The debate surrounding the proposed construction of a new airport in northern Ambergris Caye continues to intensify, with tourism stakeholders and the San Pedro Town Council voicing strong opposition to the closure of the existing John Greif II Municipal Airport. Meanwhile, the Government of Belize is defending the proposal as part of its long-term vision for the island’s growth and development.
On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA), the San Pedro Town Council, and the Government of Belize each issued statements outlining their positions on the controversial proposal, which has generated widespread discussion among residents, business owners, and tourism operators.
Tourism Stakeholders Say Island Has More Pressing Priorities
During a meeting held at the Sunbreeze Hotel on Monday, November 2, tourism stakeholders expressed a clear consensus against the proposed new international airport near Secret Beach, as well as any proposal to construct a bridge connecting Mexico to Ambergris Caye.
The meeting was organized by the BTIA San Pedro Chapter, with the participation of BTIA National President Efren Perez, to gather industry feedback on the proposed development and its potential impacts on the island. Rather than investing in a major new airport, participants urged the Government of Belize to prioritize the growing challenges already affecting San Pedro and Ambergris Caye.
Among their concerns were deteriorating infrastructure, traffic congestion, garbage management, environmental conservation, affordable and adequate housing, healthcare services, and public safety.
Stakeholders emphasized that these are not simply inconveniences but serious issues affecting residents’ quality of life and the visitor experience, both of which are essential to the island’s tourism economy.
BTIA also referenced findings from the World Bank highlighting the risks associated with unplanned development, inadequate municipal services, pollution, and coastal erosion. The association warned that allowing these challenges to worsen could threaten Ambergris Caye’s attractiveness as a tourism destination and the livelihoods that depend on the industry.
Area Representative for Belize Rural South and Minister of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Hon. Andre Perez, attended the meeting and addressed concerns surrounding the proposal. According to BTIA, Minister Perez expressed support for a phased approach to both the potential closure of the existing downtown airstrip and the development of a new airport. He also emphasized the importance of public consultation, stating that community concerns would help guide his position on the matter.
BTIA says it will continue gathering feedback from tourism stakeholders and seek meaningful dialogue with the Government of Belize to ensure that future development decisions reflect the island’s needs and long-term sustainability.
For & Against New Airport
San Pedro Town Council Formally Opposes Airport Closure
Adding to the growing opposition, the San Pedro Town Council announced that it has formally voted against the closure of the John Greif II Municipal Airport. In its official statement, the Council recognized the airport’s importance to residents, local businesses, and the tourism industry, making it clear that it supports the facility’s continued operation.
The Council stated that it would firmly advocate this position with the Government of Belize and all relevant authorities. However, the Council also sought to clarify that the proposed airport is only one component of a much larger development concept being considered for Ambergris Caye.
It emphasized that numerous planning, technical, regulatory, and other requirements would have to be addressed before the airport proposal could advance to formal consideration.
Importantly, the Council confirmed that no decision has been made to close or relocate the existing airport. The Council concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to keeping residents informed and advocating for the community’s interests as discussions continue.
Government of Belize (GOB) Says New Airport Is About Preparing for Future Growth
While tourism stakeholders and the Town Council have raised objections, the Government of Belize maintains that planning for a modern airport is necessary to accommodate the island’s continued expansion.
In a November 3 press release titled “Investing in the Future of San Pedro: A New Airport for a Growing Island”, the Government acknowledged the concerns surrounding the proposal and welcomed input from residents, businesses, tourism stakeholders, and airline operators.
According to the GPB, the existing airport was constructed at a time when San Pedro had significantly fewer residents, visitors, and aircraft movements. With the island’s continued development, officials say the facility is approaching its operational capacity, creating challenges involving aircraft movements, passenger processing, opportunities for expansion, and long-term aviation safety.
The GOB stressed that the proposal is not being driven by the failure of the existing airport, but rather by the need to prepare for future demand. Working alongside the Belize Airport Authority, the Government envisions a modern airport capable of accommodating increased passenger traffic, improving aircraft operations, enhancing safety standards, and strengthening the island’s connectivity. Officials also believe a new facility could improve emergency and disaster response capabilities while creating additional opportunities for tourism, investment, employment, and business development.
The GOB described the proposed airport as part of its broader national strategy to modernize transportation infrastructure and support sustainable economic growth. However, it acknowledged that concerns surrounding the eventual closure of the existing airport deserve careful consideration.
According to the release, any transition would involve planning, consultation, and coordination with airlines, regulatory authorities, businesses, and San Pedro residents. GOB emphasized that the discussion should not become a confrontation between development and preservation, but rather an effort to ensure that aviation infrastructure can meet the island’s needs for generations to come.
A Growing Divide Over the Island’s Development Priorities
The three statements highlight a significant difference in how stakeholders view the island’s immediate and long-term development needs. The Government is focused on preparing for future aviation demand and the economic opportunities a larger airport could bring.
Tourism stakeholders, meanwhile, are questioning whether Ambergris Caye is prepared to accommodate such a major project when existing infrastructure and public services are already under considerable pressure. The San Pedro Town Council has taken a more specific position, formally opposing the closure of the downtown airport while acknowledging that the wider development proposal remains in its early planning stages.
At the center of the debate is the future of the John Greif II Municipal Airport, which has long provided convenient access to downtown San Pedro for residents and visitors. Relocating airport operations to northern Ambergris Caye could significantly change transportation patterns, increase travel distances for residents living in central and southern communities, and affect businesses that depend on the current airport’s location. (Read our in-depth analysis examining the pros and cons of this issue)
While the Government has outlined the potential benefits of a modern airport, the public statements have not established a final project cost, confirmed financing arrangements, or detailed how the necessary supporting infrastructure would be delivered.
What Happens Next?
For now, the proposed airport remains under discussion, and there has been no final decision to close the existing facility. BTIA has committed to continuing consultations and consolidating the recommendations of tourism stakeholders. The San Pedro Town Council has pledged to advocate for keeping the existing airport operational, while the Government says it intends to continue engaging with stakeholders as planning progresses.
What is becoming increasingly clear is that the proposed airport has opened a much larger conversation about the future of Ambergris Caye. San Pedro has experienced tremendous growth over the past several decades, transforming from a small fishing community into Belize’s leading tourism destination. But that growth has also brought increasing pressure on infrastructure, public services, housing, and the environment.
The challenge now is determining how to accommodate future development while addressing the needs of the people who already live and work on the island. A new airport may offer opportunities for the next generation of tourism, but the concerns being raised by residents and industry stakeholders highlight the importance of ensuring that development is supported by adequate infrastructure, environmental safeguards, and meaningful community participation.
For San Pedro, the discussion is no longer simply about building a bigger airport. It is about deciding how the island should grow, what investments should come first, and how that growth can benefit the entire community. And with the Town Council and tourism stakeholders now publicly voicing their opposition, the Government faces increasing calls to demonstrate how its long-term development vision will address the island’s immediate needs.
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