Travel Planning & Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Belize’s Domestic Airports and Airstrips

Flying domestically in Belize isn’t just a way to save time—it’s a whole experience. Tiny twin-propeller planes, window seats with Caribbean views, and airstrips that feel like something out of a tropical movie scene? Yup, that’s part of the adventure.

Whether you’re heading from Belize City to San Pedro, or from Dangriga to Placencia, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Belize’s domestic airports and airstrips—including routes, prices, and pro tips.

Belize’s Domestic Airlines

There are two main carriers that operate domestic flights in Belize

1. Tropic Air

Based in San Pedro
More daily flights
Larger fleet

2. Maya Island Air

Based in Belize City
Known for serving southern Belize routes
Slightly smaller network

Both airlines are safe, efficient, and easy to book online, often offering similar pricing and schedules. Most flights take 15 to 45 minutes.

List of Major Domestic Airports & Airstrips in Belize

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most commonly used airports and airstrips around Belize:

Location	Airport Code	Region	Popular For
Belize City (Municipal)	TZA	Belize District	Cheaper alternative to BZE
San Pedro (Ambergris Caye)	SPR	Northern Islands	Beaches, diving, luxury stays
Caye Caulker	CUK	Northern Islands	Backpacker hotspot, snorkeling
Placencia	PLJ	Southern Coast	Beaches, boutique resorts
Dangriga	DGA	South-Central	Hopkins access, jungle tours
Punta Gorda	PND	Deep South	Toledo District, eco-lodges
San Ignacio	CYD	Cayo District	Jungle, Maya ruins, ATM Cave
Corozal	CZH	North Belize	Border town, Bacalar connections
Orange Walk	ORZ	Northern Belize	Lamanai, local culture

Why Use Belize City Municipal Airport (TZA)?

Many travelers assume they must connect via Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) for all domestic flights. But the Municipal Airport (TZA) in Belize City is cheaper and closer to town.

Advantages of TZA:

Lower fares ($20–$30 cheaper than BZE)
Shorter check-in lines
Closer to the ferry terminals and bus stations

💡 Tip: Take a taxi from BZE to TZA (~$25) if you’re connecting to a domestic flight. The drive takes 15–20 minutes.

Most Popular Domestic Routes

Here are the most frequently flown routes and what to expect:

Route	Duration	Price (USD)	Airlines
Belize City (TZA) → San Pedro	15 min	$75–$90 (one-way)	Tropic, Maya
Belize City (TZA) → Caye Caulker	10 min	$65–$80	Tropic, Maya
San Pedro → Placencia	45 min	$135–$150	Tropic, Maya
Placencia → Dangriga	15 min	$60–$75	Maya
Dangriga → Punta Gorda	30 min	$90–$110	Maya
San Pedro → Belize Intl (BZE)	20 min	$80–$100	Tropic, Maya

Note: Prices vary by season. High season (Dec–April) costs more than shoulder or low seasons.

Booking & Baggage Tips

Booking Tips:

Book online to secure seats—especially during holidays
Bundle flights (e.g., international + domestic) when flying with Maya or Tropic
Call directly for same-day or last-minute changes

Baggage Rules:

Carry-on: ~15–20 lbs
Checked baggage: Often included up to 40 lbs
Overweight fees: ~$1–$2 per extra pound
Oversized items (like surfboards or scuba gear) may require advance notice

💡 Tip: Pack light! The planes are small, and space is limited.

What to Expect Onboard

Flying in Belize isn’t like hopping on a jumbo jet. These flights are low-altitude, small aircraft experiences—typically with 8–14 seats.

Onboard Experience:

Open seating (first come, first served)
No security checks at municipal airports
Breathtaking views of reef, jungle, and cayes
Friendly, laid-back pilots (yes, sometimes in sunglasses and flip-flops 😎)

💡 Pro Tip: Sit on the left side when flying to the islands for the best aerial views!

Is It Worth Flying Domestically?

If you’re tight on time or want to avoid the hassle of buses, absolutely. Flights save hours of travel, especially when going: