Potential Domestic Flight Cost Increasing Looming

Director Carter mentioned that a contract is being finalized with a private security company to enhance the security of Belize’s airspace. While the name of the company wasn’t disclosed, it’s been confirmed that personnel are currently undergoing training. Starting next week, the police officers currently stationed at domestic aerodromes will be replaced by the security company. So, who will cover the costs for this new measure? The Belize Airport Authority will fund the first year. After that, airplane passengers can expect a slight increase in the cost of domestic travel.

 

Narda Garcia, C.E.O., Ministry of Civil Aviation

“This morning in discussions with the airlines we were talking about that. What I do know from the meetings I went to the BAA, talking conceptually about the whole issue of security services, BAA indicated that they can absorb the cost for one year, but after that they would have to levy a fee for security services. If you look at the changes at the PGIA there is a fee for security services that is paid by the traveler or the people. We will have to look at where to pay that. We will either have to do that. I don’t know where we will do that, either pay it separately or on the ticket of the passengers.”

 

Paul Lopez

“So, it signals a potential increase in air travel cost domestically?”

 

Narda Garcia

“Yes, definitely.”

 

Paul Lopez

“Is there any considerations being given have terminal that are completely ran and managed by government while entering into contracts with airlines to use these facility. Is that a countermeasure being considered for the medium or long term?”

 

Nigel Carter, Director, Department of Civil Aviation

“I did mention that this is part of the mid-to-long solution. We have to have single terminals where airlines are tenants as opposed to owning the terminal building.

With a singular terminal building, you have single apparatus for improved passenger flows and security as well.”

 

Narda Garcia

“Last year we entered into an agreement with IDB to do a full fledged masterplan for airport aerodromes. So the issue of security and infrastructure will be addressed through that masterplan for the local aerodromes.”