Tropic Air and Maya Growl, GOB Responds

Today, Tropic Air and Maya Airlines put out a very rare joint press release saying they were suspending all scheduled flights to Caye Caulker effective October 1, 2017.

They say that this is following up on request for urgent renovation of the runway to meet the island's approaching tourism high season.

Service will resume after repairs are made.

Well, by news time the Belize Airports Authority fired off a press release saying help is on the way. The Release says that it is in the final stages of securing funding form the Social Security Board to begin reconstruction of the runway.

The project will cost over 7 million dollars and has been in the design state since 2016. Bid are being evaluated and that should be finished by the end of this week.

Channel 7


Belize Airports Authority to Secure Funding for the Reconstruction of the Caye Caulker Municipal Airport

The Belize Airports Authority (BAA) is pleased to announce that it is in the final stages of securing the necessary funding from the Social Security Board (SSB) to begin the reconstruction of the runway at the Caye Caulker Municipal Airport.

In 2016, the Belize Airports Authority engaged consultants to conduct feasibility studies for the repairs of the municipal airport in Caye Caulker. Based on the results of the study, the BAA subsequently took the decision to reconstruct the facility in line with the long-term vision of the Authority. Hence, a comprehensive design was commissioned.

The design is now complete and contractors have submitted bids for the construction works. The rigorous bid evaluation process is ongoing and expected to be completed on or before September 15, 2017.

The scope of works for the renovation of the Caye Caulker Municipal Airport will entail the reconstruction of the runway which will be elevated by approximately 0.7m over the existing one and widened from 12w to 18m. The surface will be paved with hot-mix asphalt. Other works will include the reconstruction and expansion of the apron with provisions for several hangers; marking of the runway and apron; construction of proper drainage of the facility; construction of a shore protection system; the installation of runway lights among other security and safety features and other amenities.

The BAA has been working with air operators and other stakeholders, inclusive of the Belize Department of Civil Aviation and the DOE, which recently granted environmental clearance for the project, to sensitize all the concerned about the scope of the project.

In addition, meetings with the Caye Caulker Village Council and the local BTIA are being coordinated.

Funding with SSB is being negotiated and update on approval is envisioned to happen by the end of this month. September, 2017.

The project is estimated to cost just over BZ$7 million and is expected to begin in October. It will take approximately 8 months to complete.

Under the BM Act Chapter 238 of the Laws of the BAA is empowered to prescribe and regulate traffic and conditions as well as all essential services and facilities necessary for the efficient operation of all airports in Belize, including international and municipal airports.