BAA: ‘Tropic Air is not Leaving PG Because of the $10 Passenger Fee’

The ten-dollar passenger fee blamed for helping drive Tropic Air out of Punta Gorda has not been charged, according to the Belize Airports Authority (BAA). 

“The BAA wishes to emphasize that no final decision has been taken regarding the implementation of the proposed security fee,” said BAA in an official statement. 

PNP Leader Wil Maheia had initially blamed the $10 fee for driving down interest in flying. 

The BAA said aviation stakeholders discussed the fee and planned upgrades to the Punta Gorda Aerodrome at a meeting last week. Meanwhile, Toledo East Area Representative Dr. Osmond Martinez said during today’s community meeting in Punta Gorda that he had confirmed that there were no taxes being charged. 

The authority said stakeholders agreed to phase the fee in rather than charging the full $10. “Under this arrangement, the fee will commence at BZ$4 per ticket in June 2027 and increase by $1 thereafter until it reaches the full $10 level,” it said. 

Tropic Air ends its scheduled Punta Gorda service on November 1. The airline cites sustained losses, operational challenges, uncertainty in domestic aviation, and proposed infrastructure changes.

The BAA also says discussions with Tropic Air and other aviation stakeholders remain active, with the goal of finding a practical way forward.