BELIZE – Amid ongoing coastal management challenges, Belizean officials are propelling forward with ambitious infrastructure development plans for Ambergris Caye. Andre Perez, Area Representative for Belize Rural South, confirms significant progress on a multimillion-dollar international airport project designed to transform the island’s economic landscape.
The northern air facility, currently in advanced planning stages, aims specifically to capture the high-end private jet market. Perez emphasizes the project’s economic rationale, drawing parallels to successful fixed-base operations in the Bahamas. The strategy centers on attracting affluent travelers seeking convenience and efficiency, with projected customs and immigration clearance times under twenty minutes.
Infrastructure development has reached critical milestones with funding secured through international partnerships, including IDB approval. Land acquisition adjacent to Social Security properties is complete, and technical designs meet international aviation standards. The blueprint calls for a 7,000-8,000 foot runway capable of accommodating larger aircraft like ATRs with 40-passenger capacity—addressing current limitations of San Pedro’s existing infrastructure.
Perez projects construction commencement within three years, positioning the airport as both a luxury travel gateway and solution to regional transportation bottlenecks. The development forms part of broader infrastructure improvements including road networks, sewer systems, and water management facilities.
This initiative proceeds alongside ongoing coastal management efforts by the Ministry of Blue Economy, which continues to address sargassum seaweed influx and dredging concerns affecting Belize’s shoreline communities.