Belize’s expanding drone community, balancing operational flexibility with national security requirements. The BDCA emphasizes that while recognizing drones as legitimate commercial tools, the primary objective remains ensuring safe integration with manned aviation within Belize’s airspace.
Carter outlined specific criteria for effective stakeholder participation, stating concerns must be accompanied by alternative proposals rather than general objections. The department employs a rigorous risk assessment methodology for each substantiated concern, implementing changes only when safety standards remain uncompromised.
The forthcoming regulations aim to establish structured operational parameters for commercial and recreational drone usage while addressing national security priorities. Industry participants anticipate these developments will provide clearer operational guidelines while maintaining safety protocols essential for Belize’s aviation ecosystem.