Air Travellers departing the Phillip S.W. International Airport en route to destinations in the United States of America are advised that effective Wednesday, July 19, 2017, in compliance with US security requirements, additional security measures will be implemented on outbound passengers flying from Belize to the U.S.
Travellers are advised to check with their air carrier and be at the Airport at least 2 hours prior to departure to avoid delays or possible missed flights.
Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation
Travellers, Expect Security Delays
Travelers beware! The Department of Civil Aviation says that starting wednesday there will be increased security checks at the Phillip Golden International. A statement from that agency warns passengers, quote, "effective Wednesday, July 19, 2017, in compliance with US security requirements, additional security measures will be implemented on outbound passengers flying from Belize to the U.S. Travellers are advised to check with their air carrier and be at the Airport at least 2 hours prior to departure to avoid delays or possible missed flights." End quote.
As far as we understand it, the additional screening will be mostly on electronic items like laptops or other portable electronics stored in carry on bags. The airport isn't expecting major delays, but processing through the boarding gates may take a little longer than usual.
And they warn that two hours is the standard arrival time for international departures - those who want to be on the super - safe side should be there three hours early.
Channel 7
Increased security measures for US-bound travellers
Travellers flying from Belize to the United States via the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA) will have to undergo increased security checks, following a new policy being implemented by the United States.
The increased security measures, put in place in the US government's continued push to fight terrorism, took effect on Wednesday, July 19. The increased security measures include: enhanced overall passenger screening; heightened screening of personal electronic devices; and increased security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas.
The measures will also include the use of advanced technology, expanded canine screening and the establishment of additional pre-clearance locations, and "heightened security standards" for airports and aircraft.
As a part of the measures for screening of electronic devices, all electronic devices larger than a smartphone will have to be removed from protective casing and be fully charged for potential inspection. The US Department of Homeland Security announced the upgrades in security protocols late last month, saying that the measures will be required at around 280 airports worldwide.
"Terrorist groups continue to target passenger aircraft, and we have seen a 'spider web' of threats to commercial aviation as terrorists pursue new attack methods," the Department said.
US Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly said that the new standards were designed to "raise the global baseline of aviation security."
The Reporter