Belize Airport Code: BZE, TZA & What They Mean for Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip to Belize, chances are you’ll run into a few airport codes along the way—BZE, TZA, maybe even PLJ or DGA. But what do they mean? And which one should you pay attention to when booking your flight?
Let me walk you through it—not as a travel agent, but as someone who grew up in Placencia, worked in a Belize City internet café, and now helps travelers connect with the real Belize.
✈️ What is Belize's International Airport Code?
The international airport in Belize is officially called Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport, and its IATA code is BZE.
- Code: BZE
- Location: Ladyville, about 10 miles from Belize City
- Used for: International arrivals and departures
You’ll see BZE listed on your flight ticket if you’re flying in from the U.S., Canada, or anywhere outside Belize. It’s the main gateway to the country.
🛬 A Personal Note: Learning the Codes
I remember learning the airport codes when I worked at an internet café—now Placencia Office Supply. My boss used to book flights for fishermen flying in to fish with my grandma’s sister’s son. I’d look at the tickets and see places like TZA and PLJ.
Back then, locals often referred to the international airport as PGIA (Philip Goldson International Airport). Over time, BZE became more commonly used—especially once online bookings and airline tickets became more mainstream. It matched what international carriers listed.
To this day, TZA is still my favorite. It’s pronounced like “Tah-zah” by locals, and every time I hear it, I smile.
🛩️ Belize’s Domestic Airport Codes
If you plan to explore more of the country, knowing the domestic airport codes will help you navigate local flights. These are especially useful for quick hops to the islands or southern towns.
If you’re connecting to another destination inside Belize, you might also come across:
| Code | Airport | Location |
|---|---|---|
| TZA | Belize City Municipal Airport | Belize City |
| SPR | John Grief II Airport | San Pedro, Ambergris Caye |
| PLJ | Placencia Airport | Placencia |
| DGA | Dangriga Airport | Dangriga |
| CUK | Caye Caulker Airport | Caye Caulker |
| ORZ | Orange Walk Airport | Orange Walk |
| SVK | Silver Creek Airport | Toledo District |
🌄 My First Domestic Flight: TZA to PLJ
One of my favorite memories was flying from TZA (Belize City Municipal) to PLJ (Placencia). I remember thinking we’d fly over nothing but water—but we actually flew over land for the first few miles.
From the air, I watched the landscape change—from mountains to rolling hills to coastline. It was the first time I saw my country from above. I felt a little bump—my first experience with turbulence—but no one else seemed bothered, so I just kept looking out the window, amazed at how beautiful Belize is.
These days, I rarely fly. I prefer road trips with my family. But that short 15-minute flight stays with me. It helped plant the idea that one day, I’d travel all of Belize.
🗺️ Map: Where Are These Airports?
How far is BZE from Belize City?
BZE is located in Ladyville, about 10 miles (16 km) or a 20–25 minute drive from downtown Belize City.
Are there two airports in Belize City? Yes. Belize City has:
- BZE: Philip Goldson International Airport – international flights
- TZA: Municipal Airport – domestic flights within Belize
To help you visualize your route, here’s a simple breakdown:
- BZE – Main international airport, near Belize City
- TZA – Closer to downtown Belize City, for domestic flights
- SPR – Ambergris Caye
- PLJ – Placencia
- DGA – Dangriga
- CUK – Caye Caulker
- ORZ – Orange Walk
View map of Belize airports → (Map embed or graphic placeholder)
✈️ What Happens After You Land at BZE?
Once you arrive at BZE, here’s what typically happens:
- Walk across the tarmac (no jet bridge)
- Go through immigration with passport + completed arrival form
- Claim your luggage
- Pass through customs
- Optionally shop at duty-free or grab a Belize SIM card (Digi and Smart are the main providers, available in the arrival area)
- Choose your next step: local flight, taxi, or private transfer (I offer customized airport transfers where we can talk about Belize or stop for a local meal)
For a full breakdown, check out the Belize Airport Guide.
✈️ Domestic Airlines in Belize
If you’re flying between towns or islands, you’ll use one of Belize’s two main domestic airlines:
- Tropic Air
- Maya Island Air
They offer multiple daily flights between BZE, TZA, SPR, PLJ, DGA, and more.
🧳 Which Airport Should I Use?
| Destination | Best Airport(s) |
| San Pedro | BZE → SPR |
| Placencia | BZE → PLJ or shuttle |
| Hopkins | BZE → DGA or shuttle |
| Caye Caulker | BZE → CUK or water taxi |
| Orange Walk | BZE → ORZ or road |
🌴 Scenic Airport Locations
🛩️ Airstrips for Popular Destinations
Many airstrips are in tourism hubs like:
- San Pedro (SPR)
- Placencia (PLJ)
- Dangriga (DGA)
- Caye Caulker (CUK)
But some towns, like San Ignacio, don’t have full airports.
✈️ Lesser-Known Belize Airstrips
Some of these smaller airstrips don’t have published IATA codes, but their location can help you understand where you’d be landing or taking off from. These are usually arranged by private lodges or guides.
Through guiding and guest drop-offs, I’ve seen some lesser-known airstrips firsthand:
| Location | Airstrip Used | Notes |
| San Ignacio | Maya Flats Airstrip | Used to be served by Tropic Air |
| Spanish Lookout | Private airstrip | Received guests here once—locally coordinated |
| Gallon Jug | Gallon Jug Airstrip | Access point for Chan Chich Lodge in Orange Walk |
| Mountain Pine Ridge | Blancaneaux Private Strip | Charter flights to Blancaneaux Lodge |
These are mostly for chartered flights or eco-lodges, not scheduled airline service—but they show just how connected even remote areas of Belize can be.
🧭 Airport Towns vs Non-Airport Towns
Some popular places like Hopkins don’t have an airport. Here’s a quick reference:
✔️ Has airports: Placencia (PLJ), Dangriga (DGA), San Pedro (SPR), Caye Caulker (CUK)
❌ No airport: Hopkins, San Ignacio (but shuttles available)
💡 Quick FAQ
- Domestic: Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure
- International (BZE): Arrive 2–2.5 hours early
Yes—around $55 USD. It’s usually included in your airfare, but double-check.
Yes. Keep it on you, especially if flying or checking into hotels.
Greet people with a smile or “good morning.” Be respectful, dress modestly in villages, and tip when service is good.
Yes, if you’re flying domestically within Belize—often from San Pedro or Placencia.
BZE for international arrival, then transfer or local flight to SPR (San Pedro) or PLJ (Placencia).
🚖 Local Taxi Tip
If you’re arriving at any of Belize’s domestic airports like TZA, PLJ, or SPR, don’t worry if you haven’t arranged transport in advance. Taxis are usually waiting outside, even at smaller airports. If none are around, just ask at the desk—staff will often call someone they trust (usually a taxi they use to get to work themselves).
🗣️ A Local Phrase That Says It All
Sometimes when we’re traveling from Belize City to Placencia and arrive earlier than expected, someone might say, “Yuh coh pah plane?”—which translates to “Did you come by plane?” It’s a funny way locals point out how fast you got there, even if you actually drove. It’s moments like that that remind me just how connected—and compact—Belize really is.
🧭 Final Tip
When you see “BZE,” you’re looking at more than a code—it’s your first step into Belize. And if you ever need help with transfers, planning, or where to go next, Walk with me. I’ll show you my Belize.
