Flying between Belize’s municipal airports will soon cost a little more. – The Government of Belize has approved a BZ$10 aviation security fee that will be charged to every departing passenger using the country’s municipal airports. According to this week’s Cabinet Brief, the new fee is intended to strengthen airport security and help Belize meet evolving international aviation standards.
The Belize Airports Authority, which oversees the safety, security, and operation of the country’s civil aviation system, says airport security requirements have changed significantly in recent years. As global security threats continue to evolve, airports are being required to adopt more advanced screening technology and comply with stricter international regulations.
Revenue generated from the new aviation security fee will help fund upgraded passenger screening procedures, modern security equipment, and other improvements to security infrastructure at municipal airports across Belize. For now, the charge applies only to passengers departing from municipal airports and is separate from the departure taxes already collected at the Philip Goldson International Airport.
Why an Aviation Security Fee?
The timing of the new aviation security fee is significant, coming just over a year after Belize experienced one of the most alarming incidents in its aviation history. On Holy Thursday 2025, a Tropic Air flight traveling from Corozal to San Pedro was hijacked by an armed passenger who attempted to force the aircraft to fly to the United States. Despite being stabbed during the ordeal, pilot Howell Grange managed to maintain control of the aircraft and land it safely, an act of courage that earned widespread recognition both nationally and internationally.
That incident exposed vulnerabilities within Belize’s domestic aviation system and sparked discussions about strengthening airport security, passenger screening, and emergency response procedures. While the new security fee may add a small cost to air travel, it represents part of a broader effort to ensure Belize’s municipal airports are better equipped to meet today’s aviation security challenges and provide safer travel for both residents and visitors.
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