AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize by District Stann Creek Placencia Airport Runway Closure

Thanks to a Tropic Air update, I just learned that the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) has informed Tropic that the runway at the Placencia airport will be getting a facelift in 2020 including repaving, lengthening, widening and the installing of runway lighting. This important airstrip maintenance and closure is scheduled from May 1st to September 30th.

The BAA is working on procedures of getting a close alternate airstrip operational, and details will be forthcoming. Meanwhile, please note that all Tropic Air Placencia flight reservations during that time frame will be corrected to include the temporary service runway when it is official - Stay tuned. Due to all the changes, it is suggested to factor in an extra hour for travel times during this 5 month period. Also, note unless your chosen accommodations offer gust pick up service, there will still be a cost to get from the temporary airstrip to the Placencia Peninsula and your final destination. If you need a cab option Cornell is a great choice +501 628-2066.

Click here to read the rest of the article in Tacogirl's Blog

Tropic Air Placencia Airport Closure Plan

Tropic Air released the following statement relating to their closure plan.

We are reaching out to share our service plan for Placencia during the coming airstrip (PLJ) construction closure.

Here is what we know and how we intend to make it work for our customers:

1. The airstrip is scheduled to be closed for runway expansion and light installation from May 1 to September 30, 2020.

2. Tropic Air will be using Riversdale Airstrip at the north end of the Peninsula for the closure period only. We intend to resume normal PLJ operations no later than October 1, 2020.

3. Our terminal at the PLJ airstrip will remain open for business.

4. Due to limited infrastructure, including no cell coverage, at Riversdale, all passengers must check in at the PLJ airstrip (not at the Riversdale location). They need to do so no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled departure time of the flight.

5. Free transfers will be provided to the Riversdale airstrip from PLJ. If you choose your own means of transport after checking in, you will be responsible for getting to the airstrip in time for the flight.

6. Arriving passengers can either be picked up at Riversdale airstrip or at our PLJ terminal. Free transportation to our terminal will be provided and greeters should allow at least 30 minutes after the scheduled arrival for passengers to be transported to PLJ.

7. Cargo will only be accepted, and can only be picked up, at the PLJ terminal.

If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us with them. We thank you for your business and for helping to make Tropic the airline of Belize.

Tropical Regards,
The Tropic Air Team

Temporary Closure of Placencia (PLJ) Airstrip starting June 2020

Hoping to travel to Placencia later this year? Keep in mind that the airstrip in Placencia (PLJ) will be temporarily closed starting June 22, 2020 - for a period of five months.

According to the Belize Airports Authority (BAA), this closure will be done to facilitate a revamp of the runway. Revamping, lengthening, widening and the installing of runway lighting will all be done. Additionally, the Belize Airports Authority (BAA) is currently finalizing plans to use an alternate airstrip nearby. The information will be passed along as soon as it is made available.

Tropic Air has been informed that intended work on the Placencia Airstrip has been postponed.

Please note that we have been informed that construction will resume at Placencia Airstrip on Tuesday (7th). As such, service will once again be suspended to the Peninsula after our last flight on Monday (6th).

Traveling to Placencia later this year? Keep in mind that the airstrip in Placencia (PLJ) will be temporarily closed between July 17th to November 17th, 2020. The latest delay in the recent closure, according to the Belize Airports Authority (BAA), is to facilitate a revamp of the runway. Revamping, lengthening, widening and the installing of runway lighting will all be done. Alternatively, the Riversdale airstrip will be used as the temporary airstrip used during the closure.

Work to lengthen, widen and repave the Placencia Airstrip (PLJ) continues. We look forward to flying from there again by year's end. In the meantime, we have a temporary service to Riversdale Airstrip, at the north end of the peninsula.
Tropic Air

West half to grade and nearly ready to pave, east half excavated and filled/compacted. According to BAA Light fixtures arrived in country this week!

Even though there is construction going on, please note that we still service Placencia by flying in and out of Riversdale for passengers and cargo. Can't wait to start flying into this upgraded airstrip though.

Tropic Air

Placencia Rehabilitation Project Update
Shiny new update video on Placencia (PLJ) airstrip.

The Belize Airports Authority is pleased to announce that the Placencia Airport Rehabilitation Project is nearing its completion. Due to increased torrential rains associated with the weather system, Hurricane Eta, we have had minor setbacks. Nevertheless, the technical team has now completed 75% of the hot mix process.
We are looking forward to inaugurating a newly renovated aerodrome soon. Stay tuned!