Determined to meet the increasing demand for air travel while developing capacity in a challenging international aviation landscape, the Belize Airport Concession Company is presently undertaking a $22 million investment program of infrastructure improvements at the PGIA. Commenced last year, our new investments are scheduled to be completed in three phases over the next two to three years.
As part of the first phase, a 9,600 sq. ft. expansion at the western end of the Airport Terminal Building is now nearing completion. Improvements include an expanded baggage claim area; installation, reconfiguration and expansion to the baggage carousels; new restrooms with touchless fixtures and wall to ceiling tiles; expansion of landside and airside canopies; new upper-level VIP Lounge; additional duty-free shopping areas; automation of entrances and exits; and repainting of interior and exterior of the ATB along with the Air Traffic Control Tower.
On the eastern end of the Airport Terminal Building, work is now commencing with the second phase featuring 14,800 square feet expansion. Improvements are to include an expanded Departure Hall with three additional departure gates; an expanded Terminal #2 for additional passenger check-in facilities; expanded Security and Immigration facilities at Pre-board #2; new restrooms; and expanded airside and landside canopies.
A 104,000 square feet of Apron Expansion commenced last year with completion date set for July, 2017. This project seeks to expand the aircraft parking apron by 20%, with 12 aircraft parking slots. Later, a re-alignment of the airport access road and additional expansion of the Airport Terminal Building are planned.
Finally, the Airport Terminal Building will be expanded in a third phase by some 5,600 square feet, bringing the total terminal facility to over 103,000 square feet.
SouthWest Airlines commenced services to Belize from Hobby, Texas in October, 2015 and COPA Airlines launched new services from Panama City to Belize in December, 2015. SouthWest recently began its Denver services on 11 March, 2017 and begins its daily Fort Lauderdale services in June, 2017.
