Demonstrable changes are evident throughout the P.G.I.A. in preparation for a re-opening on October 1st, 2020. Clearly, through much conscientious effort in doing our part to meet the challenges associated with the monstrous coronavirus pandemic as well as to restore passenger confidence and trust in air travel, Management is determined to make travel safer and even more efficient.
- Construction of a new 1,900 square feet Health Facility for testing on arrival is 100% completed with its own waiting room, testing stations, laboratory, restroom and isolation room.
- Mandatory health training by Belize’s Health authorities concluded on 31st July 2020 for nearly 600 airport workers.
- Policies with the clear aim of ensuring physical distancing, enhanced cleaning, disinfecting and fumigating, and amplified servicing of air-conditioning systems are being implemented.
- Airlines and tenants require both passengers and employees to wear facial masks, gloves, shields under strict guidelines.
- The Belize Tourism Board has launched its “Gold Standard” program for hotels along with new technology for tracking, quick response and improved service to visitors and Belizeans.
- Signage, floor decals, seating markers and hand sanitizing stations have been installed.
- Only ticketed passengers will be allowed inside the Terminals when air services resume.
- Construction of a new 2,200 square feet air-conditioned corridor has been built for arriving passengers to complement the new Health Facility.
- Members of our Crash Fire Rescue Unit will conduct random temperature screening with F.D.A.-approved handheld infrared forehead thermometers and enforce compliance of new health and safety protocols while O.R.I.S.A. continues its fumigation of arriving international carriers’ cargo bays.
- Our former V.I.P. building has been assigned to the Ministry of Health.
- Over 40,000 square feet of terrazzo tiles have been cleaned and polished.
- Carousels in the Arrival Hall and Terminal 2 have been re-located and extended, along with the completion of numerous works associated with the Airport Improvements Project 2019.
- Equipment has been purchased for the fumigation of arriving luggage.
- Sneeze guards have been erected on counters at check-in, departure gates, pre-boards, Customs and B.A.H.A.
- The Immigration Hall is being fully re-modeled and extended, and immigration booths re-located for better processing of visitors and improved physical distancing.
- An x-ray machine is being installed in the Arrival Hall for elevated passenger luggage processing by Customs officials; officials will attend an Introduction to X-Ray Detection Systems course commencing on Monday, 10th August 2020.
- Additional access to new restrooms with touchless fixtures in the Arrival Hall is now available.
- Construction of new Customs inspection and examination stations is well underway.
- We are excited and grateful for the new role assumed by the Ministry of Health at the P.G.I.A.
- A new Secondary Interview Office for Immigration will be built prior to the airport’s re-opening.
- Sanitation Mats have been placed at all entrances and exits of Terminals.
- Ministry of Health will install Thermal Scanning equipment at the entrance of the new corridor for arriving passengers.
Equally gratifying are our Company’s values in keeping all our Staff on the payroll, meeting all financial obligations and commitments, waiving most tenants’ rental charges in April, May, June, July, August and September, completing over 20,000 square feet of new expansion on the western and eastern wings of the airport, and together, fulfilling our responsibilities with a new sense of urgency.
A million thanks to colleagues in both the public and private sectors, and especially, to B.A.C.C.’s talented Staff as we endeavor to keep both visitors and citizens safe, Belize connected and the virus contained.
Achieving the dual goals of maintaining a welcoming ambience while abidingly directing particular attention to personal safety and health remains our absolute priority.
